High School Equivalency (HSE) Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs from the Test Publishers:
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FAQs from the Missouri HSE Office:
HSE Records:
Does the Missouri HSE Office have a copy of my certificate/transcript?
No, we do not keep any tester documents. If you are looking for a copy of your High School Equivalency certificate/transcript, go to DiplomaSender.com and create an account. You can also contact DiplomaSender directly by starting a chat at DiplomaSender.com.
Can I combine GED® and HiSET® subtest scores?
Yes, effective August 1, 2023, Missouri HSE candidates are able to combine current-series GED® and HiSET® subtest scores through DiplomaSender’s TotalTranscript™ feature to achieve an HSE credential. Candidates may take subtests for either exam in any order. Passing scores will remain the same, 145 minimum per subtest for GED® and a minimum score of 8 and an average of 9 for HiSET® (minimum 2 for the essay on HiSET® Language Arts Writing). Candidates wishing to utilize the TotalTranscript™ feature will be responsible for paying all fees for both exams.
How long are my GED® and HiSET® subtest scores valid?
GED® and HiSET® subtest scores remain valid and do not expire in Missouri until there is a replacement or major re-write of the exam. GED® subtest scores prior to January 1, 2014 are no longer valid for use in obtaining a future HSE credential.
I earned my certificate years/decades ago. Will DiplomaSender have my records?
Yes, DiplomaSender maintains all of Missouri's HSE records, including historical records.
I am a third party looking to verify someone's education. Will the HSE Office do education verifications?
No--Please contact DiplomaSender at thirdpartysupport@diplomasender.com for education verification requests. Do not send student personally identifiable information (PII) to that email address.
Preparing and Testing:
How do I schedule my exams?
Testing centers cannot schedule your exams for you. You must login to your GED® account or HiSET® account to schedule your exams at your preferred testing center.
What is the difference between GED® and HiSET®?
Both programs are state approved for HSE and earn you the same certificate from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. We don’t endorse one over the other. You can read about some of the differences between the two in our current Comparison Chart.
Are the HSE exams available in any other languages?
Both the GED® and HiSET® exams are available in Spanish.
Can I take an HSE exam at home?
Yes, since the COVID-19 pandemic, both exams began allowing students to test at home with online proctor monitoring. See the Online GED Test or the HiSET Exam at Home for more details.
Does the State of Missouri offer GED® or HiSET® preparation classes?
Yes, FREE test preparation classes are offered to eligible Missouri citizens at Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) Programs throughout the state. Visit AEL.mo.gov for information on a program near you.
What are some ways I can prepare for the exam?
- In your student account: Both GED® and HiSET® offer free and for-purchase study materials once you’ve created a student account
- Public libraries: in addition to preparation courses, many libraries have HSE study or practice books
- Bookstores (brick-and-mortar and virtual stores): New and used practice books are available through multiple book vendors.
Missouri Policy:
Do I have to be a resident of Missouri to take an HSE exam?
Yes, Missouri does have a residency requirement for HSE exams. When you sign up for a myGED account or a myHiSET account, you must enter your Missouri mailing address. This address will be used to issue your Missouri HSE certificate after passing your exams.
I am less than seventeen (17) years of age. Can I take an HSE exam?
Typically, you may only take a Missouri HSE exam if you are seventeen (17) years of age or older. However, if you are younger than seventeen (17) years of age, you may take the the Missouri HSE exam if you are approved by the Missouri High School Equivalency (HSE) Office for an HSE Age Waiver after meeting one of the conditions set by the Missouri State Board of Education.
You may apply for an age waiver by completing the Missouri HSE Age Waiver Application. Visit hse.mo.gov for additional details.
NOTE: If none of the conditions in the HSE age waiver apply, you cannot be approved and must wait to test until you are seventeen (17) years of age.