Welcome to the official spot for the Georgia High School Equivalency (HSE) Program, previously known as the GED Testing Program. Here, you’ll find all you need to know about choosing a pathway to get your high school equivalency, taking tests or enrolling in classes, and earning your HSE credential.
The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) now offers several ways to earn your high school equivalency. You can take tests on a computer either at a testing center or from home: the GED® test or the HiSET® exam. TCSG also offers a way to earn a high school diploma at eight locations across the state through a program called Career Plus.
Test Preparation
We offer free classes to help you prepare to earn your high school equivalency or brush up on your reading, math, and job skills. Our classes are designed to help you get ready to take the next step, whether it’s to enter college or start a career. Classes are available in person, online, or a mix of both.
HOPE High School Equivalency (HSE) Examination Grant Program
Eligible Georgia residents can now apply for an award not to exceed $200 to cover the cost of a high school equivalency examination. Applicants are allowed to use the funds for up to four retakes of a specific exam section, if the total amount does not exceed the $200 maximum award. To learn more, visit www.HSEtest4Free.com or call 404-679-1645.
Testing Centers
When registering for a test, open testing locations with available testing dates will automatically display. Examinees can expand the distance they are willing to travel to identify additional sites. GED testing centers and HiSET testing centers are available throughout the state.
If you have a question about the HOPE HSE Grant Program, please submit your question using the form below. A representative from our office will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible.
Learn the skills needed to go to college or get a job that can support one’s family.
Learn English to find a job or to attain citizenship.
Learn the skills needed to help their children.
What is a high school equivalency?
A high school equivalency is a recognized alternative to a high school diploma. If you did not earn your high school diploma, our office can help you prepare and/or sign up to earn your high school equivalency.
What is the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)?
On July 22, 2014, President Obama signed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) into law. This law supports innovative strategies to keep pace with changing economic conditions and coordinates four core federal programs that support adult education, employment services, workforce development, and vocational rehabilitation activities. Title II of WIOA, also known as the Adult Education & Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) provides funding for adult education.
I am an Adult Education provider seeking to apply for a grant. Where do I apply?
The Office of Adult Education posts information about grant opportunities for Adult Education providers on the Grant Opportunities page.
Who provides Adult Education services in Georgia?
The Office of Adult Education receives federal funding through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and grants these funds out to eligible providers through a competitive grant process. To view a list of current providers in Georgia, visit the Program Directory page.
I have a question about Adult Education services in Georgia. Who do I ask?
Visit our Contact Us page to find contact information for the Office of Adult Education or fill out a form to ask a question.
What Adult Education services are available?
Adult Education providers offer free classes to eligible students that can help you do the following:
Prepare for the GED test or HiSET exam.
Improve your reading, writing, or math skills to help you get a job or go to college.
Learn English or other skills needed to attain citizenship.
Learn the skills needed to help your children.
Get training to find a better job.
How do I know if I can receive services?
You must be at least 16-years-old and not enrolled or required to be enrolled in high school and meet one of the following requirements:
You have low literacy.
You do not have a high school diploma or equivalent.
You are an English language learner.
How can I find an Adult Education class near me?
Visit our Find a Class Near Me page to find the nearest adult education program near you.
What is the GED test?
The GED test is a four-subject high school equivalency test that measures skills required by high schools and requested by colleges and employers. The four subjects are:
Science
Social Studies
Mathematical Reasoning
Reasoning through Language Arts
Click on each subject above for sample questions. Click here to see an overview of what is on the GED test.
GED
Is there a fee to take the GED test?
Starting July 1, 2023, Georgia charges $46 per subject for the GED® test at a Test Center. Georgia charges $36.25 per subject for the GED® test taken online.
Who is eligible to take the GED test?
The GED test can only be administered to individuals who:
Are at least 16 years of age* (*16 and 17 year olds must enroll in a state-approved adult education program and receive approval to test. Contact your local Adult Education Center for more information.)
Have not graduated from an accredited high school
Are not currently enrolled in a regular high school; and
Can provide a valid photo ID (driver’s license, state identification card, military ID or Passport).
Do I have to be a resident of Georgia to take the GED test in Georgia?
No. You do not need to be a resident of Georgia to take the GED test in Georgia; however, you must take and pass your last test in Georgia to earn the state credential.
How do I register to take the GED test on computer?
Visit www.ged.com or call 1-877 EXAM GED to register, schedule, and pay for the GED test. Credit and debit cards are acceptable forms of payment. You must bring a valid photo ID (driver’s license, state identification card, military ID or Passport) with you on test day. After you create an account, when you are ready to register for a test, the application will display the testing centers in your area based on your zip code.
What score is required to pass the GED test?
In order to pass the GED test, a candidate must score 145 on each subject-area test.
What score is required to pass the GED test?
To pass the GED® exam, you must:
Score a minimum of 145 of a possible 200 on each of the four subtests.
Take all four subtests in English and/or Spanish.
The HiSET pass score is based on a national study of high school juniors and seniors and indicates that 60 percent of graduating high school students would pass the HiSET exam.
When can I retest and what is the cost?
Candidates may take each subject-area test three times without any waiting period. After the third attempt, candidates must wait 60-days after their last attempt before they can test again. The first retake is $20, and the second retake is $46, this occurs within a 12-month calendar.
When will I receive my transcript and/or diploma?
