GED and HiSET Information

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

General Education Development (GED)
High School Equivalency Test (HiSET)

You can review the difference between the two exams and fee structures online: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education - High School Equivalency Information.

Missouri State University does not currently offer test preparation courses. Depending on your desired HSE exam, your preparation options may vary.

Review HSE Exam Options

GED

GED Webpage
The GED is made up of four subjects, broken into separate exams. You do not need to take all sections at once. See an overview of the GED by subject area.
Review the Missouri GED Exam for information on policies, eligibility, prices and payment options, etc.
The website's Study tab has additional information on GED classes, online classes, practice questions and tests, previews, and more.
Schedule the GED Exam

HiSET

HiSET Webpage
Test takers will be tested in five core areas: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies in separate exams. You do not need to take all five exams at once.
Review the Missouri HiSET Exam for information on eligibility, accepted identification, associated costs, frequently asked questions, etc.
Tips and Strategies for Preparing for the HiSET
- FREE Practice Tests
- Preparation Materials
- Search for an Adult Education Testing Center
  - Select "Adult Ed. Center" under Location Type for accurate results
Schedule the HiSET Exam

When you're ready to take either exam, we hope you consider using the MSU Testing Center. Keep in mind that scheduling for exams is done entirely through the individual testing websites. And note that accommodations must be arranged through the individual testing service at the time of registration.

Neither the Testing Center nor Missouri State University maintain GED or HiSET transcripts. HSE documents (transcripts and certificates) are only available through DiplomaSender.com. You may also use DiplomaSender.com to submit your scores to colleges and universities when completing admission applications.

Additional Options

Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) provides free virtual and face-to-face classroom instruction to eligible Missouri citizens in reading, language, mathematics, preparation for HSE exams, and more! AEL programs across Missouri offer free services to anyone who is at least 17 years of age (or 16 years of age who have met Missouri’s compulsory school attendance requirements).

To be eligible for AEL services, individuals must also have one of the following barriers: basic skills deficiency/low literacy levels based on assessment, lack of high school diploma or equivalency, or learning the English language. Explore Adult Education and Literacy Program locations online.
The MSU-West Plains campus offers remote classes, ELL courses, and in-person assistance at multiple locations. Explore West Plains AEL options.
If you have any questions about the West Plains offerings, please call 417-255-7744.
If you're interested in earning a high school diploma, you may consider the MERS Goodwill Excel Center. The Excel Center is an accredited tuition-free high school that gives adults the opportunity to earn an actual high school diploma. Students may also work towards career certifications and/or enroll in dual credit courses to begin earning college credits.

The MERS Goodwill Excel Center offers six locations in Missouri: Springfield, St. Louis, Poplar Bluff, Columbia, Cape Girardeau, and Florrisant.

Please reach out with any questions or if we can connect you with additional resources. Email our office at AdultStudentServices@MissouriState.edu.