Is the HiSET Available in Wisconsin? No. Wisconsin does not offer the HiSET exam. The GED is the only standardized test used for high school equivalency in Wisconsin.
However, Wisconsin has its own independent High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) system with six pathways — five of which do not require passing the GED. The credential name depends on which pathway you complete.
Wisconsin’s high school equivalency program is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and is more structured than most states in this guide series.
DPI works in partnership with GED Testing Service, the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS), and other state, community, county, and local partners to support GED test preparation and testing statewide.
Which States Still Offer HiSET?
| State | Available Exam(s) — 2026 |
| Wisconsin | GED only — HiSET not available; residency required; mandatory civics test |
| Minnesota (neighboring) | GED only — HiSET not available |
| Iowa (neighboring) | HiSET only — Iowa uses HiSET exclusively (not GED); Iowa HSED issued on HiSET completion |
| Michigan (neighboring) | Both GED and HiSET available |
| Illinois (neighboring) | Both GED and HiSET available |
| Massachusetts | HiSET primary exam; GED also available |
| Wyoming | Both GED and HiSET — no residency requirement |
| Note on Iowa
Iowa, which borders Wisconsin, uses the HiSET exclusively (not the GED). A Wisconsin resident testing in Iowa would receive an Iowa HSED credential — not a Wisconsin credential. Since Wisconsin requires residency, testing in Iowa is not a path to a Wisconsin credential. |
Wisconsin’s Two Credentials: Certificate of GED vs. HSED
| Wisconsin Has Two Distinct High School Equivalency Credentials
Wisconsin offers two different credentials to GED completers, and the distinction matters. The Certificate of GED is a national credential earned by passing the four GED subjects plus the Wisconsin Civics Test. The High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) is a state-issued diploma from the Wisconsin State Superintendent — a stronger credential issued through multiple pathways under Chapter PI 5 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code. |
| Credential | Issued By | How to Earn It |
| Certificate of GED | GED Testing Service (national credential) | Pass all four GED subjects (145+ each) PLUS Wisconsin 100-question Civics Test (65+). Results in a GED certificate recognized nationwide. |
| High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) | Wisconsin State Superintendent of Public Instruction | Six pathways (PI 5.04 through PI 5.09). All require passing the civics test. Strongest option — a state-issued diploma, not just a certificate. See Section 8 for all six pathways. |
In practice, most test-takers pursue the HSED — specifically PI 5.04 (pass the four GED subjects + civics) or PI 5.05 (GED + civics + health/employability/citizenship skills). Both are referred to as the ‘HSED’ even though one involves the GED exam. The mandatory counseling session before testing helps applicants understand which credential pathway is right for them.
Wisconsin GED At-a-Glance
| Fact | Detail |
| Credential options | (1) Certificate of GED — national credential; (2) High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) — state diploma issued by WI State Superintendent; most test-takers earn the HSED |
| Administered by | Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) | dpi.wi.gov/ged |
| GED Administrator | Sherry Holly | (608) 267-1062 | Fax (608) 267-9275 | 125 S. Webster Street, P.O. Box 7841, Madison, WI 53707-7841 |
| Partners | Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS), community-based organizations, high schools, colleges, universities |
| Cost — In-Person and Online | $39.75 per subject ($159 for all four GED subjects) — same for in-person and online; highest in this guide series |
| Wisconsin Civics Test cost | $10 — required in addition to the four GED subjects; scheduled through GED.com |
| Total cost for GED + Civics | $169 ($159 GED + $10 civics) |
| Minimum age | 18.5 years OR 9th-grade class has already graduated; 17-18.5 years with s.118.15 contract only |
| Wisconsin Civics Test requirement | MANDATORY — must pass 100-question test (USCIS naturalization questions) with score of 65/100 or better; 30-day wait for civics retakes |
| Pre-testing counseling | MANDATORY — must complete counseling session(s) from approved provider covering reading/career assessment, options discussion, and plan for completion |
