HISET (formerly GED)

There are a total of four alternative pathways to the High School Equivalency (HSE) credential:

• HSE by examination – successful completion of the 5-part HiSET examination
• HSE by credit recovery – specific coursework to complete the gaps in a student’s HS transcript – designed for individuals who are within seven or fewer semester credits of graduating
• HSE by domestic degree – retroactive award for students who complete an associate’s degree or higher with a US-based, accredited institution of higher learning
• HSE by foreign degree – retroactive award for students who complete an associate’s degree or higher with an accredited foreign institution of higher learning

You need to be: 

• At least 16 years + 9 months of age
• Not currently enrolled in a public or private high school
• Have a state-issued photo ID
• If you are under the age of 19, please provide a drop slip from your last school district
• If you are under the age of 18, please submit a ‘permission to attend’ form

1. Complete the online registration form
   
2. Create an EICC account with Continuing Education

Complete intake assessments in reading and math, which we use to determine what, if any, areas you may need academic help. If you score high enough, you can move right into the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET).

If you could use a refresher in some subject areas, attend a three-hour class twice a week. We offer daytime and evening classes online and in-person. You will also have access to tutoring. 

Call to schedule a Pre-Assessment Appointment

• Clinton Community College Learning Center – 563-244-7050
• Columbus Junction Center – 563-288-6161
• Muscatine Community College – 563-288-6161
• Scott Community College West Davenport Center – 563-328-7690
• West Liberty Center – 563-288-6161

A student who is completing the HiSET may also be eligible for Title IV Federal Financial Aid in an Eligible Career Pathway Program (ECPP) at EICC. For further information, contact your PACE Navigator.
 
The CELSA (Combined English Language Skills Assessment) can be taken in a Testing Center at EICC. This is a Federally accepted test to show ability to benefit. 

Learn more about CELSA

Contact a Testing Center

Attend an orientation session. It will give you an in-depth understanding of the High School Equivalency program, processes and procedures, and how we can help you. This is required if you are new to the program or are returning after an extended absence. You also get to sign up for the classes.

The final HiSET exam costs $53.75, to be paid at the end of the program when you register for the tests. If this fee is a hardship, ask us for a scholarship application.

Assessment and testing is available by appointment in-person at the Muscatine, Clinton, and West Davenport testing centers. HiSET does offer a HiSET@Home option for those interested in testing remotely, but does charge and extra fee for remote proctoring services. Call now to schedule your testing:

• Clinton Community College Learning Center
  944 Lincoln Blvd., Clinton, Iowa  52732
  563-244-7050 or toll-free 800-637-0559
• Muscatine Community College Student Services
  152 Colorado St., Muscatine, Iowa  52761
  563-288-6161 or toll-free 800-351-4669
• Scott Community College's West Davenport Center
  2950 N. Fairmount St., Davenport, Iowa 52804
  563-328-7690 or toll-free 800-895-0811

To access remote classes, you will need the following:

• Computer, laptop, or tablet 
• Camera
• Microphone
• Reliable internet connection

If you have access to the required equipment but do not have internet access, let us know. We provide free public WiFi at all EICC locations. If you are testing in one of our centers, all technology will be provided for you.

Apply and enroll in a class. If you need help, reach out to the Career Navigator on your campus. 

When it’s time to pay your tuition bill, present your scholarship voucher to the business office. 

 

Career Navigators: 

Clinton Community College

Muscatine Community College

Scott Community College

You must be within three months of your 17 birthday or older to enroll in the program. Individuals who are court ordered to attend HSE courses may enroll any time after their 16 birthday.

The assessments, in reading and math, are used to determine your placement in the program by identifying your specific academic needs.

• Photo identification
• 17 & 18 year olds will need a drop slip or letter of non-enrollment from the last high school attended
• 17 year olds will also need Parent or guardian (to sign permission form)

The CASAS assessment scores are placement scores within the program and determine the class you are placed in.

Reading Scores

Math Scores

Reading & Listening Scores

 

• Registration is free.
• Classes are free.
• $53.75 testing fee paid to HiSET when you are ready to begin testing. This covers all five exams. If you need assistance with testing fees, let us know. 
• Diploma fee is free for the first copy of your HSE diploma, verification letter or transcripts. Requests can be submitted once all HiSET scores are confirmed. Additional copies are $20.

Yes, we offer online Zoom classes and additional online resources such as Khan Academy. If you would rather attend classes in person, you can do that, too. We'd love to have you. 

Post-assessments scores will determine your progress through the program and towards your learning goals.

These assessments are required prior to taking the official HiSET.

Complete the HiSET assessment for each of the five subject areas: Math, Writing, Reading, Social Studies, and Science.

The Adult Education program hosts graduation ceremonies for each campus at the end of the program year, typically in June. All students who have successfully completed their HSE test are welcome to participate and to invite their friends and family.

Individuals may request High School Equivalency transcripts, verification letter or diploma. To submit a request, please go to DiplomaSender.

Through the generosity of the EICC and college foundations, all students who receive their High School Equivalency Diploma from any of the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges will be given a voucher equivalent to three credit hours at Clinton, Muscatine or Scott Community College. The scholarship may be used toward a course in a degree program or for non-credit certificate coursework. Graduates have up to two years from the date of completion to use their scholarship.

To request accommodations for test day, visit the HiSET Website or contact the Adult Education program and ask to speak with the HSE Career Navigator at your local campus.

Students in need of accommodations for access to instruction may request services from the Assistant Dean at their location.

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges ensures that its programs, activities, and services are in compliance with access provisions of state and federal civil rights legislation for persons with disabilities. The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) defines a person with a disability as any person who has a record of, or is regarded as having, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. An “otherwise qualified individual with a disability” is a person who, with or without reasonable accommodations, can meet the essential program or course requirements.

District policy calls for reasonable accommodation to be made for otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities on an individualized basis. It is, however, the responsibility of the student to seek available assistance at each college, to make his/her needs known, and to provide current documentation of disability. Students with disabilities may use a variety of services or reasonable accommodations intended to reduce the effects that a disability may have on their performance in an academic setting. Services do not lower course standards or alter program requirements but instead give students a better chance to demonstrate their academic abilities.