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Ohio Department of Education
New Options Available
for Ohio's High School Equivalence Test
Ohioans now have three testing options for earning a certificate of
high school equivalence. The Ohio Department of Education approved GED,
HiSET and TASC as the official testing companies for adult learners to
use to earn the certificate of high school equivalence, generally
considered to be the equivalent of a high school diploma.
“For individuals who haven’t earned a high school diploma, earning the
certificate of high school equivalence can be a life-changing event,”
said Paolo DeMaria, superintendent of public instruction. “A high
school diploma or its equivalent often is a minimum requirement for
applying for many jobs or for being promoted. It also is needed to
enroll in most colleges and advanced training programs. We are proud to
provide more testing choices for individuals seeking better futures."
Nearly 11 percent of adults over the age of 18 in Ohio have not
completed a high school diploma or an equivalent.
Many Ohioans require additional learning support prior to taking the
tests. The state’s Aspire workforce readiness programs, funded by the
Ohio Department of Higher Education, provide free classes for adults
desiring to take the equivalence tests. Information about the Aspire
programs can be found here or by calling 833-8ASPIRE.
“Having these high school equivalence options and the free classes
offered through the Aspire program can really give those individuals
who haven’t earned a high school diploma a jump start on a successful
future,” said Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor John
Carey. “The Aspire classes and the testing options not only put these
students on a pathway to continued education, but they also provide
motivation by showing them that they have what it takes to succeed.”
Individuals who are 16 and older who have withdrawn from school (if
ages 16-18) and have not previously earned a high school or honors
diploma are eligible to take a high school equivalence test. (Students
ages 16 or 17 require parental consent.) Students must register online
for the test of their choice and submit all required documentation to
the Ohio High School Equivalence Office.
“Ohio’s new options for the high school equivalence test will empower
more Ohioans to earn a certificate of high school equivalence,” said
Director Ryan Burgess of the Governor’s Office of Workforce
Transformation. “Whether their next step is to pursue employment or
continuing education, individuals who earn this certificate will be
better prepared for success in a rapidly changing economy.”
All previously awarded Ohio High School Equivalence Diplomas still are
considered valid.
The Ohio High School Equivalence Office at the Department of Education
provides guidance and assistance to test takers, preparation centers
and testing centers. More information about Ohio High School
Equivalence can be found on the Department’s website by clicking here.
Adult learners also may qualify for Ohio’s Adult Diploma and 22+ Adult
High School Diploma programs. More information about these programs can
be found by clicking here.
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