High School Equivalency Diploma

The High School Equivalency Tests (HiSET) gives those who left high school prior to graduating the opportunity to earn their High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED). The HiSET exam certifies your academic knowledge is equivalent to that of a high school graduate in the following subject areas:

  • Reading
  • Science
  • Writing
  • Social Studies
  • Mathematics

Learn more about the HiSET and resources available including:

Eligibility and Cost

You must be at least 17 years of age to qualify for and enroll in an Iowa HSED program unless you are:

  • court-ordered to attend HSED classes
  • three months from your 17th birthday

There is no cost for the Northeast Iowa Community College HSED program, HiSET test fees and study materials.

Enrollment and Orientation

During this time you will learn about the program, complete enrollment forms, meet with your Adult Education and Literacy team member and create a learning plan that will be your guide toward successful completion of the HiSET exam.

Classes are offered at many locations near you including the Dubuque Center, Calmar Campus and RAMS/Oelwein Center.

To enroll or learn about upcoming sessions, please call or email:

Adult Education & Literacy
844.642.2338, ext. 3600
ael@nicc.edu

Dubuque: Enrollment & Orientation Dates Dubuque: Session Dates
May 8 - 11, 2023 May 15 - June 29, 2023
July 5 - 7, 2023 July 10 - August 31, 2023
September 5 - 7, 2023 September 11 - October 31, 2023
November 1 - 3, 2023 November 6 - December 22, 2023
January 2 - 4, 2024 January 8 - February 29, 2024
March 4 - 7, 2024 March 11 - April 30, 2024
May 1 - 3, 2024 May 6 - June 28, 2024

Please be aware Dubuque parking is metered. You will want to park on Iowa St. across from McDonalds for 50¢ up to 10 hours. If you anticipate an issue paying for parking please contact us.

Participation Options

  • Study Online: Essential education completed at home.
  • Approved Homework: Completed at home.
  • Meet with a Teacher: Call to schedule a Zoom or in-person appointment.
  • Morning In-person Class: Monday - Thursday,  9 a.m. - Noon (Dubuque Only)
  • Evening In-Person Class: Monday - Thursday,  3 - 6 p.m. (Dubuque Only)
  • Tutoring In-Person: Monday - Thursday,  1 - 4 p.m. (Dubuque Only)

Completion and Graduation

Diplomas are processed through Diploma Sender after your HiSET scores are processed.

Graduation Location Graduation Date
Calmar Campus July 12, 2023
Dubuque Center July 13, 2023

As a graduate, you have many new opportunities available: