Get Your Diploma

The GED® assessment is composed of four content area tests.  In order to earn Mississippi’s HSED testers must receive a passing score in all four content area tests.    The entire 4‐module 2014 GED® test is approximately eight hours (modules can be taken one or more at a time) with the timing as follows: 

  • Reasoning through Language Arts – 150 minutes (including an optional 10‐minute break) 
  • Mathematical Reasoning – 115 minutes 
  • Science – 90 minutes 
  • Social Studies – 70 minutes  

Scoring 

A minimum score of 145 is required for each test module (580 overall) to obtain a HSED. The scoring levels are as follows: 

  • Below passing: 100‐144 
  • Passing: 145‐164 
  • GED® College Ready: 165 or higher 
  • GED® College Ready + Credit: 175 or higher   

Registering

Registration to take the GED® is done online at www.GED.com.  However, the tests are administered on computer at an official GED® testing site selected during scheduling. All testing fees must be paid at the time of scheduling.

Fees & Retakes 

The GED® examination is composed of four content area test modules.  Each individual test module costs $30.00, for a total of $120.00 for the complete examination. 

Retake Policy 

You will receive two discounted retakes for every GED® test subject you purchase but don’t pass. You have 365 days after your full price test to use these retakes. After receiving two retakes at the reduced price, the price of the test subject returns to the regular price. If you do not pass that subject again, you will receive two more retakes at the reduced rate. GED® Testing Service waives its $20 testing fee, however additional testing fees may still apply in your state.

In Mississippi, there is a $10 test center fee for test retakes.

The General Education Development Testing Service (GEDTS) allows individuals to take the test three times (First attempt + two retakes) without any waiting period.  After the third attempt, testers must wait 60‐days after their last attempt before they can test again.  This is a GEDTS policy and the state cannot make any exceptions for shortening this waiting period. Testers are advised to take this waiting period into account before attempting a test for a third time, as this could impact the timing of being able to apply for admission to a postsecondary institution or begin employment. The 60-day waiting period, once invoked, is permanent and does not reset at any time.

Accommodations 

The General Education Development (GED®) Testing Service provides reasonable and appropriate accommodations to individuals with documented disabilities who demonstrate a need. Test accommodations are individualized and considered on a case‐by‐case basis. All accommodation requests are processed through GEDTS Accommodations. The Mississippi HSE Office does not approve any accommodation requests.   

Procedure: Before requesting testing accommodations, testers complete the following steps:   

  • Create a MyGED® account by signing up on www.GED.com or log in to their MyGED® account if you already have an active account. 
  • Answer “Yes” on the GED® Testing Service Registration form on the last question asking, “Do you need to request accommodated testing conditions for a documented disability?”  
  • Once the registration form is submitted, you will receive more information from GEDTS indicating how to submit your accommodations request form and supporting documentation.   
  • The accommodations request decision will be communicated by GEDTS to the email account provided during the registration process. In most cases, a decision will be communicated within 30 days of receipt of all required documents. 

View list of accommodation types that can be requested, along with the procedure for delivering the accommodated tests at https://GED.com/about_test/accommodations/

Paper & Pencil/Braille Accommodations 

In very limited circumstances, a test taker may request an accommodation to take the GED® test on paper & pencil or in Braille.  Testers approved for a paper & pencil or Braille accommodation take the exam in a separate room with the assistance of a recorder, who enters the tester’s responses into the computer as the tester takes the paper exam. Even though the tester’s responses are recorded in the computer, the tester records his or her answers on the paper exam as well. For Braille testers and those otherwise physically unable to record answers on paper, the recorder must record the tester’s response on the paper exam as well as the computer. 

Testers may appeal an accommodation decision. Testers must complete the “Request for Testing Accommodations Appeal” and provide additional documentation to review. Disability experts review all appeal requests.  GEDTS is the contact for all accommodations requests, including appeals.  GEDTS accommodations questions can be sent to accommodations@GEDtestingservice.com.   For more information, visit the GED® Testing Accommodations webpage.

