High School Equivalency classes

HSE Preparation classes provide preparation for the high school equivalency tests with instruction in reading, writing and math.

Classes run in 8-week sessions, and are offered at 7 locations across the OTC area. Before joining a class a student will register for an orientation. For more information or to sign up, check out our HSE class locations & schedule.

Who is eligible to attend class?

To be eligible to attend HSE classes, students must be a Missouri resident, 17 years of age or older and not enrolled in secondary school. If under 18 years of age, the student needs a letter from the principal of the last school attended stating the student has withdrawn from high school. The principal should include the last date of attendance and that the student has permission to take the HSE test. Additionally, if the student is 16 years old, the program requires a school transcript with a minimum of 16 completed units of high school credit. Home-school students under 18 must have a form completed by a parent/guardian.

Missouri HSE Age Waiver Policy (Students under 17)

Missouri citizens (with a Missouri mailing address) less than 17 years of age interested in taking a state-approved High School Equivalency examination at a test center or less than 18 years of age interested in taking a HiSET® at Home/Secure Location Exam must apply for an age waiver by completing and submitting the Missouri HSE Test Age Waiver Application.

  • Per Missouri HSE Rule 5 CSR 20-200.310, one of the following conditions must be met for an HSE age waiver to be approved.  Please note that, by law, these are the only conditions under which an age waiver can be approved. If none of the conditions apply, the student cannot be approved and must wait to test until the age of 17.
    1. Be currently enrolled in school and qualify as a participant in an approved Missouri Option Program for at-risk youth;
    2. Be withdrawn from school, have successfully completed 16 units of credit toward high school graduation, and have written confirmation of course completion from the superintendent of schools where the most recent high school graduation credits were earned; or
    3. If home schooled, have met the requirements of Section 167.031, RSMo for course instruction and have written permission of the parent or legal guardian.
  • High School Transcript(s): For those applying as a withdrawn high school applicant less than 17 years of age, you must submit a copy of your high school transcript(s) in addition to the application.

MoLearns Online HSE Class

For students who are unable to attend any of our regular in-person HSE classes, there is an online option through MoLearns. Visit www.molearns.com to learn more and apply for the online class. Students must meet eligibility requirements, have regular access to a computer with internet access, and commit to a minimum of 5 hours per week of online study.

High School Equivalency Tests

A High School Equivalency (HSE) certificate is comparable to a traditional high school diploma and can be used to obtain employment or pursue education and training in Missouri. The Missouri State Board of Education approves two HSE tests in Missouri:

  • The GED® (General Educational Development) Test, provided by GED Testing Service (GEDTS®); and
  • The HiSET® (High School Equivalency Test), provided by PSI Services.

Follow the links above to learn more about the two tests.

HSE Certificates

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education partners with DiplomaSender to provide high school equivalency data management and HSE document processing services.

All HSE documents (certificates, transcripts, letters of verification) are available through DiplomaSender.com.

HSE Commencement

Each year the Ozarks Tech Adult Education and Literacy program hold a high school equivalency graduation ceremony to honor recent HSE recipients who attended HSE classes at OTC. Family and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend. If you have any questions, contact your HSE instructor.