High School Equivalency (HSE) Credential

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Test for Free in Virginia!

Earn FREE GED® testing vouchers. Enroll in an adult education program (distance education options available), attend a minimum of 12 hours, and pass a GED Ready practice test in each subject area.

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 current GED® test series began on January 1, 2014, and it 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 current GED® test 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 Page.
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.

If ordering online is not feasible, complete this paper request form and mail to the address provided on the bottom of the page.

Refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQs) documents for administrators and test takers for more information:

Request for Application: Approval of High School Equivalency Examination Providers

The application period to receive Requests for Approval (RFA) from vendors of High School Equivalency (HSE) Examinations will open again on October 2, 2023. Below are the required Guidelines for High School Equivalency Examinations in Virginia. Vendors who have not been previously approved will have the opportunity to apply at that time.

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.