| Residency required? | YES — 10 days or more in Wisconsin; prove with driver’s license or other residency proof at test center. Also: WI resident, migrant worker, or child of migrant worker. |
| GED Ready required? | In-Person: NOT required; Online: YES — green score required |
| No-wait in-person retakes | TWO — 60-day wait after 3rd attempt; no annual limit |
| Civics test retake wait | 30 days — unique to Wisconsin; longer than GED subject retakes |
| Languages | English and Spanish; can combine to earn credential |
| Diploma/transcript requests | Submit to Wisconsin DPI; $15 fee for diploma or transcript; dpi.wi.gov/ged |
The Wisconsin Civics Test
| Wisconsin Is the Only State in This Series Requiring a Separate Civics Exam
Effective July 1, 2016, all Wisconsin GED/HSED applicants who have not already earned a GED or HSED must pass the Wisconsin 100-Question Civics Test with a score of 65 or better. This test is based on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) naturalization test questions. It is scheduled through GED.com and costs $10. Failing the civics test requires a 30-day wait before retesting. |
Key Civics Test Facts
- Passing score: 65 out of 100 questions correct
- Cost: $10 — scheduled separately through your GED.com account
- Questions are drawn from the USCIS naturalization/citizenship test bank
- Retake wait: 30 days if you fail (compared to 0 days for first two GED subject retakes)
- Students who completed civics in high school (class of 2017 or later) can use official high school transcripts to document completion and skip the separate civics test
2025 Civics Test Update: New USCIS Question Bank
| Important Update: New USCIS Test Bank Effective October 20, 2025
The USCIS expanded its naturalization test bank from 100 to 128 questions effective October 20, 2025. Wisconsin law still requires 100 questions to be drawn from the USCIS bank. Under DPI guidance for 2025-26, test centers/districts must choose 100 questions from the 128-question pool (DPI will not specify which 100). Students who passed the civics test before October 20, 2025 do not need to retake it. Students taking the civics test after that date will encounter questions from the updated 2025 bank. |
What Subjects Does the Civics Test Cover?
The test is based on the same civic knowledge tested in the U.S. naturalization process. Topics include American history, the U.S. Constitution, the structure of the U.S. government, the rights and responsibilities of citizens, state and local government, and U.S. political principles. Study resources are available through:
- USCIS study guide: uscis.gov (search ‘citizenship test’)
- DPI civics resources
- Your WTCS college or adult education program — civics prep is included in GED/HSED programs
- Khan Academy civics content online
The Mandatory Pre-Testing Counseling Session
| Wisconsin Requires Counseling Before Any GED/HSED Testing
Wisconsin is the only state in this guide series that requires applicants to complete a counseling session (or sessions) before taking the GED test. No other state requires this. The counseling must be completed through an approved provider and must address three specific elements. |
Counseling Requirements: Three Required Elements
- Assessment of the person’s reading level and career interests and aptitudes
- Discussion of the options available to the individual regarding: completion of high school, the High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED), and the Certificate of General Educational Development — including the requirements, expectations, benefits, and limitations of each option
- Development of a plan for completion of one of the options discussed, and subsequent activities necessary to work toward an identified goal, career, or occupation
Approved Counseling Providers
- High schools and school districts
- WTCS (Wisconsin Technical College System) districts
- Community-based organizations
- Colleges and universities
- Psychologists licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
- School counselors licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
In practice, most applicants receive this counseling session as part of their enrollment at a WTCS college GED/HSED program.
Mid-State Technical College, for example, holds a mandatory GED/HSED orientation at its Academic Learning Center that covers the initial reading/math assessment, options discussion, and plan for completion — fulfilling all three counseling elements in one session.
Madison College similarly conducts counseling as part of enrollment.
