Is the HiSET Available in Utah? No. Utah does not offer the HiSET exam. The GED is the only state-approved high school equivalency test in Utah. The credential earned is the Utah High School Completion Diploma — a full diploma issued by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE).
Utah standardized exclusively on the GED for high school equivalency testing. The HiSET is not offered or accepted in Utah for high school equivalency purposes.
The credential earned — the Utah High School Completion Diploma — is unique in that it is called a ‘diploma,’ not a ‘certificate’ or ‘equivalency diploma,’ reflecting Utah’s view that passing the GED is equivalent to completing a traditional high school program.
Which States Still Offer HiSET?
Utah borders Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. Of these neighbors:
| State | Available Exam(s) — 2026 |
| Utah | GED only — HiSET not available; no residency requirement to test |
| Nevada (bordering) | GED only — HiSET not available |
| Idaho (bordering) | GED only — HiSET not available |
| Wyoming (bordering) | Both GED and HiSET available |
| Colorado (bordering) | Both GED and HiSET available |
| New Mexico (bordering) | Both GED and HiSET available |
| Arizona (bordering) | GED only — HiSET not available |
| Iowa | HiSET — Iowa is a HiSET-only state |
| Massachusetts | HiSET primary exam; GED also available |
Utah residents near the Colorado or Wyoming border could take a HiSET in those states — but would receive a Colorado or Wyoming credential, not a Utah High School Completion Diploma. Since Utah has no residency requirement, non-residents can also test in Utah.
What Is the Utah GED?
The Utah High School Completion Diploma is issued by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) to individuals who pass all four GED test modules at a Utah HSE exam testing center. USBE notes that completing the GED in Utah results in receiving a Utah HSC diploma, which is considered a high school equivalency diploma — usable to apply to college or on a job resume, similar to a high school diploma.
Utah Adult Education programs are administered by USBE and provide GED preparation instruction through a diverse provider network composed of Community-based Organizations (CBOs), Local Education Agencies (LEAs), community colleges, workplaces, labor unions, and correctional education programs. The maximum annual fee for adult education programs is $100, with fee waivers available.
Utah GED At-a-Glance
| Fact | Detail |
| Official credential name | Utah High School Completion Diploma (Utah HSC Diploma) — a full diploma, not a ‘certificate’ or ‘equivalency diploma’ |
| Issued by | Utah State Board of Education (USBE) |
| GED Administrator | Danielle Pedersen | [email protected] | (801) 538-7925 | 250 East 500 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4200 |
| USBE Adult Education | schools.utah.gov/adulteducation | (801) 538-7989 | 250 East 500 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4200 |
| Number of subjects | 4 |
| Passing score per subject | 145 out of 200 |
| Cost — In-Person | $36 per subject ($144 for all four) |
| Cost — Online | $36 per subject ($144 for all four) — SAME as in-person; no extra charge for online format in Utah |
| Discounted retake fee — In-Person | $10 test center fee (GED waives $26); one discounted retake per full-price purchase within 365 days |
| No-wait in-person retakes | TWO — no waiting period for first 2 in-person retakes; 60-day wait after 3rd attempt; no annual limit |
| Residency required? | NO — Utah has no residency requirement to take the test |
| Languages | English and Spanish; you CAN combine the two languages to earn your credential in Utah |
| Under-18 requirement | HSE Candidate and Adult Education Eligibility Form required — formal withdrawal from school; 16-year-olds also need academic readiness verification at a Utah adult education program |
| Adult education program fees | Maximum $100 per year; fee waivers available upon request |
| Utah LearningExpress Library | Free GED prep — available through USBE Adult Education and the Utah State Library |
| Alternative diploma path | Utah Adult Secondary Diploma — earn through academic credits at adult education programs (ASE); does not require passing the GED |
| Credential delivery | Free electronic Utah HSC Diploma and e-transcript via Parchment after passing all 4 subjects; download immediately |
| Utah’s Unique ‘Utah High School Completion Diploma’ Name
Most states call the GED-based credential a ‘certificate’ or ‘equivalency diploma.’ Utah is one of the few states that issues it as a full ‘Utah High School Completion Diploma.’ USBE explicitly states that passing the GED in Utah results in receiving a diploma that is ‘considered a high school equivalency diploma’ and can be used to apply to college or on a job resume similar to a high school diploma. This naming reflects Utah’s strong commitment to treating GED completers as full high school graduates. |
Utah GED Eligibility Requirements