Graduates should expect to receive credentials in the mail within 2-3 weeks from the final test date.
How do I get duplicate official transcripts or diplomas?
Request GED Transcript
What can I do once I receive my GED diploma in Georgia?
The GED diploma is one type of high school equivalency offered in Georgia. GED graduates may also attend technical college with free tuition if you enroll in one of the 17 areas funded by the HOPE Career Grant. Visit here for detailed information on HOPE Career Grant programs.
How can I take the GED test during the COVID-19 pandemic?
To address public health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic, GED Testing Service is now offering the Online Proctored GED Test. Georgia residents may select the Online Proctored GED Test and take the GED test from home while securely monitored by an online proctor. All subject area tests are $46 each.
To participate in the Online Proctored GED Test, you will need a computer, webcam, and reliable internet — no tablets or phones are allowed. You will also need to take the test in a private room with a closed door. Before scheduling and paying for the test, it’s important to run a system check to be sure that your computer meets the requirements.
To find out more about the Online Proctored GED Test and to see if you are eligible, visit this website and watch this video
To view the differences between an Online Proctored Test vs. In-Person GED Test, click here.
What are the differences between the GED test and HiSET exam?
Both the GED test and HiSET exam are recognized high school equivalency credentials in Georgia. For a comparison of the GED® Test and HiSET® Exam, view this resource.
HiSET
What is the HiSET exam?
The HiSET® exam is an affordable, accessible high school equivalency test option for out-of-school youth and adults without a high school diploma to demonstrate their skills and knowledge and earn a state-issued high school equivalency credential. The five subject area tests are:
Language Arts – Reading
Language Arts – Writing
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Overview of the HiSET Exam. More information on each of the subjects.
Is there a fee to take the HiSET Exam?
In Georgia, if you take the test in person at a testing center, the HiSET computer based five subject-area tests are $26.75 each ($133.75 for the full battery). If you take the test online at home, the HiSET@Home five subject-area tests are $36.25 each ($181.25 for the full battery).
Who is eligible to take the HiSET exam?
The HiSET exam can only be administered to individuals who:
Are at least 16 years of age* (*16 and 17 year olds must enroll in a state-approved adult education program and receive approval to test. Contact your local Adult Education Center for more information.)
Have not graduated from an accredited high school
Are not currently enrolled in a regular high school; and
Can provide a valid photo ID (driver’s license, state identification card, military ID or Passport).
Do I have to be a resident of Georgia to take the HiSET exam in Georgia?
No. You do not need to be a resident to take the HiSET exam in Georgia; however, you must take and pass your last exam in Georgia to earn the state credential.
How do I sign up to take the HiSET exam?
Visit hiset.ets.org to set up your My HiSET Account and schedule your exam. You can find a test center near you or sign up for HiSET@Home. You can also call the PSI Customer Service at 1-855-MyHiSET (1-855-694-4738) Note: A $10 fee will be applied when registering by phone.
What score is required to pass the HiSET exam?
To pass the HiSET® exam, you must:
Score at least 8 out of 20 on each of the five subtests
Score at least 2 out of 6 on the essay
Achieve a total combined score on all five HiSET subtests of at least 45 out of 100
Take all subject-area tests in a uniform language (English or Spanish).
The HiSET pass score is based on a national study of high school juniors and seniors and indicates that 60 percent of graduating high school students would pass the HiSET exam.
When will I receive my transcript and/or diploma?
For the HiSET computer-based exam, you will receive two retests per subtest at $16 each taken within 12 calendar months. For HiSET@Home, you will receive two retests per subtest at $25.50 each taken within 12 calendar months. Candidates must wait 14 days between test attempts.
When can I retest and what is the cost?
Graduates should expect to receive credentials in the mail within 2-3 weeks from the final exam date.
How do I get official transcripts or duplicate diplomas?
See Request HiSET Transcript button.
What can I do once I receive my HiSET diploma in Georgia?
The HiSET diploma is one type of high school equivalency offered in Georgia. Many employers recognize the HiSET diploma as a high school equivalency credential. HiSET graduates may also attend technical college with free tuition if you enroll in one of the 17 areas funded by the HOPE Career Grant. Visit here for detailed information on HOPE Career Grant programs.
How can I take the HiSET exam during the COVID-19 pandemic?
To meet the needs of test takers who can’t test at a test center because of public health concerns, ETS is offering the HiSET@Home option. With the HiSET@Home option, you can take any of the five subtests that make up the HiSET exam on your own computer at home or in another secure location. Each subtest delivered at home has the same content, format and on-screen experience as the test you would take at a test center. Your at home appointment will be monitored by a human proctor online through ProctorU®. Currently, at home appointments are available 15 hours a day, seven days a week.
Get more information on the HiSET@Home.
The fee for each subject area test is $36.25 with two retests within 12 months at $25.50 each. View the differences between an HiSET® Computer Based Testing (CBT) and HiSET Exam at Home.
What are the differences between the HiSET exam and GED test?
Both the GED test and HiSET exam are recognized high school equivalency credentials in Georgia. For a comparison of the GED test and HiSET exam, view this resource.
GED® and GED Testing Service® are registered trademarks of the American Council on Education (ACE) and may not be used or reproduced without express written permission. The GED® and GED Testing Service® brands are administered by GED Testing Service LLC under license from ACE.
PSI, the PSI logo and HiSET are registered trademarks of PSI and used in the United States under license.