Wisconsin GED Eligibility Requirements
Standard Requirements: 18.5 Years and Older
- Must be at least 18.5 years old OR your 9th-grade class has already graduated from high school
- Must be a Wisconsin resident for at least 10 days — OR be a migrant worker or child of a migrant worker
- Must not currently be enrolled in public or private high school (exceptions for 118.15 contract students)
- Must not already hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- Must complete mandatory counseling session(s) before testing
- Must pass the Wisconsin Civics Test (100 questions, score 65+) in addition to the four GED subjects
Students Age 17 to 18.5: s.118.15 Contract Only
| Under-18.5 Eligibility Is Very Restricted in Wisconsin
Students between age 17 and 18.5 can only take the GED in Wisconsin if they have a s.118.15 contract from their local high school, a juvenile correctional facility, or the Wisconsin Challenge Academy. This contract modifies the student’s high school curriculum. Simple parental consent is not sufficient. Under 17 is not eligible under any circumstances. |
- Must be at least 17 years old
- Must have a Wisconsin s.118.15 contract from: local high school, juvenile correctional facility, or Wisconsin Challenge Academy
- Under-18.5 Online Testing: a parent or guardian must be present at the pre-test check-in; if absent, exam session is revoked
- Note: The s.118.15 contract is an agreement between the student’s school district and the student allowing modified curriculum; it is NOT a simple withdrawal form
- Contact your local school district or Wisconsin Challenge Academy to initiate the s.118.15 process: dpi.wi.gov/ged
Proving Wisconsin Residency
- Valid Wisconsin driver’s license (satisfies both ID and residency)
- Other government-issued photo ID plus a document with Wisconsin address (utility bill, lease, bank statement)
- Must show you have lived in Wisconsin for at least 10 days
- Migrant workers and children of migrant workers are also eligible (no 10-day requirement applies to them)
Wisconsin GED Cost Fee Guide
| Wisconsin Has the Highest Per-Subject GED Cost in This Guide Series at $39.75
At $39.75 per subject ($159 total for all four GED subjects), Wisconsin charges more than any other state in this guide series. The additional $10 Wisconsin Civics Test brings the full cost to $169. Online GED testing is the same price as in-person ($39.75/subject), but online retakes are $39.75 with no discount — compared to the $10 in-person discounted retake. |
| Fee Item | Amount / Detail |
| Per GED subject — In-Person | $39.75 |
| All 4 GED subjects — In-Person | $159.00 |
| Per GED subject — Online | $39.75 (same as in-person) |
| All 4 GED subjects — Online | $159.00 |
| Wisconsin Civics Test | $10.00 — required; scheduled through GED.com |
| TOTAL (4 GED subjects + Civics) | $169.00 |
| GED Ready practice test (for online) | ~$7.99/subject ($31.96 for all four) — required for online testing only |
| Discounted retake — In-Person | $10 test center fee per retake; one discounted retake per full-price purchase within 365 days |
| Online retake | $39.75 — no discounted retake for online testing |
| Civics test retake | $10 per attempt; must wait 30 days before retesting on civics |
| Diploma or transcript from DPI | $15 fee per document — mail order form + fee to DPI, P.O. Box 7841, Madison, WI 53707-7841 |
Retake Policies
| Retake Rule | Details |
| No-wait attempts — In-Person GED | TWO — 60-day wait after 3rd attempt; no annual limit |
| Discounted retake fee — In-Person | $10 test center fee; one discounted retake per full-price purchase within 365 days |
| Civics test retake wait | 30 DAYS — must wait 30 days before each civics retake; $10 per attempt |
| Online retake wait | ONE retake before 60-day wait; online retake $39.75 (no discount) |
Wisconsin’s Six HSED Pathways (PI 5)
| Wisconsin Offers Six Routes to a High School Equivalency Diploma
Under Chapter PI 5 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, the state superintendent may issue a High School Equivalency Diploma through six different pathways. Every pathway requires passing the Wisconsin Civics Test (65/100). The employability and career awareness requirements in PI 5.05 are waived for persons 55 years of age or older upon request. |
| Code | Pathway | Requirements |
| PI 5.04 | GED Test | Pass all four GED subtests with a minimum score of 145 each PLUS pass the Wisconsin 100-question Civics Test with a score of 65 or better. Results in Certificate of GED (national) and/or HSED (state). |
