High School Equivalency Diploma
The High School Equivalency Tests (HiSET) give 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:
- Science
- Social Studies
- Mathematics
- Language Arts - Reading
- Language Arts - Writing
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
All costs for the HSED program, including HiSET exam fees and study material, are covered by Northeast Iowa Community College.
Enrollment and Orientation
The Enrollment and Orientation process typically takes 3 to 4 hours. During this time you will learn about the program, complete enrollment forms, take 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.
To schedule enrollment or learn about upcoming sessions, please call or email:
Adult Education & Literacy
844.642.2338, ext. 3600
ael@nicc.edu
Enrollment may be completed at the following locations:
*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 the first day of the upcoming enrollment period.
Dubuque: Enrollment & Orientation Dates | Dubuque: Session Dates |
---|---|
May 1 - 3, 2024 | May 6 - June 28, 2024 (No in-person class during June) |
July 1 - 3 & July 8, 2024 | July 9 - August 31, 2024 |
Please be aware that Dubuque parking is metered. The best option is 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
- Dubuque: Morning In-Person Class: Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Dubuque: Evening In-Person Class: Monday - Thursday, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
- Manchester: In-Person Class: Thursdays, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Meet with an Instructor: If not enrolled in the Dubuque area, schedule an appointment with your instructor.
- Study Online: Subject to availability.
- Approved Homework: Assigned by instructor to be completed at home.
Completion and Graduation Ceremony
Diplomas are processed through Diploma Sender after all five HiSET subjects have been completed.
Ceremony Location | Ceremony Date |
---|---|
Calmar Campus/Wilder Business Center | July 10th, 2024 |
Dubuque/Town Clock Center | July 11th, 2024 |
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