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:
- HiSET Test at a Glance (PDF) or HiSET Test at a Glance Spanish (PDF)
- Benefits of the HiSET (PDF) or Benefits of the HiSET Spanish (PDF)
Eligibility and Cost
In order to be enrolled in an Iowa HSED program, you must:
- be at least 16 years and 9 months of age (unless court-ordered)
- not be enrolled in high school
- have consent of parent or guardian if under 18 years of age
There is no cost for the Northeast Iowa Community College HSED program, including HiSET exam fees and study materials.
Enrollment and Orientation
During this time you will learn about the program, complete enrollment forms and a pre-assessment in both Reading and Math, and meet with an Adult Education and Literacy team member to create a learning plan that will be your guide toward successful completion of the HiSET exam.
It is possible to enroll at many locations near you including the Dubuque Center, Calmar Campus, RAMS/Oelwein Center, Manchester Center, and Waukon Center. Enrollment at the Dubuque Center is available on a managed basis, with a new session beginning every two months. See below for enrollment dates, an appointment must be schedule at least one week prior to first day of enrollment period.
To schedule enrollment 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 |
---|---|
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¢ per hour, up to 10 hours. If you anticipate an issue paying for parking please contact us.
Participation Options
- Study Online: Subject to availability.
- Approved Homework: Assigned by instructor to be completed at home.
- Morning In-person Class: Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Dubuque Only)
- Evening In-Person Class: Monday - Thursday, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Dubuque Only)
- Meet with an Instructor: If not enrolled in Dubuque area, schedule an appointment with your instructor.
Completion and Graduation Ceremony
Diplomas are processed through Diploma Sender after your HiSET scores are processed.
Ceremony Location | Ceremony Date |
---|---|
Calmar Campus | July 2024 (Date to be determined) |
Dubuque/Town Clock Center | July 2024 (Date to be determined) |
As a graduate, you have many new opportunities available:
- find a better job in just a few months with a Career Pathway Certificate
- continue your education in one of our career programs
- earn your degree tuition-free, if you qualify for Iowa's Last-Dollar Scholarship
- find a new job through IowaWorks