High School Equivalency (HSE) Preparation (GED/HiSET)

The General Education Development (GED) Test and the HiSET both measure your knowledge and academic skills against those of today's traditional high school graduates. Students who pass the GED or HiSET test will be granted a California High School Equivalency (HSE) Certificate.

Adult Basic Education offers two ways to prepare for the GED or HiSET: on-campus preparation in the Adult Basic Education Learning Center and ONLINE.

CLICK HERE to Register!

Schedule of Classes

General Education Development (GED) Preparation is offered in each of the four subject areas of the GED test. These areas are:

Reasoning through Language Arts
Mathematical Reasoning
Science
Social Studies

HiSET Preparation is offered in each of the five subject areas of the HiSET. These areas are:

Language Arts – Reading
Language Arts – Writing
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies

Steps to your HSE Certificate

Register Online and a counselor will contact you to schedule an orientation
Complete the Orientation online via Zoom (the counselor will send you an email with orientation dates & times)
Pre-Testing Assessment is provided in all subject areas of the GED and HiSET. Pre-and post-testing are emphasized to focus on the necessary areas of study
Meet with a Counselor Make an educational plan, develop strategies for accomplishing your goals, and receive assistance with college and career planning
Study (Computer, text-based, or classes) An Adult Learning Plan (ALP) is developed after pre-testing. Students set their own hours for study and instructors monitor progress
Take the Official GED or HiSET Exam Once the objectives of the ALP have been completed, an instructor will refer the student for the Official Exam at a designated testing site, including the Mt. SAC SCE Testing Center
Earn the High School Equivalency Certificate and Graduate! A cap and gown graduation is held in June of each year on the Mt. SAC campus. A counselor or advisor will assist you with continuing on your educational or career path

For information on the HSE Preparation Program or the HSE Distance Learning, please call (909) 274-4937 or email abeinfo@mtsac.edu.

HSE Preparation Student Guide

Guide to Registering at GED.com (for Practice Tests and more!)

GED/HiSET Information & Comparison

	GED	HiSET
Subject Areas and Time for Each Test	Reasoning through Language Arts: 150 min Mathematics: 115 min Science: 90 min Social Studies: 90 min	Language Arts-Reading: 65 min Language Arts-Writing: 120 min Mathematics: 90 min Science: 80 min Social Studies: 70 min
Passing Scores	150 on each test Total of 600	Average of 9 on each test (min. 8) Total of 45 (minimum)
Question Types	Multiple-choice & Drop-down Fill-in-the-blank Drag-and-drop & Hot Spot Extended response & Short Answer	Multiple-choice Essay
Testing Method	Tests are computer-based and accommodations may be available for eligible students.	Can choose either computer-based or pencil-paper tests
Accommodations Info	GED Disability Accommodations	HiSET Disability Accommodations

Frequently Asked Questions

- Where can I take my Official GED/HiSET exam?
  Learning Center staff will help you locate an Exam Center once the instructor determines that you are adequately prepared. One convenient option is to test at the Mt. SAC SCE Testing Center!
- How much does it cost and do I have to take all of the tests at once?
  The cost and schedule vary at each Exam Center. Prior to taking the official exam, please call the testing center for the exam schedule and to reserve a seat.
- What form of ID is accepted?
  A Driver’s License or State ID, current passport, or military ID.
- Am I eligible for the GED/HiSET?
  Any individual can take the test if he or she is at least 18 years of age or within 60 days of his or her 18th birthday. In special cases an individual may take the test at the age of 17.