| PI 5.05 | GED + Additional Requirements | Pass the four GED tests, pass the Civics Test (65+), AND meet additional requirements in health, citizenship, and employability skills. Employability/career awareness requirements waived for age 55+. |
| PI 5.06 | Credit Attainment | Earn at least 22 high school credits (including required distribution: 4 English, 3 social studies, 2 math, 2 science, 0.5 health). Persons who nearly attained 22 credits may earn remaining credits through adult education or school district. Pass civics test (65+). State superintendent may issue HSED if local school district cannot. |
| PI 5.07 | Post-Secondary Education | Complete 24 semester (or 32 quarter) post-secondary credits including coursework in any area where high school graduation requirements were not met. Does NOT count PE credits. Pass civics test (65+). |
| PI 5.08 | Foreign Degree/Diploma | Persons who completed the equivalent of high school or post-secondary study in another country may be granted a HSED from the state superintendent. Pass civics test (65+). |
| PI 5.09 | Approved Program | Complete a state superintendent-approved program through a combination of high school transcripts, standardized tests, and coursework in: Career Awareness/Employability Skills, Civics, Communication, Health, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Available through approved WTCS districts, colleges, universities, and CBOs. |
For most adults starting from scratch, PI 5.04 (GED + Civics) or PI 5.05 (GED + Civics + additional skills) are the most common pathways. PI 5.06 (credit attainment) is ideal for those who completed most of high school.
PI 5.07 (post-secondary credits) works for those who attended college. PI 5.08 helps immigrants with foreign degrees. PI 5.09 is for structured WTCS programs like Madison College’s or Mid-State Technical College’s comprehensive HSED programs.
Wisconsin GED Subjects, Format and Score Levels
| Subject | Time Limit | Content and Format |
| Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) | 150 min (10-min break) | Reading comprehension, grammar, extended response essay; multiple choice, drag-and-drop, fill-in-the-blank, extended response; 7 item types |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 115 minutes | Basic math, geometry, algebra, real-world applications; formula sheet provided; calculator-free Part 1; on-screen calculator Part 2 |
| Science | 90 minutes | Life, physical, earth science; data interpretation |
| Social Studies | 70 minutes | U.S. history, civics, economics, geography; primary source analysis |
| Wisconsin Civics Test | Untimed | 100 questions from the USCIS naturalization test bank; score 65/100 to pass; $10; 30-day wait if failed; scheduled through GED.com |
Score Levels for GED Subjects
| 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 |
| Passing (Equivalency) | 145–164 per subject — contributes to Certificate of GED or HSED when combined with passing civics and counseling |
| GED College Ready | 165–174 — may qualify for placement test waivers at Wisconsin colleges and WTCS |
| GED College Ready + Credit | 175–200 — may earn college credits through ACE CREDIT program at participating WI institutions |
Wisconsin GED Online Testing
| Online GED at $39.75/Subject — Same as In-Person, But No Discount on Retakes
Wisconsin supports online GED testing at $39.75/subject (same as in-person). GED Ready green score required first. No discounted retakes for online testing ($39.75 per online retake). Under-18.5 testers need parents at pre-test check-in. |
Online vs. In-Person Key Differences
| Feature | In-Person (Test Center) | Online (Remote Proctored) |
| Cost per GED subject | $39.75 (same) | $39.75 (same as in-person) |
| GED Ready required? | NOT required | YES — green score within 60 days |
| Discounted retakes | $10 each; one per full-price purchase | $39.75 — no discount |
| No-wait retake attempts | TWO before 60-day wait | ONE before 60-day wait |
| Under-18.5 parent required? | No (s.118.15 contract only) | YES — parent at pre-test check-in |
| All subjects same day? | Yes — if test center hours allow | No — schedule separately |
| Civics test online? | Yes — through GED.com | Yes — through GED.com |
| Best for | Two discounted retakes; all subjects one day; no GED Ready cost | Flexible scheduling; rural WI residents; 24/7 |
Wisconsin GED Testing Centers and WTCS Programs
Wisconsin GED testing centers are located throughout the state at Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) campuses, high school testing sites, and community-based assessment centers. All testing is computer-based.
