The state of Wisconsin offers two options for high school completion: the General Education Development certificate (GED), and the High School equivalency Diploma (HSED). The GED is accepted by most employers and colleges and meets the requirements for Financial Aid. Some employers, universities and branches of the military may require an HSED. You decide which option is best for you.

GED/HSED tests cover five content areas:

  1. Civic Literacy
  2. Language Arts
  3. Mathematics
  4. Science
  5. Social Studies

Eligibility Requirements:

You may take the GED/HSED tests if you:

  • Are a resident of Wisconsin for voting purposes, or have lived in Wisconsin for at least 10 days, or are a migrant worker, or are the child of a migrant worker.
  • Are at least 18 years and 6 months of age, or the class with which you entered grade 9 has graduated from high school.
  • Have not graduated from high school and are not enrolled in any public or private high school.
  • Have completed a GED orientation which includes a counseling session and reading assessment.

Ability To Benefit

Get your GED/HSED while earning a degree!
And it's Financial Aid Eligible!

GED/HSED Help Near You

Southwest Tech offers help with your GED/HSED through an outreach site near you.

  • GED

    Individuals who wish to obtain a GED must complete a career assessment and pass five tests:

    • Are a resident of Wisconsin for voting purposes, or have lived in Wisconsin for at least 10 days, or are a migrant worker, or are the child of a migrant worker.
    • Are at least 18 years and 6 months of age, or the class with which you entered grade 9 has graduated from high school.
    • Have not graduated from high school and are not enrolled in any public or private high school.
    • Have completed a GED orientation which includes a counseling session and reading assessment.

    • HSED

      Individuals who wish to obtain an HSED must meet all of the GED requirements and demonstrate competency in the following areas:

      • Health
      • Employability Skills

      Some requirements may be satisfied by prior middle school or high school coursework. High school students pursuing a credential under a contracted agreement must work toward an HSED.