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

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: