01. How do I “get my GED” or earn my High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma?To earn your HSE in Pennsylvania, you must pass all subtests of either the GED® or the HiSET®. Click here for a one-page comparison chart...
02. How do I register for the test? You must make an online account at GED.com or HiSET.ets.org. When you are ready to test, we can help you with the process. After creating an account, you’ll choose a testing site / test subject / test time. Then, you must pay for the test (whichever subject you choose) with a credit or debit card (a prepaid MasterCard or Visa from the store will work.). After you receive confirmation that your test has been scheduled and paid for, put it on your calendar. Be sure to arrive at the test site early on the day of your test and take a valid PA photo ID (such as a driver’s license or photo ID) as it is required! You must also register at diplomasender.com to receive your diploma and transcript once testing is complete.
03. Do I have to take the entire test at one time? We recommend that you focus on and test in one or two subjects at a time.
04. Why isn’t it called GED anymore? GED® is one of two high school equivalency tests in PA; HiSET® is the other one. The Commonwealth of PA Secondary School Diploma may be achieved by passing the GED® test or the HiSET®.
05. Am I eligible to take the GED®/HiSET® in Pennsylvania?
You must be a resident of Pennsylvania.
You cannot be enrolled in an accredited high school or be a high school graduate.
You must be 18 years of age to take the exams.
However - If you are 16 or 17, you can take the exam if you meet specific requirements.
06. How long will it take to get my diploma/GED/HiSET/HSE? That depends on you. If you attend class regularly and focus on your end goal, you are more apt to pass the GED® or HiSET® in the shortest amount of time. You must also consider what grade you were in when you left school. Typically, people who left school in 11th/12th grade require less review than someone who left school in 8th/9th grade. Everyone is different. Our best advice is to attend class regularly, determine to meet your goal, trust our staff to guide you, and give yourself the time you need to learn the content. Making it a priority will pay off in the end.
07. Is there an age limit for your classes? Typically, we work with students age 18 and over, but, you can attend our classes if you are 17 and not currently enrolled in high school. To attend at age 17, you must bring to orientation an official letter of withdrawal from the school you last attended. You may not test at 17. (See eligibility requirements in FAQ 05.)
08. Where are classes held? See this page… 09. When do classes meet?See this page… 10. What classes are available?See this page… 11. I work during the day, can I attend class in the evening? Short answer, “Yes.” See this page…
12. Will there be a lot of other students in my class? That depends on which days you attend, as well as which class site. The average number of students ranges from 2 to 7. At all sites, you will receive individualized instruction from our teachers. This allows you to accomplish your goals at your own pace.
13. Will your program provide childcare for my child/children while I attend class? No, the Adult Education Program does not provide childcare, but we can direct you to programs in our area that provide childcare. In Huntingdon County, ask about our Family Literacy Program.
14. When can I start? You may begin classes once you complete the orientation and TABE® pre-test process. Monday is our scheduled day for orientation here at Huntingdon CareerLink, but we will also try to accommodate your schedule if you work. Call us or stop in to register and/or get more detailed information.
15. What is TABE®? TABE® (Tests of Adult Basic Education) consists of 3 diagnostic tests - Reading, Math, and Language. During orientation, you will complete the TABE® Locator (in Reading and/or Math) and either the Reading or Math TABE®, depending on which area of the GED® or HiSET® you will focus on first.
The TABE®:
Places you at the proper level in an adult basic education program
Helps the teacher track your progress using your strengths and needs
Shows your progress and readiness using both a pre and post tests