FAQ
- How old do I need to be to enroll?
- What are placement assessments?
- What documentation is required at placement assessment?
- What do my assessment scores (CASAS) mean?
- What is orientation?
- How much does it cost?
- When do classes start?
- Can I do it all online?
- What are post-assessments?
- What are the Official Practice Tests (OPT’s)
- What do I need to do to complete my HiSET?
- When is the graduation ceremony?
- Where can I obtain a copy of my diploma and transcript?
- What are the High School Equivalency College Scholarships?
- Special Accommodations
How old do I need to be to enroll?
You must be within three months of your 17th birthday to enroll in the program. (Exception:
Individuals who are court ordered to attend HSE courses may enroll any time after
their 16th birthday.)
What are placement assessments?
The assessments, in reading and math, are used to determine your placement in the
program by identifying your specific academic needs.
What documentation is required at placement assessment?
- Photo identification
- Social Security Number
17 & 18 year olds will need:
Drop slip or letter of non-enrollment from the last high school attended
17 year olds will also need:
Parent or guardian (to sign permission form)
What do my assessment scores (CASAS) mean?
The CASAS assessment scores are placement scores within the program and determine
the class. To get a sense of what the scores mean, please see this chart from CASAS.
What is orientation?
Orientation is an essential experience for new students. It is designed to provide
students with an in-depth understanding of the High School Equivalency (HSE) program.
How much does it cost?
- Registration is free.
- $50 testing fee paid to HiSET when you are ready to begin testing. This covers all five exams (low income students may apply for assistance with testing fees).
- Diploma fee is free for the first copy of your HSE diploma, verification letter or
transcripts. Requests can be submitted once all HiSET scores are confirmed.
When do classes start?
See Academic Calendar.
Can I do it all online?
No. We offer online resources such as Khan Academy and EdReady to supplement what
you are learning in class, but these are not meant to be stand-alone programs.
What are post-assessments?
Post-assessments scores will determine your progress through the program and towards
your learning goals.
What are the Official Practice Tests (OPT’s)
These assessments are required prior to taking the official High School Equivalency
Test (HiSET)
What do I need to do to complete my HiSET?
Complete the HiSET assessment for each of the five subject areas: Math, Writing, Reading,
Social Studies and Science.
When is the graduation ceremony?
The Adult Education program hosts graduation ceremonies for each campus at the end
of the program year, typically in June. All students who have successfully completed
their High School Equivalency Test are welcome to participate and to invite their
friends and family.
Where can I obtain a copy of my diploma and transcript?
Individuals may request High School Equivalency transcripts, verification letter or
diploma. To submit a request, please go to DiplomaSender 
What are the High School Equivalency College Scholarships?
Through the generosity of the EICC and college foundations, all students who receive
their High School Equivalency Diploma from any of the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
will be given a voucher equivalent to three credit hours at Clinton, Muscatine or
Scott Community College. The scholarship may be used toward a course in a degree program
or for non-credit certificate coursework. Graduates have up to two years from the
date of completion to use their scholarship.
Special Accommodations
To request accommodations for test day, visit the HiSET Website or contact the Adult Education program and ask to speak with the HSE Career Navigator
at your local campus.
Students in need of accommodations for access to instruction may request services from the Assistant Dean at their location.
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges ensures that its programs, activities, and services are in compliance with access provisions of state and federal civil rights legislation for persons with disabilities. The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) defines a person with a disability as any person who has a record of, or is regarded as having, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. An “otherwise qualified individual with a disability” is a person who, with or without reasonable accommodations, can meet the essential program or course requirements.
District policy calls for reasonable accommodation to be made for otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities on an individualized basis. It is, however, the responsibility of the student to seek available assistance at each college, to make his/her needs known, and to provide current documentation of disability. Students with disabilities may use a variety of services or reasonable accommodations intended to reduce the effects that a disability may have on their performance in an academic setting. Services do not lower course standards or alter program requirements but instead give students a better chance to demonstrate their academic abilities.