In Louisiana there are 5 ways to earn your High School Equivalency (HSE) (opens in new tab), and skill-building, HSE preparation classes are FREE through the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) WorkReady U/Adult Education statewide network of approved providers.
Because there are so many ways to earn your HSE, your WorkReady U/Adult Education program(opens in new tab) can help you choose the best option for YOUR goals! We can also connect you with scholarships and other types of financial aid(opens in new tab) to assist with testing fees, college tuition, or workforce training classes at an LCTCS campus!
Explore Your Options
A true High School Equivalency (HSE) credential or diploma must be recognized and validated by the state of Louisiana. If a diploma or equivalency credential is not recognized by state or local authorities, you’re paying for something that is not legitimate.
- The Louisiana Department of Education(opens in new tab) can verify your high school records, send transcripts, and provide your earned high school diploma.
- The LCTCS / Diploma Sender(opens in new tab) allows you to obtain a copy of your HSE diploma (HiSET or GED).
How to Spot a Fake Diploma Provider
Don’t assume an HSE provider is truthful just because they say “accredited.” Read more about diploma scams on the FTC website (opens in new tab). Avoid programs using phrases like:
- “Fully accredited online high school”
- “Take an online test and earn a professional degree instantly”
- “Diploma based on life experience”
Review the 5 Approved HSE Options (Pathway Finder) (opens in new tab)
Learn foundational and high-demand workforce skills while earning your HSE at the same time!
Requirements (Age 18+, not in HS):
- Earn an approved Industry Based Credential (IBC)
- Earn 12 credit hours of career/technical coursework
- Demonstrate foundational skills in Reading, Writing, and Math via assessment
Earn minimum standard scores on approved placement tests (ACT or Accuplacer) to demonstrate college readiness.
Test scores must be earned within 5 years of HSE application date.
- ACT: English = 18+ | Math = 19+
- Accuplacer: English = 250+ | Math (QAS) = 250+
Demonstrate college readiness by successfully completing developmental or corequisite coursework with a grade of “C” or better in Math and English at an LCTCS college.
Courses must be completed within 5 years of HSE application date.
- Complete developmental/corequisite English AND Math (Grade C or higher).
- Check your transcript if you attended an LCTCS college recently!
Demonstrate readiness through a COMBINATION of coursework and placement test scores.
For example, you could complete a Math course with a "C" and use an ACT score for English (or vice-versa).
Louisiana offers both HiSET and GED options.
| HiSET Info | GED Info |
|---|---|
| Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies | Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies |
| ~7 hours total | ~7 hours total |
| English & Spanish, Computer or Paper | English & Spanish, Computer only |
| $115 total (approx) | $154 total (approx) |
| About HiSET (opens in new tab) | About GED (opens in new tab) |