Language Versions and Combination of Scores 

The GED® test is available in English and Spanish versions.  The Spanish version of the test is available at any authorized testing center.  The MS High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) can be earned in English and Spanish versions.  Examinees can combine English and Spanish tests together to earn an HSE credential.

Test Center Approval 

Official testing centers are approved by the test publisher, in consultation with the state administrator when the following have been documented:   

  • Need for a new testing site, based on geographic location and testing volume in the region. 
  • Willingness of center personnel to meet all testing center requirements specified by the test publisher as determined by the authorizing agency. 

Test Center Approval information: https://GED.com/exhibit4/

The HiSET® is composed of five subject tests. The total testing time is approximately seven hours and five minutes. Below are details about the subtests:

Subject TestNumber of QuestionsItem TypeTest Length
Language Arts-Reading40100% multiple choice65 minutes
Language Arts-Writing51Part 1: 100% multiple choice
Part 2: 100 % constructed response/essay
120 minutes
Mathematics50100% multiple choice90 minutes
Science50100% multiple choice80 minutes
Social Studies50100% multiple choice70 minutes

Scoring

Each of the five subtests in the HiSET® battery is scored on a scale of 1–20. In order to pass tester must do all three of the following:

  • Achieve a score of at least eight on each of the five individual subtests
  • Score at least two out of six on the essay portion of the writing test
  • Have a total combined score on all five tests of at least 45

For the Writing test the total score of eight and essay score of two has to be earned on the same test date. Scores from multiple test dates cannot be combined. 

Registering

Registration and scheduling to take the HiSET® is done online at www.hiset.ets.org/myhiset. The HiSET® test is administered at an official HiSET® testing site. Test takers can find the nearest test center by using the “Find a Test Center” link on the HiSET® website. A test center can offer either paper‐based and/or computer‐based testing or both. All testing fees must be paid at the time of scheduling. Check this Registration and Scheduling link for more information.

Fees & Retakes

The HiSET® is composed of five content area test modules and is offered in a paper-based and computer-based format. 

Paper-Based Option

  • Individual modules: $22.00 each
  • Complete battery test: $110.00

Computer-Based Option

  • Individual modules: $17.75 each
  • Complete battery test: $88.75

The fees assessed for the HiSET® include a test center fee of 35.00 for the complete battery test ($7.00 per individual module).  Test center fees will be imposed for every test scheduled including retakes. 

Note:  HiSET® policy has discontinued renewing unused test vouchers. There is also an additional charge of $1.50 per voucher to programs when they order them.

Retake Policy

If a tester does not pass a HiSET® subject test, they have two more attempts per subtest in the calendar year (January to December) to pass. If they have exhausted all three attempts allowed for each year, the tester must wait until the next calendar year to retest. 

Regarding fees, the initial HiSET® subtest fee of $22.00 (paper-based) and $17.75 (computer-based) includes two retakes for 12 months. However, the test center fee of $7.00 will be imposed for every test scheduled including retakes.  Example: test taker retaking Math will be charged $7.00 after scheduling. Test vouchers purchased by programs include an additional $1.50 per voucher processing fee.

Accommodations

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) is committed to serving test takers with disabilities and health‐related needs by providing services and reasonable accommodations that are appropriate given the purpose of the test. Accommodations are available for test takers with diagnosed disabilities that include, but are not limited to: 

  • Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
  • Psychological or psychiatric disorders
  • Learning and other cognitive disabilities
  • Physical disorders/chronic health disabilities
  • Intellectual disabilities
  • Hearing and visual impairment

Below is a list of commonly approved accommodations for paper‐ and computer‐delivered tests. Test takers must request these accommodations and get approval from ETS prior to scheduling their test appointments. This list includes some, but not all, of the available accommodations.

Disability Accommodations for the HiSET Exam

Testing AccommodationPaperComputer
Extended time
Separate room
Audio cassette or other form of recorded audio
Large print
Screen magnification
Calculator/talking calculator
Scribe or keyboard entry aide
Additional supervised break time
Sign language‐interpreted instructions for test takers who are deaf or hard of hearing

HiSET® Items Not Requiring Approval

The items in these lists do not require approval. Test takers can bring them or have access to them on test day without making prior arrangements with ETS. If noted below, test center staff should inspect or collect the item.

