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:

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:

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