Options for Finishing High School
INFORMATION on obtaining a GED or HSED
Selecting the GED or HSED High School Equivalency Diploma or Certificate of General Educational Development
- Studying
- Fees
- Eligibility for Testing
- Testing Options
- Scheduling
- Test Accomodations
- HSED and GED Fees
- Test Scores
- Component/Content Areas
- GED/HSED Transcripts, Credentials and Verifications
Selecting the GED or HSED
The two most common options for high school completion are the Certificate of General Education Development (GED) and the High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED). The GED is accepted by most employers and technical and community colleges. Some employers, universities, and branches of the military require an HSED. Individuals can decide which option is best.
General Education Development (GED)
The GED is a certificate awarded by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to adults who successfully complete the orientation, Career Awareness class, and tests in the five academic areas:
- Reasoning through Language Arts
- Science
- Social Studies
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Civics
- Click here to see a version of the Civics test and study resources.
High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED)
Individuals who wish to obtain an HSED must complete all GED requirements and meet additional requirements in health and employability skills.
5.09 High School Equivalency Diploma (5.09 HSED) Requirements
Individuals who would prefer to take coursework instead of GED tests may enroll in the 5.09 HSED program. Coursework is similar to that taken by Wisconsin high school students. Required courses include:
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Studying
Students work at their own pace. Individualized, group, and technology-based instruction is available. Day and evening classes are available. Contact LTC-Manitowoc or LTC-Sheboygan for specific class and learning lab schedules.
Eligibility for Testing
To participate in a GED and HSED program, individuals must be 18 years and 6 months of age or be 18 years of age and their 9th grade class has graduated from high school. In addition, it is required that an individual:
- be a resident of Wisconsin (or is a migrant worker or child of a migrant worker).
- not currently enrolled in a public or private high school.
- has not graduated from any high school.
Testing Options
Tests are given at designated times at Lakeshore College's main campus in Cleveland only. Please view our testing schedule for Fall 2024.
Scheduling Tests
Each student must create an account at GED.com. This account will be used to schedule exams, study, take GED Ready practice tests ($6.00/test), view test results, and learn about job and college options.
Test Accommodations
GED Testing Services is committed to providing students with full access to the GED® test for anyone with disabilities and support the intention of the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended (ADAAA). Test accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis and may include extra testing time, extra breaks, and/or a separate testing room. To apply or for more information, visit: https://ged.com/about_test/accommodations
HSED and GED Fees
GED Requirements
| Each test (credential fee included) | $39.75 |
| Civics Test | $10.00 |
| Total Cost (including 4 GED exams) | $169.00 |
HSED Requirements
| Each test (credential fee included) | $39.75 |
| Civics Test | $10.00 |
| Health Test (if needed) | $15.00 |
| Credential fee (if upgrading from GED to HSED | $15.00 |
| Total Cost (varies depending on need and prior learning) | $184.00-$199.00 |
5.09 HSED Requirements
| Civics Test | $10.00 |
| Credential fee (if upgrading from GED to HSED) | $15.00 |
| Total Cost | $25.00 |
*Instruction and materials are free.
Test Scores
To earn the credential, individuals must earn:
GED
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HSED
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5.09 HSED
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Retest Policy
Test re-take waiting periods are:
-10-day wait period required after 1st non-pass
-10-day wait period required after 2nd non-pass
-60-day wait period required after 3rd non-pass
-30-day wait period required for Civics and Health exams between each non-pass
Component/Content Areas
| Component | Content Areas | Test Time Limit |
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| GED/HSED Orientation and Career Awareness | This 2-part class provides an introduction to current occupational trends and resources for exploring careers. Values, interests, and abilities are assessed as they relate to career decision-making. Individuals will establish short- and long-term education and career goals and will participate in an orientation to credentialing options. | Class |
| Reasoning Through Language Arts |
Test Topics:
Format:
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150 minutes (One 10 minute breaks are allowed between sections) |
| Social Studies |
Test Topics:
Format:
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70 minutes |
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Science |
Test Topics:
Format:
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90 minutes |
| Mathematical Reasoning |
Test Topics:
Format:
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115 minutes |
| Civics |
Test Topics:
Format:
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102 |
Additional Requirements for HSED
| Health | Knowledge of mental and emotional health, personal and family health, and community and environmental health. Prior completion of the test may apply. | Untimed |
| Employability Skills | Review job search techniques, including conducting a job search, complete application forms, write cover letter, prepare effective resumes, and learn how to have a successful interview. | Class |
Valid government-issued ID containing current address is required to test.
GED/HSED Transcripts, Credentials and Verifications
GED/HSED credentials are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. They are the bearer of the record. Please contact them to order transcripts and credentials or to verify a credential.
- Click on the following link: dpi.wi.gov/ged
- Contact the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction at 1.800.768.8886.
Educational Goals
After earning a GED/HSED, continue on a path to achieve new educational goals. Lakeshore offers over 100 career-focused degree programs and certificates to help start a new career. The Lakeshore team is dedicated to helping student’s continue to achieve their educational success.
