NH High School Equivalency Testing
High School Equivalency Testing
High School Equivalency Information for Schools - Special Webinar
The Bureau of Adult Education is offering a special webinar for schools to learn more about high school equivalency testing options including both the HiSET exam and the GED exam on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 from 9:00 am - 10:30 am. Topics covered will include:
- An overview of each test and how to help students choose a test
- Helping students register for the test including the process for students under 18
- Helping students pay for the test including ordering vouchers
- Test prep resources for students
hse-info-for-schools-sept-2024_0.pdf.
High School Equivalency Testing in New Hampshire
Starting in January, 2023, New Hampshire offers both nationally recognized high school equivalency tests, the HiSET Exam or the GED Exam, as options to earn a NH High School Equivalency Certificate.
At this time, test takers may NOT combine scores between the two tests. Each test taker must choose to take one test or the other in order to earn a NH High School Equivalency Certificate.
This information is provided to assist with determining which test to take. For more information on each test, please see:
General Information: HiSET Exam For NH Specific Policies: NH HiSET Policies
General Information: GED Exam For NH Specific Policies: NH GED Policies
Differences between the GED and HiSET: HSE Test Choice
Find a Testing Center: HSE Testing Centers
Registering to Take the High School Equivalency Exam
- If you are under 18, see Underage Youth
- If you are home schooled, see Home Schooled Applicants
If you are 18 or over, please follow these steps:
- Establish an account with your chosen test:
- HiSET Account link. For more information on how to create a HiSET account
- GED Account link.
- Make sure that the name and address of your account matches your government issued photo ID.
- Failure to do so may result in you not being admitted to the test center.
- Please do not set up more than one account. If you have difficulties setting up an account, please reach out to the appropriate customer service department.
- HiSET Customer Service 1-855-694-4738
- GED Customer Service 1-877-392-6433
- Be sure to write down your username and password. You will need to log into your account to schedule your test and to see your scores
Applying for Accommodations
If you will need accommodations on the test, you must apply for and receive approval BEFORE you book/schedule any tests.
Preparing for the Test
It is highly recommended that the test taker complete a practice test prior to taking the actual test. This will allow the test taker to determine if additional preparation or skill building is required prior to taking the actual test.
Please note that HiSET Free and Paid Practice Tests are not the same as the Official Practice Test required for underage test takers.
Free Practice Tests
There are free practice tests/sample questions available on each website.
Many local adult education centers offer in-person preparation classes. Please check Locations for a center near you or you can search for GED Prep Class
Paid Practice Tests
There are also paid practice tests for each of the tests.
- HiSET Paid Practice Tests
- GED Ready Tests (this is the same as the Official Practice Test needed for Underage Waiver approval)
Booking a Test
- Log into your HiSET Account or GED Account
- Choose a testing location and date
- If you are unable to find a convenient location and time, please reach out to your local test center.
- Pay for your test online using a credit card, Paypal or voucher
Paying for the Test
If you are unable to pay for the test, please check with your school, your employer, your health insurance carrier and any social service agency you are working with because they may be able to assist with some or all of the testing fees.
For third party payees, there are vouchers available for the HiSET and GED to cover the cost of the test for a student, employee or customer. For more information, please see:
Retaking/Rescheduling a Test
If you need to retake or reschedule a test, please read the policies for your chosen test carefully. There may be an additional cost for retaking a test.
Passing Requirements
| HiSET | GED |
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To pass the HiSET, the test taker must meet all of the following requirements:
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To pass the GED, the test taker must receive at least 145 out of 200 on each of the four content tests. |
High School Equivalency Certificates, Transcripts and Verifications
High School Equivalency Certificates
Upon successful completion of the HiSET or the GED exam, you will receive an official High School Equivalency Certificate from the NH Department of Education. This certificate is intended to be for decorative purposes only. Please do not give your original certificate to anyone, it cannot be replaced.
Your certificate will be automatically mailed to the address you entered into the HiSET or GED portal. Please make sure that you update your account if you move during or after testing (before you receive your certificate).
It may take up to 3 months to receive your official certificate from our office due to the volume of test takers in New Hampshire. If you need verification of completion and/or an official transcript before receiving your certificate, please see instructions below.
Transcripts
Unofficial Transcripts
You may print an unofficial transcript from your HiSET or GED account.
Official Transcripts
Once you have successfully passed either test, you may request an official transcript for entrance into postsecondary education/training, the military or to get a job. Please complete the form below and mail to the address on the form with the required $10.00 fee*.
*This fee is waived for incarcerated individuals and anyone who has not received a certificate yet.
We must receive your original signature on the request as well as your fee. We are not able to accept requests by fax or email.
Your transcript will be mailed to the address you designate and will be processed within one to two business days of receipt.
Verification Requests
If you are an employer, a post-secondary institution, military recruiter or other party needing to verify that an individual has earned a NH high school equivalency certificate, you must fax or mail a signed release of education records from the individual.
The request should contain the following information:
- The individual’s full name at time of testing
- The individual’s date of birth
- An approximate date of the high school equivalency certificate
- The location of the testing center
- Contact information in case more information is needed
Failure to provide the correct information and/or a signed release form may result in a delay in returning the verification.
The Bureau is not able to accept emailed or electronic requests.
Mail to:
High School Equivalency Office
Bureau of Adult Education
25 Hall Street
Concord, NH 03301
Fax to: (603) 271-3454