How High School Equivalency Credentials Open Doors and Foster Opportunities - Webinar

Sep 14, 2026

Uploaded by Noah

A webinar explains how High School Equivalency (HSE) credentials create education and career pathways, focusing on the HiSET option in Illinois. It covers what an HSE diploma is, the purpose and structure of the HiSET exam, and how scores relate to HSE and college/career readiness. The session also highlights state approvals and where HiSET is accepted, outlines exam formats and timing, and describes passing and readiness scoring requirements. Workforce impact and job readiness benefits for HSE graduates are emphasized.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages27

Reading Time1 h 8 min

AccessFree to download

Today’s Agenda

What is a High School Equivalency Diploma?

Understanding the HiSET Exam

State Approvals and Recognition

Overview of the HiSET Exam

High School Equivalency Passing Scores

College and Career Readiness Scores

Pricing for Illinois

How High School Equivalency Credentials Open Doors and Foster Opportunities? Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Today’s Agenda ➢ What is a High School Equivalency Diploma? ➢ Understanding the HiSET Exam ➢ HiSET Outcomes & Impact ➢ The Value of HSE Graduates in the Workforce ➢ How HiSET Enhances Job Readiness and Workforce Development What is a High School Equivalency Diploma? Understanding the High School Equivalency Diploma ➢ The High School Equivalency Diploma serves as an alternative to a traditional high school diploma. ➢ In 2022, the Governor of Illinois signed a bill granting a State of Illinois High School Diploma to individuals who have completed the HiSET or GED. ➢ It plays a pivotal role in creating opportunities, validating essential skills, and empowering individuals to achieve their educational and career aspirations. ➢ HiSET is one of the recognized options for High School Diploma in Illinois. Understanding the HiSET Exam What is the HiSET? ➢ A HSE test introduced in 2014 as an alternative to the GED® ➢ Developed by ETS and now administered by PSI ➢ The purpose of the HiSET is to certify a test taker's attainment of academic knowledge and skills equivalent to those of a HS graduate ➢ HiSET scores identify if test takers perform at a level consistent with HSE or college & career readiness State Approvals and Recognition Where is the HiSET Accepted? Adopted in 30 states as a recognized HSE exam, our state partner agencies represent: • Departments of education, labor, workforce and commerce • Community and technical college systems • Departments of corrections – state and local State issues the official HSE credential (diploma/certificate and transcript) HSE credentials are accepted by: • Postsecondary institutions and employers • US Department of Education and US Military • Federal and state government programs Overview of the HiSET Exam | Exam Formats & Modalities | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Mathematics | Science | | Social Studies | | ELA-Reading | | ELA-Writing | | | | | | | | | | | 55 questions | 60 questions | | 60 questions | | 50 questions | | 61 questions | | 100% multiple choice | 100% multiple choice | | 100% multiple choice | | 100% multiple choice | | 60 multiple choice
1 essay | | 90 minutes | 80 minutes | | 70 minutes | | 65 minutes English 80 minutes Spanish | | 120 minutes | | | | | | | | | | | ➢ Available in paper-based and computer-based formats | | ➢ Offered in English and Spanish | | ➢ Take the test in an official HiSET test center or online proctored | | ➢ Testing accommodations available upon approval | | High School Equivalency Passing Scores • Subtests scored on a 20-point scale • Score at least 8 out of 20 on each subtest ▪ Writing Subtest – Two parts: – Multiple-choice Questions (14 possible points) – Essay (6 possible points) • Writing subtest essay must earn at least 2 • Achieve a total score of at least 45 ▪ Must score higher than the minimum passing on at least one subtest College and Career Readiness Scores • Scored on a 20-point scale • Test takers scoring at 15 and above ▪ Writing subtest essay must earn at least 4 Pricing for Illinois – Computer and Paper

FAQs

What is a High School Equivalency Diploma and how does it relate to a traditional diploma?

An HSE diploma is an alternative to a traditional high school diploma and recognizes completion at an equivalent level. In Illinois, a State High School Diploma can be granted to individuals who have completed HiSET or GED.

What is the purpose of the HiSET exam?

The HiSET certifies that test takers have academic knowledge and skills equivalent to those of a high school graduate. Scores also indicate whether results match HSE or college and career readiness.

Where is HiSET accepted and who issues the official HSE credential in Illinois?

HiSET is adopted as a recognized HSE exam in 30 states and is accepted by postsecondary institutions, employers, and federal programs. In Illinois, the state issues the official HSE credential, including the diploma/certificate and transcript.

Sep 14, 2026

Uploaded by Noah