Adults 18 and Older: Standard Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old to test without special conditions
- Your high school class must have graduated — not just age 18
- No residency requirement — you do not need to be a Utah resident
- Must not currently be enrolled in a K-12 school program
- Must not already hold a high school diploma
- No GED prep class required (strongly recommended)
- No GED Ready practice test required for in-person testing; required for online testing only
| ‘Class Must Have Graduated’ — What This Means
Utah’s eligibility rule is not just age-based — it also requires that your high school cohort class has already graduated. This means: if you are 18 and your class is scheduled to graduate in June, you cannot take the GED until after your class graduates in June. Adults whose class has already graduated — regardless of age — may test freely. Those 16-18 whose class has NOT graduated must use the under-18 process. |
Students Age 16 or 17
| Utah’s Under-18 Process Requires Formal School Withdrawal and an Eligibility Form
Unlike many states that require only a parent’s signature or a waiver, Utah requires 16-17 year-olds to formally withdraw from the public secondary school system AND complete the official HSE Candidate and Adult Education Eligibility Form. For 16-year-olds, an additional academic readiness verification step at a Utah adult education program is required. |
Step-by-Step Process for 16-17 Year-Olds:
- Create a GED account at GED.com first.
- Contact the school or district last attended to obtain and complete the HSE Candidate and Adult Education Eligibility Form. This form is available from Utah public high schools, charter schools, or special purpose residential schools — ask your high school counselor.
- Submit a copy of the completed form to the nearest Utah state-sponsored adult education program. The GED Testing registration process cannot continue until this step is completed.
- (Age 16 only) Access a Utah state-sponsored adult education program for verification of academic readiness to take the GED tests. This step is required for 16-year-olds in addition to the withdrawal form.
- Once the form is submitted (and readiness verified for age 16), you may schedule your GED tests.
Important Rules for School-Age Test-Takers
|
Out-of-State 16-18 Year-Olds Testing in Utah
Out-of-state test-takers ages 16-18 may test in Utah using one of two options:
- Option 1: Use the HSE Candidate and Adult Education Eligibility Form along with a current government-issued photo ID (same form as in-state students, obtained from last school attended)
- Option 2: Bring two letters to a Utah Adult Education program: Letter 1 (on official school letterhead) from the last school attended or school district confirming the candidate is formally withdrawn from K-12 instruction. The Utah adult education program can advise on Letter 2 requirements.
| Online Testing — Under-18 Parent Requirement
A parent or guardian must be physically present at the pre-test check-in to give consent and authorize the underage tester to be recorded. If absent, the exam session will be revoked. |
Utah GED Cost Fee Guide
| Utah Charges $36 Per Subject for Both In-Person and Online Testing
Utah is one of a small number of states that charges the same price for in-person and online GED testing: $36 per subject ($144 total) either way. This is unusual — most states charge $4-$8 more for the online option. The $10 discounted retake fee is also among the lowest in this guide series. |
Standard GED Test Fees
| Fee Item | Amount / Detail |
| Per subject — In-Person | $36.00 |
| Full battery — In-Person (all 4) | $144.00 |
| Per subject — Online | $36.00 (same as in-person — Utah does not charge more for online) |
| Full battery — Online (all 4) | $144.00 + GED Ready (~$7.99/subject) required |
| Discounted retake — In-Person | $10 test center fee (GED waives $26); one discounted retake per full-price purchase within 365 days. Repeats: fail → $10 retake → full price → $10 retake, etc. |
| Online retake | $36 — no discounted retake for online testing |
| GED Ready practice test | ~$7.99/subject — required for online testing; strongly recommended for in-person |
| Adult education program tuition | Maximum $100/year; fee waivers available on request — classes cover GED prep, basic skills, English acquisition |
Retake Policies in Utah
| Retake Rule | Details |
| No-wait attempts — In-Person | TWO — no waiting period for first 2 retakes; 60-day wait after 3rd attempt; no annual limit |
| Discounted retake pattern | 1 full price : 1 discounted retake ($10) within 365 days. Repeats each time you fail. |
| No-wait attempts — Online | ONE — 60-day wait after 2nd online attempt on same subject |
| Online retake cost | $36 — no discounted retake for online testing |
Utah’s Two Diploma Pathways
Utah offers two pathways to earning a state-recognized diploma for adults who did not complete high school: the GED exam pathway, and the Utah Adult Secondary Diploma (ASD) pathway — a credit-based alternative.
GED (Exam-Based)
Pass all four GED subjects with a score of 145 or higher. Cost: $36/subject ($144 total) for either in-person or online. Two no-wait retakes at $10 each. Results in the Utah High School Completion Diploma from USBE.
Utah Adult Secondary Diploma (Credit-Based)
| Utah Adult Secondary Diploma — A Non-GED Path to a Diploma
Utah also offers the Utah Adult Secondary Diploma (ASD) through its Adult Secondary Education (ASE) program. This diploma is earned through completing academic credit classes that meet Utah high school core requirements — not through passing the GED exam. Up to 5.0 academic credits for successfully passing an approved HSE exam may be applied toward an adult secondary diploma, but the ASD can be earned entirely through coursework. |
- Offered through Utah Adult Education programs at community colleges, school districts, and other USBE-funded providers
- Students must meet state and local requirements to earn the diploma
- Any credits earned in high school or at other adult education programs may be applied
- Instruction is at high school core requirements level under Utah licensed teachers
- Maximum annual fee: $100 (fee waivers available)
- Best for adults who prefer coursework over a standardized exam
- Find programs at the USBE Adult Education Services Program Directory: schools.utah.gov/adulteducation
GED Certificate to Utah HSC Diploma Exchange
| Exchange Form for Persons Who Passed GED Between 2002 and 2009
Persons who passed the GED between January 1, 2002 and June 30, 2009 may exchange their old GED Certificate for a Utah High School Completion Diploma by completing the Exchange Form for GED Certificate to Utah High School Completion Diploma, available from USBE. This is an important historical note for older GED holders who may wish to update their credential name. |
Utah GED Subjects, Format and Test Length
| Subject | Time Limit | Content and Format |
| Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) | 150 min (10-min break) | Reading comprehension, extended response essay (45 min), grammar; multiple choice, drag-and-drop, extended response |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 115 minutes | Basic math, geometry, graphs, algebra, functions; calculator-free in Part 1; on-screen calculator for Part 2 |
| Science | 90 minutes | Life, physical, and earth science; data interpretation from graphs and diagrams |
| Social Studies | 70 minutes | U.S. history, civics, economics, geography; primary source document and map analysis |
Passing Score and Score Levels
| Score Level | Score Range and Meaning |
| Below Passing | 100–144 per subject — TWO no-wait in-person retakes at $10 each; 60-day wait after 3rd attempt |
| Passing (High School Equivalency) | 145–164 per subject — earns Utah High School Completion Diploma |
| GED College Ready | 165–174 — indicates college readiness; may qualify for placement test waivers at Utah colleges |
| GED College Ready + Credit | 175–200 — may earn college credits at participating Utah institutions through the ACE CREDIT program |
Utah GED Online: Can You Take the GED at Home?
