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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    High School Equivalency/ Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma (CSSD)

    The Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma (CSSD) is a high school equivalency credential available to Pennsylvania residents who do not possess a high school diploma and who have met criteria specified in the Pennsylvania Code (22 PA Code §4.72).

     

    The Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma may be achieved by passing the GED® test or the HiSET® exam or by completing the 30 College Credit Option.

    Diplomas and Transcipts

    High School Equivalency Options Summary

    The Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma (CSSD) is a high school equivalency credential available to Pennsylvania residents who do not possess a high school diploma and who have met criteria specified in the Pennsylvania Code (22 PA Code §4.72).

    Eligibility Criteria

    The Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma may be issued to an applicant who:

    • Is a resident of Pennsylvania;
    • Is at least 18 years of age;
    • Does not possess a secondary school diploma from the United States;  
    • Is not enrolled in a public, licensed private, registered accredited, or licensed nonpublic secondary school; and
    • Has completed 30 semester hours of study at a U.S. accredited institution of postsecondary education OR
    • Has either scored a passing score on a high school equivalency test in either language. Individuals must pass:
      • All four subtests of the GED® test OR
      • All five subtests of the HiSET® exam OR
      • A combination of subtests from the GED® test and HiSET®​ exam that covers all subject areas. 

    Equivalency Options

     HiSET® ExamGED® Test30 College Credit Option
    DescriptionTest in five subjects
    • Language Arts Reading
    • Language Arts Writing
    • Mathematics
    • Science
    • Social Studies
    		Test in four subjects
    • Reasoning through Language Arts
    • Mathematical Reasoning
    • Science
    • Social Studies
    		Alternative for eligible applicants with at least 30 semester hours from an accredited postsecondary institution in the United States
    RequirementsPassing score of 8 on each subtest, 2 on the essay and a minimum score of 45 on the complete battery.Passing score of 145 on each subtestSubmit the following to PDE:
    • 30-College Credit Option application
    • Proof of PA residency
    • Official college transcripts
    Cost

    Visit www.hiset.org
    Prices vary by test format

    Visit www.ged.com
    Prices vary by test format 

    		Cost of 30 college credits at the postsecondary institution
    Test Format
    • Paper-based
    • Computer-based
    • Online/Remote
    • English, Spanish
    • Computer-based
    • Online/Remote
    • English, Spanish
    		N/A
    Additional Informationwww.hiset.org

    *Additional fees may apply
    		www.ged.com

    *Additional fees may apply
    		Go to www.​education.pa.gov and search for “high school equivalency”
    Diplomas/ Transcriptswww.diplomasender.comwww.diplomasender.comwww.diplomasender.com

    Eligibility Requirements

    The Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma (CSSD) may be issued based on high school equivalency testing to an applicant who:

    • Is a resident of Pennsylvania;
    • Is at least 18 years of age;
    • Does not possess a secondary school diploma from the United States;
    • Is not enrolled in a public, licensed private, registered accredited, or licensed nonpublic secondary school; and
    • Has earned a passing score on all subtests in either language of a high school equivalency test. Individuals must pass: 
      • All four subtests of the GED® test OR
      • All five subtests of the HiSET® exam OR
      • A combination of subtests from the GED® test and HiSET® exam that covers all subject areas. 

    Individuals who are 18 year of age or older and Pennsylvania residents are eligible for high school equivalency testing.

    If you are 16 or 17 years of age you must meet all the above criteria, and provide the following to meet the requirements of Title 22 Pa Code §4.72:

    • Completed Age Waiver form for the respective test (GED® or HiSET®) AND one of the following documents:
      • A letter from an employer, on company letterhead, stating that you must pass the high school equivalency test (GED® or HiSET®) in order to gain or maintain employment; OR
      • A letter from a college or postsecondary training institution stating that you must pass the high school equivalency test (GED® or HiSET®) for enrollment; OR
      • A letter from a branch of the Armed Services stating that you must pass the high school equivalency test (GED® or HiSET®) for induction; OR
      • A letter from the director of a state institution in which you are a resident, patient or inmate requesting the high school equivalency test (GED® or HiSET®)

    Candidates who pass a high school equivalency test prior to turning 18 will be issued a transcript. The Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma will be issued on their 18th birthday.

    No persons under the age of 16 are eligible to take a test of high school equivalency.

    GED® Test

    For information about the GED® test including how to prepare for the test, finding a test center in your area, test costs, testing accommodations and registering for the test, visit www.myged.com

    Becoming a GED® test center
    GED Score Enhancements: GEDTS​ website

    HiSET® Test

    For information about the HiSET​® test including preparing for the test, finding a test center in your area, test costs, testing accommodations and registering for the test.

    HiSET​® test

    30 College Credit Option

    The 30 College Credit Option is a practical alternative for individuals who are living in Pennsylvania, do not have a high school diploma from a United States school, and have accumulated a minimum of at least 30 semester hours of study at an accredited institution(s) of postsecondary education located in the United States.

    The Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma (CSSD) may be issued to an applicant who:

    • Is a resident of Pennsylvania;
    • Is at least 18 years of age;
    • Does not possess a secondary school diploma from the United States;
    • Is not in a public, licensed private, registered accredited or licensed nonpublic secondary school;
    • And presents evidence of satisfactory completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours of study (in postsecondary level courses) at a U.S-accredited institution of postsecondary education.

    Application Process for the 30 College Credit Option

    Provide proof of Pennsylvania residency. The address MUST match the address on the application form. Acceptable proof of PA residency must include at least one of the following documents: PA driver's license, PA voter's registration, PA vehicle registration, bank statement, W2 form, lease agreement, utility bill.

    Provide an official transcript from the postsecondary institution(s) where you earned the credits.

    Please Note: All electronically submitted transcripts must come directly from the postsecondary institution to the Department of Education. Electronically submitted transcripts from students will not be accepted as official documentation.

    Complete the application and forward the required documentation to our office, using one of the following two options:

    1. Follow the link to the Online Application for Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma – 30 College Credit Option, complete the form, sign electronically, and upload proof of residency when directed.
      • Applicant will then have an official electronic transcript sent by the school to RA-EDHSE@pa.gov; or
      • Applicant will have an official transcript sent by the school directly to the address below.
        • 30 College Credit Program
          607 South Drive 3E
          Harrisburg PA 17120
    2. Download, complete, and sign the Application for Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma – 30 College Credit Option (PDE-6005) (PDF) certifying that you meet the criteria for award of the Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma (CSSD) based on 30 college credits.

    To Send by Postal Mail

    • Submit this application form and the proof of residency to the address below.
    • Have an official transcript sent by the school directly to the address below.
      • 30 College Credit Program
        607 South Drive 3E
        Harrisburg PA 17120​

    To Send Electronically

    • Submit this application form and the proof of residency by scanning and emailing the documents to RA-EDHSE@pa.gov
    • Have an official electronic transcript sent by the school to RA-EDHSE@pa.gov.