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GED/HSED

The GED and HSED are computer-based high school equivalency tests that measure skills expected of high school graduates. The General Educational Development (GED) certificate is accepted by most employers, technical colleges, and community colleges. However, some employers, universities, and branches of the military require a High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED). 

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Testing and Study Locations

Blackhawk provides flexible and supportive options to complete the GED/HSED requirements. With flexible lab times and instructor-led classes at three locations, students have many options to prepare for the GED/HSED tests. 

Beloit-Janesville Campus

6004 S. County Rd G, Janesville, (608) 757-7666

Monroe Campus

210 Fourth Ave., Monroe, (608) 328-1660

Beloit Public Library

605 Eclipse Boulevard, Beloit

How Do I Get Started?

This page:
Test Overviews In-Person Testing Requirements What Happens After Testing?

You decide – are you ready to test now or do you want to take classes to help you prepare? If you are not sure, contact Blackhawk's Central Campus Testing Center at (608) 757-7666 or TestingCenter@blackhawk.edu to schedule an appointment to discuss your options.

GED Orientation Course Objectives:

  • Determine the options available to you to earn a GED or HSED
  • Complete activities necessary to work toward an identified goal, career, or occupation
  • Develop a plan for completion of one of the GED/HSED options

You will not be able to schedule tests prior to fulfilling this requirement. If you have completed GED/HSED Orientation (at Blackhawk or elsewhere) and have an approved GED.com account, you are eligible to schedule your test.

Alternative Options:

Wisconsin's High School Equivalency Program, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), oversees the GED test preparation, instruction, and testing process in Wisconsin.

View GED/HSED Options in Wisconsin

Additional Testing Information

Apply to Blackhawk Technical College and select GED/HSED as your program

Contact the Blackhawk Testing Center at (608) 757-7666 or TestingCenter@blackhawk.edu to schedule your TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education).

  • Complete your TABE*
  • Meet with an instructor to review your scores
  • Register for classes (at no cost)
  • Work with your instructor to create a personalized education plan to fit your needs

Apply to Blackhawk Technical College and select GED/HSED as your program

Contact the Blackhawk Testing Center at (608) 757-7666 or TestingCenter@blackhawk.edu to schedule your TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education).

  • Complete your TABE*
  • Meet with an instructor to review your scores
  • Register for GED/HSED Online Orientation (at no cost - TABE Reading score of M 501 or higher required)
  • Complete the BTC GED/HSED Online Orientation**

* TABE scores are valid for 6 months

** Wisconsin requires students to obtain counseling from an approved educational advisor in order to take the GED test. This GED/HSED Orientation course is designed to determine your eligibility to be granted a GED or HSED and to satisfy this counseling requirement.

You must be at least 18.5 or your 9th-grade class must have graduated high school.

You are not enrolled in any public or private high school.

You have lived in Wisconsin for at least ten days, or be a migrant worker, or the child of a migrant worker.

Test Overviews

The GED test consists of the following:

The GED tests are computer-based high school equivalency tests that measure skills expected of high school graduates.

The tests and prices are:

  • Science ($39.75)
  • Social Studies ($39.75)
  • Mathematical Reasoning ($39.75)
  • Reasoning through Language Arts ($39.75)
  • Civics ($10)

One option for the HSED includes all GED tests and:

A Health Test or health credit listed on a high school transcript (no cost)

Employability Skills Instruction (no cost)

Financial Assistance

For students who qualify, financial assistance is available to offset costs related to the GED/HSED tests. Talk with your instructor to learn more about options.

In-Person Testing Requirements

When you register for your GED test, you will receive an email from Pearson VUE explaining ID requirements. Be sure to read the email carefully. You will not be allowed to test if you do not meet the exam identification requirements. 

  • Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to the testing site. Testing begins promptly at the scheduled time.  
  • You are required to provide one valid form of identification. The ID must be government-issued and not expired. It must include your name, address, date of birth, signature, and photo. The following forms of ID are acceptable: passport, driver's license, national or state ID card, or any other government-issued ID (national or foreign), including Matricula Consular.
  • Coats, hats, cell phones, smart watches, purses/handbags, portable music players, any food or drink items, textbooks, etc. will need to be locked in secure storage while at the Testing Center. 

What Happens After Testing?

Upon passing all of the official GED/HSED requirements, your diploma will be issued by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). If you do not receive your diploma, or want to request GED transcripts, please visit dpi.wi.gov/ged/transcripts.