| Yes, Online GED Testing at $36/Subject (Same as In-Person)
Utah supports the GED Online Proctored exam at $36/subject — the same price as in-person. GED Ready is required first. Online testing restrictions may apply; visit your GED student portal for details. Under-18 testers need a parent at the pre-test check-in. Note: USBE Adult Education advises individuals seeking to test online to contact their local prep center. |
Online vs. In-Person: Key Differences in Utah
| Feature | In-Person (Test Center) | Online (Remote Proctored) |
| Cost per subject | $36 (same) | $36 (same as in-person) |
| GED Ready required? | NOT required (recommended) | YES — green score within 60 days |
| Discounted retakes | $10 each; one per full-price purchase | $36 — no discount |
| No-wait retake attempts | TWO before 60-day wait | ONE before 60-day wait |
| All subjects same day? | Yes — if test center allows | No — schedule separately |
| Under-18 parent required? | No (Eligibility Form only) | YES — at pre-test check-in |
| Contact prep center? | Not required | YES — USBE advises contacting local prep center for online access |
| Best for | Two discounted retakes; all subjects in one visit; no prep center contact needed | Rural UT residents; flexible scheduling; same price as in-person |
HiSET vs. GED
| Feature | GED (Utah) | HiSET (Not in UT) |
| Available in UT? | YES | NO |
| Number of subjects | 4 | 5 (Language Arts split into Reading and Writing) |
| Credential name | Utah High School Completion Diploma | Not applicable in Utah |
| Cost in UT | $144 (same for in-person and online) | Not available in UT |
| Retake fee | $10 discounted retake (very low) | Not applicable |
| Passing score | 145 out of 200 per subject | 8 out of 20; essay 2/6; 45 combined |
| Score tiers | Pass / College Ready (165+) / College Ready + Credit (175+) | Pass only — no college credit tiers |
| Alternative diploma path? | YES — Utah Adult Secondary Diploma via ASE credit courses | Not applicable |
| Residency | NOT required | Varies by state |
| Military acceptance | Yes — all branches | Yes — all branches |
Utah GED Testing Centers
Utah has GED testing centers at technical colleges, universities, community colleges, and adult education centers throughout the state. All testing is computer-based.
| City | Testing Center and Contact |
| Brigham City | Sunrise High School / Box Elder Adult Education — 230 West 200 South, Brigham City, UT 84302 | (435) 734-4834 |
| Kaysville | Davis Applied Technical College (DATC) GED Testing — 550 E 300 South, Kaysville, UT 84037 | (801) 593-2210 |
| Logan | Bridgerland Technical College — 1301 N 600 W, Logan, UT 84321 | (435) 750-3188 |
| Logan (USU) | Utah State University — 4305 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322 | (435) 797-1004 |
| Moab | Utah State University — 1850 S Aggie Blvd, Moab, UT 84532 | (435) 259-7432 |
| Ogden | Weber State University — 1299 Edvalson St, Dept 1218, Lindquist Hall, Room 024, Ogden, UT 84408 | (801) 626-6598 |
| Ogden-Weber Tech | Ogden-Weber Technical College — 200 N Washington Blvd, Ogden, UT 84404 | (801) 627-8403 |
| Orem | Utah Valley University — 1165 W 800 S, Orem, UT 84058 | (801) 863-7095 |
| Price | Utah State University Eastern — 451 E 400 N, Price, UT 84501 | (435) 613-5325 |
| Richfield | Snow College-Richfield — 800 W 200 S, Richfield, UT 84701 | (435) 893-2239 |
| Salt Lake City (Granite Peaks) | Granite Peaks Lifelong Learning Center — 501 East 3900 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84107 | (385) 646-5447 |
| Salt Lake City (SLCC) | Salt Lake Community College, Taylorsville Redwood Campus — 4600 South Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, UT 84123 | (801) 957-4627 |
| Sandy | Canyons School District Community Education — 825 E 9085 S, Sandy, UT 84094 | (801) 826-6688 |
| St. George | Utah Tech University — 46 S 1000 E, St. George, UT 84770 | (435) 652-7696 |
| Vernal | Ashley Valley Education Center — 559 N 1700 W, Vernal, UT 84078 | (435) 781-4675 |
| West Jordan | Southpointe Adult High School — 9301 S Wights Fort Rd, West Jordan, UT 84088 | (801) 256-5974 |
For the complete current list of Utah GED testing sites, visit schools.utah.gov/adulteducation or use the GED.com test center locator. The USBE Adult Education Services Program Directory 2025-2026 lists all providers.
Free GED Preparation in Utah
USBE Adult Education Programs: Statewide
Utah State Board of Education funds Adult Education programs throughout the state through a diverse provider network.
