High School Equivalency Testing
Wake Tech offers the GED® and HiSET® high school equivalency assessments. The two assessments cover the same content areas and allow test-takers to demonstrate proficiency and the academic skills expected by employers and post-secondary institutions.
Passing either of the two assessments in North Carolina will result in the issuance of a High School Equivalency Diploma by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges. Upon completion, order copies of your High School Equivalency Diploma or transcript through Diploma Sender.
For more information, please visit the North Carolina Community College System website.
Testing Center hours*
GED and Pearson VUE
GED and Pearson VUE
HiSET
*Appointments are required
Contact us
If you are interested in enrolling in our tuition-waived classes to help you prepare for your GED or HiSET test, you must connect with our advising team to get enrolled.
For other questions, you can call or email the following:
- Melissa Hinkle, HSE Testing Coordinator, [email protected]
- GED Customer Service, 877-392-6433
- HiSET Customer Service, 855-694-4738
Registration information
Test takers are required to create an online account with test vendors before scheduling their exams. To assist you in selecting a vendor, please view the information below.
- Create your account on the appropriate test vendor website.
- Schedule your exam. You should receive an email confirmation after scheduling.
- Prepare for your appointment by reviewing all information sent to you by your test vendor.
GED®
GED® Website
Customer Service: 877-392-6433
Computer-based testing only
HiSET®
HiSET® Website
Customer Service: 855-694-4738
Computer-based and paper-based testing available, but due to COVID-19, only computer-based testing is available at this time.
**Although the passing score for each subject area is 8, the total score must be 45 or above to be credentialed and receive a High School Equivalency diploma.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for high school equivalency testing?
Any person 18 years old or older may choose to take the GED® or HiSET®. If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must take the exam after you obtain approval. There will be an underage block on any account created for candidates ages 16 or 17 until the paperwork is submitted.
Download Underage Student forms or email Wendy Elston-Davis ([email protected]), Wake Tech's counselor for the North Carolina Basic Skills Education program, for information.
How can I get approval for testing if I am underage (16-17 years old)?
To get approval for HSE testing, you must obtain and complete drop/release forms. You can pick up a copy from the front desk at the Beltline Education Center, at 3200 Bush St. in Raleigh.
Upon completion, submit your forms to program counselor Wendy Elston-Davis either in person or electronically. After submitting your documents, you should create an account on the GED® or HiSET® website for underage approval.
Contact:
Wendy Elston-Davis
[email protected]
919-334-1506
Do I need to be a resident of North Carolina to take the GED® or HiSET® test?
No, there is no jurisdiction requirement. You must create an account with GED® or HiSET® to schedule exam appointments.
What score do I need to pass the High School Equivalency subject tests?
You must score a 145 for GED® to pass each subject area. For HiSET®, you need to score a minimum of 8 on each subject area. However, your total score for all subject areas must be at least 45.
Can I combine GED® & HiSET® scores?
No, you must successfully pass and meet the requirements for one test vendor. You cannot combine scores.
What kind of ID is required to take GED® and HiSET® tests?
When you schedule your appointment, please read all the instructions carefully for ID requirements. You must have a valid government-issued ID to test, including a photo and a signature. We cannot accept North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles renewal slips, expired IDs or photos of valid IDs. These requirements are subject to change. It is important to contact your test vendor prior to your appointment if you are unsure about ID requirements.
Can I take my GED® or HiSET® test at home? How much does it cost?
Any person 18 years old old older has the option to take their GED® or HiSET® test at home. Please review the vendor-specific website for additional information, including technology requirements. At-home testing is coordinated through the test vendor and not Wake Tech's testing center. For assistance, please contact customer service.
- GED
Customer Service: 877-392-6433
Cost: $36 per subject.* Retakes are not included, so you pay $36 per subject per attempt. - HiSET
Customer Service: 855-694-4738
Cost: $17.10 per subject.* Vouchers cannot be used for at-home testing.
*Prices are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please contact a vendor's customer service line.
How can I request a copy of my diploma or transcript?
Upon completing your High School Equivalency credential, you can request copies of your diploma and transcript by registering at Diploma Sender. Follow the instructions provided on the website to obtain copies. For assistance, call Diploma Sender at 855-313-5799.
What should I do in case of inclement weather?
Information about the closing of the college because of inclement weather will be announced on the Wake Tech website. If you have a scheduled appointment, you will be contacted via the phone number or email address associated with your testing account as soon as possible. Any rescheduling will be done through customer service with your test vendor.
I cannot find any available appointments, what should I do?
Due to COVID-19, we open availability one month in advance. New dates should be available by the second week of each month. Please check back around that time for the next month’s availability.
Is there a place to store belongings during testing?
Yes, complimentary lockers are available in the Testing Center.
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