HiSET - High School Equivalency Test
All DMACC Campuses
Interested in enrolling in our program? Our upcoming HiSET orientations will begin in November and December. When you complete the orientation process, you will be eligible to join the HiSET prep classes that begin in January, 2024.
Are you ready? Complete
New Student Contact Information form to get started.
Questions? Call 515-697-7815!
Page Content
The HiSET Test and Instruction at DMACC (formerly GED)
The HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) is an assessment of skills and knowledge comparable to those of a high school graduate. It is not to be considered a substitute for completing high school and earning a diploma. It is an alternative for those who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to finish high school.
HiSET has replaced GED in the state of Iowa as the assessment tool used to award the High School Equivalency Diploma.
The HiSET test is a series of five tests covering writing, science, math, literature and the arts, and social studies. These tests require the test taker to apply reading, math, language, and critical thinking skills. Tests are taken one at a time, and can be taken in any order, as long as writing and math are not last. Passing the HiSET test series allows student to earn their High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED).
To meet the educational needs of all students, each site will offer classroom instruction covering all five areas of the HiSET. Students are required to attend a New Student Orientation as well as the HiSET class they are registered for. Classes are held several times per week over a 6-week
cycle.ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY!
The
Orientation and HiSET classes help you in at least five important ways:
-
Evaluation: The pretest administered during the Orientation can help you discover which subjects you need to study.
-
Instruction: Your HiSET class instructor will organize your studies and guide you in your preparation for the specific HiSET tests.
- Practice: Your instructor can give you practice tests similar to the HiSET. These will help you understand more about the nature of the HiSET tests.
-
Readiness for the HiSET testing: Your HiSET instructor can help you determine readiness to take and pass the official HiSET tests.
-
Preparation for Career Training: The basic skill instruction delivered in the HiSET classes will assist you in developing skills needed to continue career training after you've earned your HiSET.
For more information, please select from the following links or from the links in the left navigation:
Bridges to Success can help you earn your high school equivalency diploma (HSED) and pass the HiSET test, opening up a world of job and career opportunities.
- FREE classes, coaching, testing, and books
- Convenient times and locations
- Your own career coach to help you succeed and plan your future
- Work-ready practical lessons that are useful after the program.
You're not alone. 34,000 central Iowans don't have a high school diploma. We can help you earn it!
Student Testimonials
Crystal Beyers
HiSET Graduate, Fall 2021
Even if you've tried in the past and failed, you can do it! With the flexible options DMACC now offers, anyone can make this happen! I'm so glad I can be such a strong role model for my own kids after accomplishing this.
Irma Cortez
HiSET Graduate, Fall 2017
I came to the U.S. from El Salvador at age 16. At the time, I just wanted to work to send money home to my family. Two years ago, I decided to make a change and signed up for the HiSET program. After a bumpy start, I went on to receive my high school diploma and am currently taking accounting classes at DMACC to become an entrepreneur.
Harley Ekstein
HiSET Graduate, Fall 2017
I planned to join the Navy when I was old enough. Unfortunately, a bee sting and severe allergy ended that. Then, a month before I was to graduate from high school, my father died and I was forced to move. When I tried to enroll in high school I was told I’d have to repeat my entire senior year. That’s when I heard about HiSet. It wasn’t easy starting out . . . but it paid off in the end. Now, I’m enrolled at DMACC and hope to go on to law school to become a lawyer.
Joni Lutman
HiSET Graduate, Fall 2017
At 15, I dropped out of high school. I told myself I’d take the GED tests later. But later didn’t come. I had a family, found my niche and had a good job. While I was lecturing my children about the importance of education, I realized I was being a hypocrite. And then I was passed over for a much better position at work because I didn’t have my high school education. It was time . . . no more excuses. Now that I’ve earned my HiSET, the journey has shown me it’s never too late to create a goal and achieve it.
Maruice McFalls
HiSET Graduate, Fall 2017
I went from being a straight-A middle school student to high school dropout. But I knew I was not finished with school. The option to receive a diploma and continue my education led me to DMACC. I plan to start at DMACC in January, studying management information systems, then transfer to Iowa State and earn my Bachelor’s degree in computer science. DMACC is awesome!