Programs provide GED preparation, Adult Basic Education (ABE), Adult Secondary Education (ASE), and English Language Acquisition (ELA). The maximum annual fee is $100, with fee waivers available.
| Program Type | Details |
| GED/HSE Prep | Preparation instruction in all four GED content areas: RLA, Math, Science, Social Studies. Available through CBOs, LEAs, community colleges, workplaces, and correctional education across Utah. |
| Adult Basic Education (ABE) | For adults lacking high school level skills; improves basic reading, writing, and math. Delivered through classroom instruction, one-to-one tutoring, computer-assisted instruction, and distance learning. |
| Adult Secondary Education (ASE) | Academic credit classes meeting Utah high school core requirements. Leads to the Utah Adult Secondary Diploma. Credits from high school or other adult ed programs may transfer. |
| English Language Acquisition (ELA) | Instruction for non-native English speakers to become literate in English. Focuses on reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Offered alongside GED prep at many programs. |
| Maximum annual fee | $100/year maximum; fee waivers available on request |
| Who can enroll? | Anyone over age 16. Residency: Utah residency preferred; exceptions made for individuals in communities near the Utah border. |
| SSN | SSN is used for data matching with DWS and higher education to track student outcomes (employment, college enrollment) after graduation. |
| Find programs | schools.utah.gov/adulteducation (Program Directory 2025-2026) | (801) 538-7989 |
Key Adult Education Providers in Utah
| Provider | Details |
| Granite Peaks Lifelong Learning Center (SLC) | Free GED prep and adult education in Salt Lake City. 501 East 3900 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84107 | (385) 646-5447 |
| Horizonte Instruction and Training Center (SLC) | Salt Lake City School District’s adult education provider. ABE, GED prep, ELA, English Language Learners (ELL), Adult High School Completion. 1234 Main Street area, Salt Lake City. horizonte.slcschools.org |
| Salt Lake Community College | GED testing and prep at Taylorsville Redwood Campus. 4600 South Redwood Road, Salt Lake City | (801) 957-4627 | slcc.edu/testing/ged.aspx |
| Davis Applied Technical College (Kaysville) | GED testing. 550 E 300 S, Kaysville, UT 84037 | (801) 593-2210 |
| Bridgerland Technical College (Logan) | GED testing and adult education. 1301 N 600 W, Logan, UT 84321 | (435) 750-3188 |
| Utah Community Action Adult Education (SLC) | Helps adults overcome barriers to employment and self-reliance. 1307 South 900 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84104 | (801) 359-2444 |
| Columbus Adult Education Center (SLC) | Adult education classes. 1860 South 300 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84115 | (801) 559-7533 |
| Correctional Education Programs | ABE and GED programs available within Utah correctional facilities. Contact USBE Adult Education for information: (801) 538-7989 |
Free GED Practice Test Resources
| Resource | Where to Access |
| Utah State LearningExpress Library (Free) | Free GED practice tests and study tools — explicitly referenced by USBE Adult Education. Access through Utah adult education programs and the Utah State Library system. |
| GED Free Test Previews | ged.com/study/free-online-ged-test.html |
| GED Official Practice Questions | ged.com/study/practice-questions.html |
| GED Ready Practice Test (~$7.99/subject) | Required for online testing; strongly recommended for in-person. Available at GED.com. |
| Prepsaret.com | Free and premium prep test resources and video lessons for all GED content areas |
| GED Mobile App | Free iOS and Android — study tools and practice questions |
| Utah Public Libraries | Many Utah public libraries offer access to LearningExpress Library with full GED practice tests |
| USBE Adult Education Programs | Free or low-cost (max $100/year) GED prep classes statewide. schools.utah.gov/adulteducation | (801) 538-7989 |
How to Get Your GED in Utah: Step-by-Step
- Create a free account at GED.com and select Utah as your testing state.
- If you are 16 or 17 (and your class has not graduated): contact your last school or district to obtain the HSE Candidate and Adult Education Eligibility Form. Complete the form with a school official and submit a copy to the nearest Utah state-sponsored adult education program. If you are 16, also visit a Utah adult education program for academic readiness verification before scheduling.
- Enroll in a free/low-cost USBE adult education program near you (max $100/year; fee waivers available). Find programs at schools.utah.gov/adulteducation. Programs offer GED prep, ABE, ASE, and ELA instruction.
- Prepare using free resources: Utah LearningExpress Library (through adult education programs or Utah State Library), GED.com free test previews, Khan Academy, and your adult education program classes.
- Take the GED Ready practice test (~$7.99/subject) — required for online testing; strongly recommended for in-person. Achieve a green ‘Likely to Pass’ score.
- Schedule at GED.com: $36/subject (same for in-person or online, $144 total). Select your nearest Utah test center from the USBE directory or GED.com locator. For online testing, contact your local prep center first per USBE guidance.
