High School Equivalency (HSE)

AEL Program Graduates - Literacy KC
Photo courtesy of Literacy KC AEL Program

High School Equivalency

A High School Equivalency (HSE) certificate is comparable to a traditional high school diploma and can be used to obtain employment or pursue education and training in Missouri. The Missouri State Board of Education approves two HSE tests in Missouri:

  • the GED® (General Educational Development) Test, provided by GED Testing Service (GEDTS®); and
  • the HiSET® (High School Equivalency Test), provided by PSI Services.

GED® / HiSET® Comparisons

TopicGED® ExamHiSET® Exam
Description 

Test in four subjects

  • Reasoning through Language Arts
  • Mathematical Reasoning
  • Science
  • Social Studies

For more detailed information on the content and structure of the GED® test, go to GED®: GED About the Test.

Test in five subjects

  • Language Arts Reading
  • Language Arts Writing
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies

For more detailed information on the content and structure of the HiSET® test, go to HiSET®: HiSET-Test at a Glance (TAAG) Information Brief.

Fee Structure

Total cost for all four tests proctored at a test center = $142

  • Fee per Subtest (four subtests x $26) = $104
  • Test Center Fee (four subtests x $7) = $28
  • Annual State Administration Fee = $10

Total cost for all four tests proctored online (at home) = $181.96

  • GED® Ready Practice Test (four subtests x $6.99*) = $27.96*
  • Fee per Subtest (four subtests x $36) = $144
  • Annual State Administration Fee = $10

*Undiscounted, public price. Discounted GED® Ready Practice Tests are available to GED Manager users through GED Direct.

Total cost for all five tests proctored at a test center = $120

  • Fee per Subtest (five subtests x $15) = $75
  • Test Center Fee (five subtests x $7) = $35
  • Annual State Administration Fee = $10

Total cost for all five tests proctored online (at home) = $172.50

  • Fee per Subtest (five subtests x $15) = $75
  • Online Proctoring Fee (five subtests x $17.50) = $87.50

Annual State Administration Fee = $10

Minimum Passing Score145 (out of 200) in each content area8 (out of 20) in each content area, 2 (out of 6) on the essay, and a total combined score of at least 45 (out of 100) on all five subtests
Retake PolicyGED retake policies
Select the Test Retake Policies button.		HiSET retake policies can be found at https://hiset.org/missouri/.
Notes Test takers are required to take the GED® Ready practice test and score a “Green” (score of 145 or above) before taking the online proctored official GED® test. The GED® Ready practice test is not required for test takers taking the official GED® test at a test center. 
Certificates/TranscriptsDiplomaSender.comDiplomaSender.com
Additional InformationGED.comHiSET.org

Legislation Overview

  • 5 CSR 20-200.310 – Administration of High School Equivalence Program Rule
  • RSMo 161.093 – High School Equivalency Certificate may be issued by State Board
  • RSMo 161.094 and H.B. 1606 - Examinations for High School Equivalency Certificate