High School Equivalency Diploma

The High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED)¹ or High School Equivalency Program (HEP)² is an alternative education program to earning a high school diploma or passing the GED. Sometimes it can be synonymous.³ When spelled HSed, it can mean home schooled.

In some places, such as Wisconsin, the HSED is equivalent to a high school diploma because the Department of Public Instruction awards the credential. It is different from the GED, which only certifies the individual has the equivalent of a traditional high school education. Similar programs can be found in other states such as California.⁴ There are five ways to achieve the HSED according to the Wisconsin State Law establishing the HSED:⁵

• PI 5.05 - Take the GED tests and pass three other skill required courses plus a career counseling section.
• PI 5.06 - Complete unfinished high school credits at a local high school or college.
• PI 5.07 - Attain 24 semester or 32 quarter credits at a university or technical college; electives are allowed.
• PI 5.08 - Have a foreign degree or diploma.
• PI 5.09 - Go through an approved special high school completion program offered by a technical college or other group.

There are currently no venues for achieving a valid GED or HSED credential online. A number of diploma mills⁶ claim to offer such a service, but they are unofficial and invalid.