DuPage Regional Office of Education is happy to assist persons who have not graduated from high school and are interested in the opportunity to earn the High School Equivalency (HSE) Certificate. The statutory authority for Illinois state HSE responsibilities are outlined in the School Code. ISBE has the responsibility for coordinating a statewide system for the issuance of high school equivalency certificates. ROEs have administrative and certificate insurance authority in all regions of the state, except Cook County. Currently Illinois offers three HSE exams, any of which will satisfy the necessary subject testing requirements. Successful completion of the Illinois Constitution Test is also a requirement for the HSE. Examinees who achieve the minimum standards established by the Illinois State Board of Education will receive the High School Equivalency Certificate.
An individual is eligible to take the HSE Test given they meet all of the following conditions:
- Is 18 years of age or older*
- Does not have a high school diploma or GED credential
- Is a resident of the State of Illinois
*If an individual is 17 years old and has been enrolled in a public, private, or a home school setting in the last 12 months, they must present a withdrawal letter from the last school enrolled in before taking the HSE tests. If homeschooled, they must also provide a letter from the person responsible for the homeschooling (e.g., instructor, tutor, parent, guardian, etc.) stating the program has been completed, the individual is no longer required to be homeschooled, and the individual has been cleared to take the HSE exam. Proof of withdrawal can be emailed to ilhseiccb@iccb.state.il.us or Fax 217.558.6700.
Illinois offers three options to receive your High School Equivalency; two are testing options, and the 3rd option, transcript evaluation, is available to applicants who have completed at least 75% of the required high school credits. You can find information on the tests, including how to register, study materials, practice tests, and more by visiting the individual test websites, and you can find information on transcript evaluation by visiting the last link.
- Information on the GED Test
- Information on the HiSET Test
- Information on Transcript-Based Method of Credentialing
In addition to the above options, a passing score on the U.S. and Illinois State Constitution and Flag test is required before the High School Equivalency Certificate can be issued.
You can take any of the HSE Tests, as well as the required Constitution Test at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn or COD testing sites in Carol Stream, Naperville, or Westmont. More information on testing at COD can be found HERE.
Registration for the content area tests is done through the individual testing websites.
Registration is not necessary for the required Constitution test. You will find more information on taking the Constitution test HERE.
For more information on the options/assistance/test preparation available please contact College of DuPage HSE services at 630.942.3697 or click HERE.
If you were a resident of DuPage County at the time of testing, the ROE should be able to help you! We provide High School Equivalency (HSE) Certificates and Transcripts upon written request, via mail or in person. The fee is $10.00 per transcript and $10.00 per certificate. If you are visiting our office, please bring your driver’s license or other form of photo identification as well as the fee. If you are requesting by mail, complete the Request Form and return it to our office with the appropriate fees and a copy of identification. You may want to contact our office first to confirm that we are the holder of your record, and that your record is complete.
PAYMENT INFORMATION: In office we accept cash, cashier’s check/money order made payable to DuPage ROE or Visa/MasterCard (your name must be on card). Via mail we accept cash, cashier’s check/money order made payable to DuPage ROE. NO PERSONAL CHECKS ACCEPTED – REQUESTS ACCOMPANIED BY PERSONAL CHECKS WILL BE RETURNED TO YOU.
If you took the HSE test but were not a resident of DuPage County, you should contact the Regional Office of Education in the county you resided at or call the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) at 217.558.5668. Click HERE to find your Regional Office of Education.
Cook County residents should contact the Cook County GED/HSE Testing Program at 312.814.4488.