- On test day: bring valid government-issued photo ID. Leave phone, notes, food, and drinks outside the testing room. Under-18 online testers: parent must be at the pre-test check-in.
- After passing all 4 subjects: check email for your free e-diploma and e-transcript (your official Utah High School Completion Diploma). Download immediately — links are time-limited. Order printed diploma through GED.com (My Scores > Order Duplicates).
How to Pass the Utah GED Fast
30-Day GED Study Blueprint
| Week | Focus and Activities |
| Week 1: Assess and enroll | Enroll in a USBE adult education program (max $100/year). Take free GED.com practice previews in all four subjects. Identify your weakest 1-2 subjects — dedicate 70% of study time there. Access the Utah LearningExpress Library through your program or library. |
| Week 2: Deep subject work | Focus on Mathematical Reasoning (most commonly failed subject). Study algebra, linear equations, graphs, data interpretation. Begin RLA — practice reading passages and drafting the 45-minute argumentative essay. Use USBE program instructor support. |
| Week 3: Full practice + timed tests | Take one full timed practice test per subject. Fix weak areas immediately. Practice the Extended Response essay — 4-paragraph argument with thesis, text evidence, and conclusion. Aim for 300+ organized words. Verify tech for online testing if needed. |
| Week 4: GED Ready + schedule | Take the GED Ready (~$7.99/subject). Green score: schedule exam. Not green: study weak areas from score report 3-5 more days, then retest. Schedule strongest subject first. For online testing, contact your local prep center per USBE guidance. |
Utah-Specific Tips
Use the Utah LearningExpress Library
The Utah LearningExpress Library is explicitly referenced by USBE Adult Education as a key free resource for GED preparation. Access it through Utah adult education programs or directly through the Utah State Library system.
It offers full-length GED practice tests across all four subjects — the closest simulation to the real exam available for free.
$10 Retakes: Take Advantage of the Low-Cost Safety Net
Utah’s $10 discounted in-person retake fee is one of the lowest in this guide series. This means that if you are close to passing a subject, retaking costs only $10 (compared to $17-$20 in most other states). Combined with two no-wait retakes, Utah provides an affordable safety net. However, online retakes cost $36 with no discount — in-person retakes are much more economical.
Mathematical Reasoning
Focus on: arithmetic and percentages, ratios, linear equations, graphs and data interpretation, basic geometry. Part 1 is calculator-free — practice mental math. Work through at least 30 word problems. Free math support is available through USBE adult education programs statewide.
Extended Response Essay
Practice the 3-step method: (1) read both source passages and identify the main argument, (2) outline your position with 2-3 text evidence points, (3) write a clear 4-paragraph argumentative essay. Aim for 300+ organized words. Spend 5 minutes outlining before writing.
Day-of-Test Checklist
- Bring valid government-issued photo ID
- For 16-17 year-olds: Eligibility Form must be submitted and approved; academic readiness verified (age 16)
- Leave phone, smart watch, notes, food, and drinks outside the testing room
- For online testing: contact your local prep center first; log in early; parent must be present for under-18 testers
- Spend 5 minutes outlining the Extended Response essay before writing
- Remember: TWO no-wait in-person retakes at $10 each if needed
Utah GED Diploma and Transcripts
What You Receive After Passing All Four Subjects:
- USBE confirms: an official score report and Utah High School Completion Diploma are issued to all Utah test-takers who pass all four GED test modules
- You receive an email with a copy of your e-diploma and e-transcript — these are your official diploma and transcript. Download and save them immediately.
- Free electronic documents verified by GED Testing Service/Parchment using Blue Ribbon Security — authentic, tamper-proof PDFs
- Free printed diploma available on request: GED.com > My Scores > Order Duplicates > Printed Diploma
Requesting Duplicate Documents
| Document | How to Obtain |
| e-Diploma + e-Transcript (automatic) | Emailed after passing all 4 subjects. Download immediately — time-limited links. These are your official documents. |
| Free printed diploma | GED.com > My Scores > Order Duplicates > Printed Diploma |
| Transcript requests | GED Testing Service: ged.com/life-after-ged.html. Orders take approximately 1-2 days to process, up to 2 weeks to mail. Confirm recipient and school address before placing order. |
| GED earned before 2014 | Select your state in the GED.com drop-down and click Request Transcripts for the corresponding page. |
| GED Certificate to UT HSC Diploma Exchange (2002-2009) | Use the USBE Exchange Form for GED Certificate to Utah High School Completion Diploma. Contact USBE Adult Education: (801) 538-7989 | [email protected] |
| GED Administrator | Danielle Pedersen | [email protected] | (801) 538-7925 | 250 East 500 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4200 |
What Can You Do With a Utah High School Completion Diploma?