Items Provided by ETS or Test Center

Your test center must have the following items available to test takers:

  •   Large print test book (14‐point) and answer sheet (for paper-based testing)
  •   Scrap paper (to be collected by test center personnel at end of testing session)
  •   Wheelchair access

If possible, your test center should also provide preferential seating to those test takers who need to better hear instructions or cut down on distractions. 

Items Provided by Test Taker

Test takers who need these items are responsible for bringing them. Your test center is not required to have them available. Any form of accommodation or modification not listed below, including a separate room, requires approval.

  • Colored transparent overlays (for paper‐based testing only)
  • Colored scrap paper (to be collected by test center personnel at end of testing session)
  • Earplugs (not attached to any electronic device)
  • Plain, unmarked straightedge to assist with keeping place while reading. You may use a piece of scrap paper for this purpose but it must be returned at the end of the testing session.
  • Handheld magnifying device (without memory)
  • Seat cushion/back pillow, or footstool. Item will be inspected by test center personnel before and after testing.
  • Prescription medication. Must be in the prescription bottle indicating your name, dosage and directions
  • Service animals
  • Medical devices (asthma inhaler, hearing aid, pacemaker, insulin pump on vibrate or silent, oxygen tank, TENS stimulator)
  • Highlighter or black felt pen for essays and scratch work only

How Test Takers Request Accommodations and Schedule Appointments

Test takers must request accommodations prior to scheduling. Once they receive approval, they can schedule their appointments.

All test takers must request their accommodations and schedule or change their appointments through ETS. They cannot do it through their online accounts or through a test center.

For more information, see:

  • Disability Accommodations for Test Takers — information for test takers about the accommodations request process
  • Disability Documentation Policy Statements and Forms — information about what documentation is necessary to support requests for accommodations

Test Preparation Materials in Accessible Formats

To order accessible test preparation materials, contact ETS Disability Services.

Contacting ETS Disability Services
Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST

1‐609‐359‐5615 or 1‐855‐802‐2748 (toll‐free)
HiSETSSD@ets.org
1‐609‐240‐0525 (fax)

ETS Disability Services
P.O. Box 6054
Princeton, NJ 08541–6054 USA

Language Versions and Combination of Scores

The HiSET® test is available in English and Spanish versions. The Spanish version of the test is available at any authorized testing center. Examinees can combine English and Spanish tests together to earn HSE credential.

Tester Data

The OAE and Test Center Administrators can access tester data through the HiSET administrator portal. The State HSE HISET Test Administrator approves access to these systems for all users.

At such a point that these systems limit access to data for individual testing centers and for collecting consent for release of information to preparation programs, the HSE Administrator will reevaluate access to these systems.

Test Takers can access score results online via the HiSET® Test Taker Portal.

The MS Competency-Based High School Equivalency Diploma Option is an alternate HSED embedded with both academic standards and industry recognized credentials for students enrolled in the Mississippi Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (MIBEST) or an Integrated Education and Training Pathway.  Instruction is designed to recognize the academic learning that occurs within the training programs. Essentially, the academic learning occurs through authentic, real-world problems and projects completed within the industry credential training. Mastery of content and competencies, as well as use of existing assessments for pre- and post-testing, such as TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) and  ACT WorkKeys® is the form of assessment used in lieu of the GED, HiSET, or TASC norm testing.  

Competency-Based Diploma Model 

Eligibility

  • Must be a Mississippi resident
  • Not enrolled or required to be enrolled in school under the compulsory school law
  • Has not received a valid high school diploma or a High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED)

Enrollment in Adult Education Program

  • Meet with Transition Specialist/Navigator
  • Create Student Success Plan
  • Student portfolio
  • Register with MS WORKS
  • WIOA Common Case Management Technology (Hub)
  • Identify Barriers
  • Referrals to core agencies

Upon completion of the following components, participants will be awarded a Mississippi High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) validated and issued by the State of Mississippi.  All HSEDs are distributed through DiplomaSender.

