High School Equivalency (HSE) Credential
News & Announcements
Test Free in Virginia!
Enroll in an adult education program (distance education options available) and earn testing vouchers for free GED® testing by passing each GED Ready practice test.
High School Equivalency (HSE) Testing
All reference to GED® in the Code of Virginia has been changed to a high school equivalency examination approved by the Virginia Board of Education, effective January 1, 2014. The HSE testing format changed from paper-based to computer-based. The Code of Virginia (22.1-254.2
), “Testing for high school equivalency; eligibility; guidelines” are unchanged since July 1, 2006. Applicants must meet all other eligibility guidelines of the HSE examination provider. For more information, see Superintendent’s Memo 010-17.
Currently, the only Virginia board-approved HSE examination in Virginia is the GED® test, which was developed to enable persons who have not graduated from high school to demonstrate the attainment of abilities normally associated with completion of a high school program of study. The 2014 GED® test series measures not only high school equivalency, but also career and college readiness.
GED Testing Service is a joint venture of the American Council on Education and Pearson VUE
GED Program Information
- HSE (GED) Office:
804-225-3999 or 804-786-3347 - GED Virginia
- GED Helpline (VCU Resource Center):
1-877-37MYGED
(877-376-9433)
- Transcripts & Certificates:
GED Credentialing
GED® Battery of Tests
The GED® battery of four tests measures the skills considered to be the major outcomes of a high school education. The tests focus on the major use of skills and concepts rather than upon recall of specific facts. The questions focus on the general abilities to analyze, evaluate, and draw conclusions.
Subject Areas
- Reasoning through Language Arts
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Science
- Social Studies
For all other general questions about GED® instruction and testing, call the Virginia HSE Office at 804-225-3999. To view frequently asked questions about the 2014 GED® Program see GED Testing Service FAQs
GED® Regulations & Requirements
- High School Equivalency (HSE) Testing – Superintendent's Memo No. 010-17, January 13, 2017
- To qualify for a Virginia GED ® Certificate, a score of 145 or better is needed on each subject area test. The following scores determine an examinee’s performance level:
- 145-164: Pass/High School Equivalency
- 165-174: Pass/College Ready
- 175-200: Pass/College Ready + Credit
Register to take the GED test by visiting GED.com.
GED Test Preparation
For information on what you can do to prepare for the GED Test and to find GED classes in your area, call 877-37MYGED (877-376-9433.) You may also visit www.gedva.com.
GED Accommodations
Test accommodations are individualized and considered on a case-by-case basis. GED Testing Service provides detailed information for test takers and diagnosing professionals.
GED Testing Sites
To find a testing center in your area:
- Contact your local or regional adult education program using the Adult Education Regional Provider List.
- Locate the nearest GED testing center using the GED Test Center Search.
- Create a free account on myGED to see a full list of testing centers.
GED Transcript and Certificate Requests
VDOE no longer accepts paper, phone, fax or email requests for the fulfillment of GED credentials. GED test takers who earned a credential can order duplicate copies of transcripts and official Virginia GED certificates online at the GED Credentialing website.
Refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQs) documents for administrators and test takers for more information:
- Virginia’s GED Credentialing FAQs for Administrators
- Virginia’s GED Credentialing FAQs for Test takers
Request for Application: Approval of High School Equivalency Examination Providers
Below are the requests for Application for High School Equivalency Examinations and the Guidelines for High School Equivalency Examinations in Virginia. Vendors not approved in 2020-2021 have the opportunity to apply again. The application period begins on October 4, 2021, and applications are due to the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education by November 19, 2021.
- 2021 Request for Application-This is a Word document. (Word)
- High School Equivalency Examination Guidelines-This is a Word document. (Word)
GED and GED Testing Service are registered trademarks of the American Council on Education and may not be used or reproduced without express written permission. The GED and GED Testing Service brands are administered by GED Testing Service LLC under license from the American Council on Education.