| Legal Equivalence in Utah
The Utah High School Completion Diploma is the official state credential equivalent to a traditional Utah high school diploma. It is accepted by all Utah employers, all Utah colleges and universities, all branches of the U.S. military, and all federal employment programs. The GED is accepted by 98% of U.S. colleges and employers. |
| Opportunity | Details |
| Employment | Technology, healthcare, outdoor industries, tourism, mining, manufacturing, retail — most Utah entry-level and professional positions requiring a HS diploma accept the Utah HSC Diploma |
| Military service | All U.S. Armed Forces branches accept the Utah HSC Diploma; Hill Air Force Base, Dugway Proving Ground, and other Utah military installations |
| Utah System of Higher Education | University of Utah, Utah State University, Brigham Young University, Utah Valley University, Weber State University, Southern Utah University, Utah Tech University, Snow College, and all USHE institutions accept the Utah HSC Diploma for standard admission |
| Utah technical colleges | Bridgerland Tech, Davis Tech, Ogden-Weber Tech, Mountainland Tech, Southwest Tech, and all Utah technical colleges accept the Utah HSC Diploma |
| College credits (GED 175+) | College Ready + Credit scores may earn college credits at participating Utah institutions through the ACE CREDIT program |
| Healthcare training | CNA, medical assistant, pharmacy technician, phlebotomy, EMT programs in Utah — most require HS diploma or equivalent |
| Outdoor and energy industries | Utah’s key industries — mining, energy (fossil fuels and renewable), outdoor recreation, tourism — most entry-level and skilled positions require GED or equivalent |
| Federal employment in Utah | Hill AFB, IRS Ogden Service Center, VA Salt Lake City, USDA, Bureau of Land Management, and all Utah federal facilities accept the Utah HSC Diploma |
| Adult Secondary Diploma path | If you prefer not to take the GED exam, the Utah Adult Secondary Diploma (ASD) through ASE credit coursework is available through USBE adult education programs |
Utah HiSET Alternative FAQs
Is the HiSET available in Utah?
No. Utah does not offer the HiSET exam. The GED is the only state-approved high school equivalency test in Utah, administered and credentialed by the Utah State Board of Education. The credential earned is the Utah High School Completion Diploma.
Why is the credential called the ‘Utah High School Completion Diploma’ and not a certificate?
Utah is one of a small number of states that uses the term ‘diploma’ — specifically ‘Utah High School Completion Diploma’ — for the GED-based credential. USBE explicitly states that it is ‘considered a high school equivalency diploma’ and can be used to apply to college or on a job resume ‘similar to a high school diploma.’
This reflects Utah’s philosophy that GED completers have achieved the same educational foundation as traditional high school graduates. The credential is issued by the Utah State Board of Education, not GED Testing Service.
Does Utah require residency to take the GED?
No. Utah has no residency requirement to take the GED. Non-residents living within the state who meet the other eligibility requirements may test.
Utah adult education programs generally require Utah residency for enrollment, but make exceptions for individuals in communities near the Utah border.
The GED test itself, however, requires only that the test-taker meet the age/eligibility requirements — no residency documentation is needed.
Why does Utah require ‘class must have graduated’ rather than just age 18?
Utah’s eligibility rule is uniquely worded: to test without special conditions, you must be 18 and your high school class must have already graduated.
This means an 18-year-old whose class graduates in June must wait until June before testing freely. Before that, they would need to use the 16-18 under-age process (Eligibility Form + formal withdrawal).
This rule ensures that all students have their class’s full graduation period to reconsider before leaving the traditional diploma path.
What is the HSE Candidate and Adult Education Eligibility Form?