Competency Based Diploma Completion Requirements

  1. Obtain a minimum score of Educational Functioning Level 5 (Grade Equivalency of 9.0-12.9) on the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) in two of the following subject areas: Reading, Language, or Math.
  2. Enroll and complete a minimum of 40 hours of instruction in an Adult Education Program.  

College & Career Readiness Standards – All students will receive instruction in reading, writing, and math aligned with the College and Career Readiness Standards required by the Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education.

  1. Earn fifteen (15) college credit hours earned in a MIBEST program or designated Integrated Education and Training Pathway
    1. Prior Learning Assessment/Credit by Examination college credits are allowable
    2. Developmental education credits are excluded
    3. Minimum GPA 2.0 or higher
  2. Earn a National Career Readiness Certificate – Silver
    1. Applied Math – Level 4
    2. Workplace Documents – Level 4
    3. Graphic Literacy – Level 4
  3. Earn an Industry Recognized Credential 

Applications for the Competency Based Diploma should be completed and signed by the local adult education director.  Complete applications should be mailed to:

Mississippi Community College Board
Office of Adult Education
3825 Ridgewood Road
Jackson, MS 39211

Upon receipt and approval, the Office of Adult Education will upload documents via a secure site to DiplomaSender.  Applicants will receive an email from DiplomaSender with instructions for ordering a complimentary diploma and transcript.  The $25.00 application processing fee will be paid directly to DiplomaSender at the time of order.

To accommodate the diverse needs of all our learners, Mississippi is proud to offer three options to receive your high school equivalency diploma: GED, HiSET, or Competency-based.

Click on the links above to learn more about each one or find your local program on the interactive map. Just click on the county you live in, and all the contact information to that program will be at your fingertips.

Adams Alcorn Amite Attala Benton Bolivar Calhoun Carroll Chickasaw Choctaw Claiborne Clarke Clay Coahoma Copiah Covington DeSoto Forrest Franklin George Greene Grenada Hancock Harrison Hinds Holmes Humphreys Issaquena Itawamba Jackson Jasper Jefferson JeffersonDavis Jones Kemper Lafayette Lamar Lauderdale Lawrence Leake Lee Leflore Lincoln Lowndes Madison Marion Marshall Monroe Montgomery Neshoba Newton Noxubee Oktibbeha Panola PearlRiver Perry Pike Pontotoc Prentiss Quitman Rankin Scott Sharkey Simpson Smith Stone Sunflower Tallahatchie Tate Tippah Tishomingo Tunica Union Walthall Warren Washington Wayne Webster Wilkinson Winston Yalobusha Yazoo

Coahoma Community College

Tamara Travis
510 Sunbelt Drive
Clarksdale, MS 38614

Phone: (662) 621-4307
Fax: (662) 621-4305
E-mail: twashington@coahomacc.edu
Website: Coahoma Community College

Copiah-Lincoln Community College
Beverly Fries
P.O. Box 649
Wesson, MS 39191-0649

Phone: (601) 643-8654
Fax: (601) 643-8216
E-mail: Beverly.Fries@colin.edu
Website: Copiah Lincoln Community College

East Central Community College
Alfreda Thompson
P.O. Box 129
Decatur, MS 39327

Phone: (601) 635-2111 x 387
Fax: (601) 635-4011
E-mail: arthompson@eccc.edu
Website: East Central Community College

East Mississippi Community College
Tshurah Dismuke
8731 South Frontage Road
Mayhew, MS 39753

Phone: (662) 243-2627
Fax: (662) 243-1931
E-mail: tdismuke@emmc.edu
Website: East Mississippi Community College

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Kelly Parker
10298 Express Drive
Gulfport, MS 39503

Phone: (228) 896-2512
E-mail: kelly.parker@mgccc.edu
Website: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Pascagoula Adult Learning Center
Kathleen Williams
1713 Kenneth Ave.
Pascagoula, MS 39567

Phone: (228) 938-6587
Fax: (228) 938-6445
E-mail: kwilliams@pgsd.ms
Webiste: Pascagoula Adult Learning Center

