Study for High School Equivalency (GED®, HiSET®)

Need a high school diploma but not sure where to start? This guide will help you understand your options and prepare for high school equivalency (HSE) exams accepted in Colorado.

Table of Contents

• GED®
• HiSET®
• Find Local Adult Education Providers
• Learn and Practice With Online Resources
• Have Questions?

As of 2022, the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) accepts the GED® and the HiSET®.  Review the Colorado High School Equivalency Testing webpage, opens a new window prepared by CDE to learn about and compare these two assessments, including information about the number of assessments to be taken, the cost, and passing scores. 

GED®

This exam is a good option for adults seeking an HSE diploma so that they could enter college. An advanced score on GED® might count towards general education credits in an undergraduate program. At the same time, taking GED® requires some comfort with technology, as some questions include scrolling, dragging, and rearranging items on the screen. The GED® assessment includes four subjects - Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning through Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science. The passing score in Colorado is 145.

Step 1. Try out these sample tests, opens a new window on GED.com . You don't need to register.
Notice how questions are different: some require to use drag-n-drop features or select an answer in a drop-down menu, while other questions are just multiple choice. You might also have to write a timed response to certain questions.

Step 2. Register on ged.com, opens a new window.
Creating an account on ged.com will give you access to a map of testing sites in the state of Colorado and allow you to schedule each part of the test. If you have a documented disability, you should upload that documentation on ged.com before you sign up for your first test. This will allow you to officially request accommodations.

HiSET®

This exam includes five subject areas (Language Arts is divided into Reading and Writing as separate subjects) and can be taken on paper. There is no incentive for getting an advanced score, but this assessment is a great option for individuals with lower computer skills. Also, all questions on this test are multiple choice (except of written response). There are no rearranging, drag-and-dropping or other more complex ways of responding. HiSET® is a great option for individuals just looking to get their high-school equivalency and enter employment.

Step 1. Check out these downloadable resources, opens a new window by HiSET®. They include sample questions, practice tests and examples of scoring pages for those who will take their exam on paper. 

Step 2. Scheduling a HiSET® test and requesting accommodations works a little differently. Read the guide prepared by ETS (HiSET® publisher) here, opens a new window. 

Find Local Adult Education Providers

This list of Adult Education Providers in the Denver Metro Area offers free or low cost HSE preparation classes locally. 

Learn and Practice With Online Resources

Since GED® will require using technology, practicing on online platforms is very important for your success:

• Free GED ® prep class with USAHello, opens a new window
  Sign up for this adult education program designed by a non-profit. You will have to use your email address to sign up.
• Learning Express, opens a new window
  Use your library card to access 2 practice tests and learning materials to prepare for GED, HiSET or TASC.
• Prepare for GED with GALE courses, opens a new window
  Use your library card to access GALE courses for free. GED class starts monthly.
• Free GED Prep Resources Tutorial at GCFGlobal, opens a new window
  Click on section 1 or 2 to see more information. You can learn where to get resources to study and what are alternatives to GED.
• Check if you are ready with TABE 11-12, opens a new window
  TABE = Test of Adult Basic Education. If you get a high score, you are likely to pass a high-school equivalency exam. Also, some community colleges use TABE to evaluate if an immigrant student is ready to take college classes in the US.
• Use HelpNow test prep tools to prepare for GED
  You will need your library card to access this platform.