The HSE Candidate and Adult Education Eligibility Form is the official Utah state form required for 16-17 year-olds to take the GED (and for 18-year-olds whose class has not yet graduated).
It is obtained from your school counselor at the last Utah public high school, charter school, or special purpose residential school attended.
After completing the form with a school official, submit it to the nearest Utah state-sponsored adult education program. The GED registration process cannot continue until this form is on file. School districts cannot delay or deny access if the requirements are met.
What is the Utah Adult Secondary Diploma and how is it different from the GED?
The Utah Adult Secondary Diploma (ASD) is an alternative credential available through the Adult Secondary Education (ASE) program at USBE-funded adult education providers.
It is earned through completing academic credit classes meeting Utah high school core requirements — no standardized exam required.
Up to 5.0 credits for passing the GED can be applied toward the ASD, but the ASD can also be completed entirely through coursework. It is a good option for adults who prefer a classroom/credit-based path over a timed standardized exam.
Maximum annual fee: $100 (waivers available). Find programs at schools.utah.gov/adulteducation .
Can I exchange my old GED certificate for a Utah HSC Diploma?
Yes — if you passed the GED between January 1, 2002 and June 30, 2009. During that period, the credential issued in Utah was called a ‘GED Certificate.’
USBE offers an Exchange Form for GED Certificate to Utah High School Completion Diploma that allows holders of the older credential to exchange it for the current diploma name. Contact USBE Adult Education at (801) 538-7989 for the exchange form and process.
Are GED classes free in Utah?
Nearly free. Utah Adult Education programs charge a maximum of $100 per year, and fee waivers are available on request if cost is a concern.
The diverse provider network — CBOs, LEAs, community colleges, workplaces, labor unions, and correctional education — means programs are available throughout the state.
Find your nearest program in the USBE Adult Education Services Program Directory at schools.utah.gov/adulteducation or call (801) 538-7989.
Final Thoughts: GED Your Utah HiSET Alternative
Utah’s GED program has several distinctive features that set it apart from the rest of this guide series. The Utah High School Completion Diploma’s name signals USBE’s commitment to full equivalence — this is a diploma, not a certificate.
The uniform $36 pricing for both in-person and online testing and the $10 discounted retake fee make Utah’s GED among the most affordable in the series.
The HSE Candidate and Adult Education Eligibility Form process for 16-17 year-olds — including the unique academic readiness verification step for 16-year-olds — reflects Utah’s careful, structured approach to ensuring young test-takers are genuinely ready.
The Adult Secondary Diploma pathway gives Utahns who struggle with standardized exams an alternative route to a state-recognized diploma through coursework.
And the LearningExpress Library, available through Utah adult education programs and libraries, provides free, high-quality GED practice tests that can significantly reduce preparation costs.
| Your Action Plan — Start Today
1. Create a free GED account at GED.com and select Utah 2. If 16-17 (or 18 with class not yet graduated): obtain the HSE Candidate and Adult Education Eligibility Form from your school counselor, complete it with a school official, and submit to the nearest Utah adult education program. Age 16: also complete academic readiness verification at the adult education program. 3. Enroll in a USBE adult education program (max $100/year; fee waivers available): schools.utah.gov/adulteducation | (801) 538-7989 4. Access the Utah LearningExpress Library (FREE GED practice tests) through your adult education program or Utah State Library 5. Study using free GED.com previews, Khan Academy, and your USBE program classes 6. Take GED Ready (~$7.99/subject) — required for online; strongly recommended for in-person 7. Schedule at GED.com: $36/subject (same for in-person and online). For online testing: contact your local prep center first per USBE guidance. 8. After passing all 4: check email for your official Utah High School Completion Diploma (e-diploma) and e-transcript. Download immediately. 9. If you passed GED between 2002-2009: use the USBE Exchange Form to upgrade your GED Certificate to the Utah HSC Diploma 10. If you prefer coursework over exams: ask about the Utah Adult Secondary Diploma (ASD) through ASE credit classes at your adult education program GED Administrator Danielle Pedersen: [email protected] | (801) 538-7925 USBE Adult Education: schools.utah.gov/adulteducation | (801) 538-7989 | 250 East 500 South, SLC, UT 84114 GED Testing Helpline: 1-877-EXAM-GED (1-877-392-6433) |