High School Equivalency Diploma
We all start somewhere. Northeast Iowa Community College meets you where you are and helps you reach your education goals. Earning your high school equivalency diploma (HSED, formerly known as GED) opens the door to new job opportunities and career training. Classes are tuition-free and offered online and students have the option to attend live or access recorded sessions to learn on their own time.
“I was really determined to start college courses and I needed to pass the HSED. Now I plan to earn my associate’s degree at Northeast Iowa Community College, then transfer to Clarke University for their social work program.” – Erika Jett
Getting Started
The first step to earning your HSED is to attend an orientation, where students will meet with a success coach or instructor to discuss your goals and complete enrollment steps.
| Term | Orientation Dates |
|---|---|
| Fall 2020 - Session 1 August 24 - October 16 |
August 17 - 21, 2020 |
| Fall 2020 - Session 2 October 26 - December 11 |
October 19 - 23, 2020 |
| Spring 2021 - Session 1 January 11 - March 5 |
January 4 - 8, 2021 |
| Spring 2021 - Session 2 March 15 - May 28 |
March 8 - 12, 2021 |
| Summer 2021 | To be announced |
Attendance
Class attendance is a mandatory requirement of the Department of Education in order for students to be eligible for the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET). Classes are online with face-to-face classes offered at the Dubuque Center.
It is important to check-in with your success coach or instructor to work through any barriers to advance your education and achieve your career goals. Success coaches and instructors are available to meet with students via phone, Zoom or face-to-face by appointment.
Take the HiSET
After checking your progress and passing practice tests, it's time for the final test. Discuss with your instructor how to prepare for the test, the testing fees and when to schedule an appointment with the testing centers in Calmar and Dubuque.
The HiSET consist of five areas:
- Reading
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
Contact the testing center to schedule your testing session and learn more about requirements and fees.
Be a Graduate
Congratulations! You completed classes and passed the HiSET. Graduation ceremonies are typically held in June on the Calmar campus and at the Dubuque Center.
After earning your high school diploma you can:
- Earn a Career Pathway Certificate in less than one year.
- Earn your associate's degree in two years or less.
- Get a great job!