High School Equivalency Diploma HiSET

Greenville Adult & Community Education's (GACE) High School Equivalency Diploma (HiSET) program assists any individual wanting to earn their high school diploma without having to complete all the traditional courses needed to earn a high school diploma. (See the HSD page for more information on high school diploma requirements.) The HiSET program is often referred to as the GED.

HiSET tests are designed to measure the broad range of academic knowledge and skills generally associated with four years of traditional high school instruction. The five subject areas tested are reading, writing, math, social studies, and science.

A high school equivalency diploma is received by attaining individual test scores on each test and an average five-test score on the complete battery of tests. There is no fee for the instruction or taking the HiSET test. There are age and program requirements.

Skills needed to earn a high school equivalency diploma may be developed and/or strengthened by attending small group or one-on-one classes and tutoring sessions, online courses and tutorials, or through independent study set up by the adult education instructor.

How do I get started?

Step 1: Call Greenville Adult & Community Education (GACE) at 695-2666 ext. 256 to schedule an appointment. Get started, make the call.

Step 2: No lines, no waiting . . . enrollment and orientation are done individually. At GACE, you don't have to wait for the next enrollment period or start date. Your personal and individualized study program begins as soon as you take the second step when you come in for your first meeting.

Step 3: GACE will provide you with everything you need to prepare for the HiSET. As you study for the HiSET, instruction, tutoring, and all necessary materials are available through GACE. Materials are available online, but unlike other states, Maine and your local adult education center cover test preparation costs at NO COST to you, the student.

Step 4: Maine requires pretesting. A program-administered pretest is needed before a student will be allowed to sit for the HiSET exam. Pretesting is done at your local adult education center (GACE). Even though pretests are available online for a fee, there is no need for you to purchase anything for the HiSET pretest. Once again, GACE will provide and cover the costs associated with the high school equivalency testing and diploma.

Step 5: Upon successful completion of the program-administered HiSET pretest, you can schedule to take your official HiSET exam. At GACE, HiSET tests are given on an individual basis so scheduling around your work, home, and school calendars is easily accommodated. If you are a resident of Maine, the Maine Department of Adult Education and your local program (GACE) cover all testing fees associated with the HiSET. There is NO student fee for testing in Maine.

Step 6: Receive your high school equivalency diploma. Congratulations. Now it's time to begin the next leg of your journey as a life-long learner: Employment? Promotion? Career Exploration? College? Trade School? Military Service? Self Enrichment? We're not done with you yet! GACE can help you along the way.