High School Equivalency Certificate (HSEC)

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    Info Session Details:

    • Your time commitment is only one hour for the info session.
    • You will be asked to commit to a morning, afternoon, or evening StartSMART Course the following week.
    • There will be a question and answer session with instructors.
    • You will be asked to schedule appointments to test the following week.
      • There is flexibility in scheduling your test appointments! You can schedule your tests to accommodate your work schedule, childcare availability, or other prior commitments.

    High school equivalency certificate information:

    What is HSEC?

    HSEC is the equivalent of a high school diploma for people who did not finish high school. The letters “HSEC” stand for High School Equivalency Certificate. Students must pass the HiSET or GED assessment to earn the High School Equivalency Certificate. 

    How much does it cost?

    FREE through the Adult Learning Center! (Save yourself $75 and the hassle of taking the exam on your own.)

    Why do I need a HSEC?

    It is very hard to get a job without a high school diploma or HSEC. People who have an HSEC or high school diploma earn more money than those who don’t.

    Will the HSEC help me get into college?

    Most colleges accept HSEC graduates just like high school graduates. If you have your HSEC you can apply for federal financial aid to pay for college.

    What is the HSEC test like?

    • Is it hard to pass the HSEC? It depends on how long you stayed in school, how well you can read and do math, your ability to think critically, and how much you study for the test.
    • What do I need to pass the HSEC? To pass the HSEC, you need to be able to read and understand basic information, such as a newspaper or job application. You need high level critical thinking skills and the ability to write a passing essay. You also have to be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide as well as perform high level algebra and geometry.
    • What subjects are on the HSEC test? The five subjects are writing, math, social studies, science, and reading. You can take the tests one at a time and once you have passed all five tests and met the average required, you will receive your HSEC.

    What standards are covered?

    The CALC offers standards-based education rooted in the College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education.

    • Learn more about how to get your High School Equivalency Certificate
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