Hinds Community College
Ms. Kristi Johnson
11 Community College Blvd.
Pearl, MS 39208

Phone: (601) 936-1850
Fax: (601) 857-3919
E-mail: Kristi.Johnson2@hindscc.edu
Website: Hinds Community College

Rankin County Schools
Andrew Strehlow
135 1/2 South College Street
Brandon, MS 39042

Phone: (601) 825-5040
Fax: (601) 825-5283
Email: andrew.strehlow@rcsd.ms
Website: Rankin School District Adult Education

Holmes Community College
Earline Smith
The Attala Center
620 West Jefferson
Kosciusko, MS 39192

Phone: (662) 472-9105
Fax: (662) 472-9158
E-mail: esmith@holmescc.edu
Website: Holmes Community College

Grenada School District
Priscilla Burns
423 S. Line Street
Grenada, MS 38901

Phone: (662) 227-6101
Fax: (662) 226-7462
E-mail: pburns@grenadak12.com
Website: Grenada School District Adult Education

Itawamba Community College
Audra Perry
3200 Adams Farm Road
Belden, MS 38826

Phone: (662) 407-1538
Fax: (662) 407-1507
E-mail:alperry@iccms.edu
Website: Itawamba Community College

Jones College
Wendy Evans 
72 Technology Blvd., Box 1
Ellisville, MS 39437

Phone: (601) 477-2228
E-mail: wendy.evans@jcjc.edu
Website: Jones College

Meridian Community College
Jennifer Whitlock
910 Highway 19 North
Meridian, MS 39307

Phone: (601) 484-8796
Fax: (601) 484-8703
E-mail: jwhitloc@meridiancc.edu
Website: Meridian Community College

Mississippi Delta Community College
Christopher L. Lee
P.O. Box 668, Hwy 3/Cherry Street
Moorhead, MS 38761-0668

Phone: (662) 246-6572
Fax: (662) 246-6517
E-mail: clee@msdelta.edu
Website: Mississippi Delta Community College

Coahoma Community College*
Tamara Travis
510 Sunbelt Drive
Clarksdale, MS 38614

Phone: (662) 621-4307
Fax: (662) 621-4305
E-mail: twashington@coahomacc.edu
Website: Coahoma Community College

*Coahoma Community College only serves Bolivar County within the Mississippi Delta District

Northeast Mississippi Community College
Laurie Kesler
Holliday Hall, 317, 101 Cunningham Boulevard
Booneville, MS 38829

Phone: (662) 720-7259
Fax: (662) 720-7464
E-mail: lgkesler@nemcc.edu
Website: Northeast Mississippi Community College

Northwest Mississippi Community College
Jennifer Williams
P.O. Box 7048
4975 Hwy. 51 North
Senatobia, MS 38668-7048

Phone: (662) 562-3450
Fax: (662) 560-5214
Email: jwilliams@northwestms.edu
Website: Northwest Mississippi Community College

Coahoma Community College*
Tamara Travis
510 Sunbelt Drive
Clarksdale, MS 38614

Phone: (662) 621-4307
Fax: (662) 621-4305
E-mail: twashington@coahomacc.edu
Website: Coahoma Community College

*Coahoma Community College only serves Quitman, Tunica and Tallahatchie Counties within the Northwest Community College District

Pearl River Community College
Ruby Smith
PRCC Woodall Technology Center
906 Sullivan Drive
Hattiesburg, MS 39401

Phone: (601) 403-1431
Fax: (601) 554-5550
E-mail: rsmith@prcc.edu
Website: Pearl River Community College

Southwest Community College
Cindy Bennett
1146 Horace Holmes Dr.
Summit, MS 39666

Phone: (601) 276-3846
Fax: (601) 276-3883
Email: cbennett@smcc.edu
Website: Southwest Mississippi Community College

3825 RIDGEWOOD RD, JACKSON, MS 39211 | (601) 432-6518 | SKILLUP@MCCB.EDU |
COPYRIGHT 2019 © SKILL UP MISSISSIPPI