GED® Test/HSED Testing

Earn Your Secondary Credential

Mid-State Technical College offers computer-based GED® testing and multiple HSED options to give adults the opportunity to earn a secondary credential and measure their readiness for college and career.

This page summarizes the GED and HSED requirements and provides information about the credentials and how to get started, schedule, and prepare. You'll also find information about test day, scores, and transcript requests. If you still have general questions about GED and HSED options, please contact the Academic Learning Center (715.422.5470 or alc@mstc.edu). 

What is the difference between the GED and HSED?

Wisconsin offers two types of secondary credentials: the Certificate of General Educational Development® (GED) and the High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED). The GED consists of four GED tests—Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies—plus a Civics test in Wisconsin.

How to Earn an HSED in Wisconsin

A High School Equivalency Diploma is issued from the State of Wisconsin upon completion of any of these five options:

• P.I.5.05 – Pass the four GED tests, pass the Civics test in Wisconsin, and meet the requirements in health, career awareness, and employability skills. (See HSED Plan for Completion for more information.)
• P.I.5.06 – Earn at least 22 high school credits including four in English, three in social studies, two in math, two in science, and one-half in health.
• P.I.5.07 – Earn 24 post-secondary credits including a credit in each subject in which you did not complete the high school credits required, except physical education.
• P.I.5.08 – Present a foreign diploma or degree and meet a citizenship requirement.
• P.I.5.09 – Complete a state-approved program through a combination of high school transcripts, standardized tests, and coursework in the following subject areas: Career Awareness/Employability Skills, Civics, Communication, Health, Math, Science, and Social Studies. 

What help can I get from Mid-State?

Academic Learning Center instructors are here to help you prepare for the GED test or HSED by providing:

• Guidance

• Instruction

• Study materials

• Practice tests

• Computer resources

• Assistance with test registration and scheduling

About the GED Tests

GED Test Requirements

The GED Certificate is earned by passing the four GED tests, plus a Civics test in Wisconsin:

• Reasoning Through Language Arts — 150 minutes, includes 10 minute break

• Mathematical Reasoning — 115 minutes

• Science — 90 minutes

• Social Studies — 70 minutes

• Civics — 100 questions (untimed)

Note: The computer-based GED tests include seven different item types: multiple choice, short answer, extended response, drag-and-drop, drop-down, fill-in-the-blank, and hot spots. The GED tests are available in English or Spanish.

Eligibility

State Eligibility Requirements (GED and HSED):

• Wisconsin residency, or migrant worker, or child of a migrant worker

• 18.5 years of age or proof that 9th grade class has graduated

• Not currently enrolled in public or private high school or covered under a 118.15 contract between the school district and Mid-State (contact the high school for more information.)

• Not a high school graduate

All students who have not earned a GED or HSED are required to pass a 100 question civics test with a score of 65 or better. For more information see Wisconsin's GED/HSED site.

Test Fees

$39.75 per test, for a total cost of $159 for all four tests. Civics is $10.

Preparing for the Tests

Getting Started

Attend a mandatory GED/HSED orientation at Mid-State Technical College Academic Learning Center. At this session, you'll complete the following:

• An initial assessment in Reading and Math. 
• Discuss GED test/HSED options.
• Develop a Plan for Completion.
• Identify college and career options after graduation.
• Create a GED.com account:
  • Create an account at www.GED.com using legal name that matches primary ID. To complete the GED registration process you will need an active email address (or you can create a free one.) See Requesting Accommodations below if you qualify for testing accommodations related to a disability.
• Complete required enrollment paperwork.

Requesting Accommodations

Students with disabilities should follow these steps to request testing accommodations:

1. Create a MyGED® account at www.GED.com.
2. Select “yes” for modified testing conditions.
3. Follow the link to the request system, and follow the prompts.
4. Contact Mid-State Accessibility Services staff for assistance:

Cortney Zurawski (715.422.5452).

Scheduling the Tests

Tests are scheduled online at www.GED.com or by phone at 877.EXAM.GED or 877.392.5433. Be sure to prepare your payment method and photo identification in advance. To see the greatest number of available appointment times, select one test at a time. Funding is available for current Mid-State students to cover testing fees. 

Payment methods accepted

Have a credit or debit card, pre-paid credit card, or third-party voucher available. 

Photo identification

Have valid government-issued photo identification.

Cancellation policy

Up to one business day prior to your scheduled test, you can cancel at www.GED.com or by calling 877.EXAM.GED. If less than one business day prior, payment will not be reimbursed.

Preparing and Practicing

Free individualized preparation and practice tests are available at any Mid-State Academic Learning Center.

Additional online preparation resources:

• Visit MyGED for step-by-step instructions on everything including Test Tips, FAQs, Scheduling, Scoring, Test Tour video, Calculator videos.

• Practice with Online GED tests/HSED practice tests.

Test Day

Admission

Arrive at the test center 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This will give adequate time to complete the necessary sign-in procedures. Arrival more than 15 minutes after your scheduled start time and you will be unable to test and will not be reimbursed.

Photo ID

Photo ID is required for every test session. No Exceptions. ID must be government-issued and non-expired and must include all of the following:

• Name

• Address

• Signature

• Photograph

• Date of birth

How to get a Wisconsin State ID Card if you do not have a driver’s license.

Personal Belongings

Although lockers will be available, please try to leave other personal belongings at home or in your vehicle.

The following items are not permitted in the testing room: coats, jackets, hats, watches, jewelry, purses, wallets, cell phones, pagers, hand-held computers, tablets, PDAs, other electronic devices, briefcases, backpacks, bags, notes, notebooks, study guides, calculators, dictionaries, language translators, pens, pencils, water bottles, contact lens solution, lip balm, food, drink, tobacco products, weapons such as guns, knives and toy weapons.

Note:

• Mid-State is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

• Family and friends may not wait for candidates in the testing area.

After the Test

Scores

• A form with instructions on how to access GED test scores will be provided after testing.

• Passing is a score of 145 points on each test module. Scores will be available online at student’s MyGED account. Retests on the GED® Tests are available after 10 days have passed for first and second attempts and after 60 days for a third attempt. Retests on the civics test are available after 30 days.

Transcript Requests

If you need a transcript or duplicate diploma, submit an order form to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). There is a $15 fee for the diploma or transcript.

Mail the fee and order form to:
DPI/GED Program
Department of Public Instruction
P.O. Box 7841
Madison, WI 53707-7841