What is a high school equivalent diploma?

A high school equivalency diploma, also known as a GED (General Educational Development) credential or a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma, is a nationally recognized alternative to a traditional high school diploma. It demonstrates that the recipient has achieved a level of knowledge and skills comparable to a high school graduate.

It's earned by successfully completing a standardized test covering subjects typically taught in high school, such as:

* Reading: Comprehension and interpretation of written text.

* Writing: Composition and grammar skills.

* Mathematics: Arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.

* Science: Basic concepts in biology, chemistry, and physics.

* Social Studies: History, civics, and economics. (This might be combined with other subjects on some tests).

The specific requirements and testing process vary slightly from state to state, but the overall goal remains the same: to certify that someone has mastered the fundamental knowledge and skills generally associated with a high school education. The GED is the most widely known example of a high school equivalency credential, but other tests and programs exist.