Key GED/HSED Programs in Wisconsin
| Provider | Details |
| Madison College (Dane County/South Central WI) | Comprehensive GED/HSED program. Courses online and in-person at six campuses. s.118.15 contract students welcome. madisoncollege.edu/academics/saa/ged-hsed |
| Mid-State Technical College (central WI) | Mandatory orientation at Academic Learning Center. GED + HSED programs. Testing: $39.75/subject; civics $10. mstc.edu/student-services/testing-center/ged-hsed |
| Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) | GED prep and testing, southeastern WI. wctc.edu |
| Fox Valley Technical College | GED prep and testing, Appleton area. fvtc.edu |
| Blackhawk Technical College | GED prep and testing, Janesville/Rock County area. blackhawk.edu |
| Chippewa Valley Technical College | GED prep and testing, Eau Claire area. cvtc.edu |
| Lakeshore Technical College | GED prep and testing, Cleveland/Sheboygan area. gotoltc.edu |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) | GED prep and testing, Milwaukee metro area. matc.edu |
| Nicolet Area Technical College (Rhinelander) | GED prep and testing, northern WI. nicoletcollege.edu |
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College | GED prep, Fennimore/Grant County area. swtc.edu |
| All WTCS Colleges | All 16 Wisconsin Technical College System colleges offer GED/HSED programs. Find your nearest: wtcsystem.edu | dpi.wi.gov/ged |
Free and Low-Cost GED Preparation in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS)
All 16 WTCS colleges provide Adult Basic Education (ABE) and GED/HSED preparation programs. Many offer free or very low-cost classes for eligible adult learners. The mandatory counseling session required before testing is typically provided as part of WTCS enrollment orientation at no additional cost.
Free GED Practice Test Resources
| Resource | Details |
| GED Free Test Previews | ged.com/study/free-online-ged-test.html |
| GED Official Practice Questions | ged.com/study/practice-questions.html |
| GED Ready (~$7.99/subject) | Required for online testing; strongly recommended for in-person; available at GED.com |
| Prepsaret.com | Free and premium test prep resource and lessons for all four GED content areas |
| USCIS Civics Study Guide (free) | uscis.gov — official free study materials for all 100 citizenship test questions and the updated 2025 bank |
| DPI Civics Resources | dpi.wi.gov/social-studies/laws/civics — Wisconsin-specific civics test resources and answer keys |
| WTCS Adult Basic Education | Free/low-cost GED prep at all 16 WTCS colleges; civics test prep included in program |
| Wisconsin Public Libraries | Many WI public libraries offer LearningExpress Library with GED practice tests |
How to Get Your GED/HSED in Wisconsin
- Create a free account at GED.com. Confirm you meet Wisconsin’s requirements: WI resident 10+ days; 18.5 years old or 9th-grade class has graduated (or 17-18.5 with s.118.15 contract).
- Complete the mandatory counseling session at an approved provider — contact your nearest WTCS college, local high school, or community-based organization. Most WTCS colleges hold a GED/HSED orientation that fulfills the counseling requirement. Find your nearest WTCS college.
- After counseling, enroll in a GED/HSED program at your WTCS college or community program for free or low-cost preparation. Study all four GED subjects PLUS begin studying for the Wisconsin Civics Test using USCIS study materials.
- If you need GED Ready (for online testing), take it through GED.com (~$7.99/subject). For in-person testing, GED Ready is not required but strongly recommended given Wisconsin’s $39.75/subject cost.
- Schedule and take the four GED subject tests through GED.com: $39.75 per subject ($159 total). In-person or online at your approved Wisconsin test center.
- Schedule and take the Wisconsin Civics Test through GED.com: $10. Achieve a score of 65/100 or better. Study the 100 USCIS naturalization questions using official USCIS and DPI materials. If you fail, wait 30 days before retesting.
- Once you have passed all four GED subjects AND the civics test, contact your program or DPI to confirm your credential pathway (Certificate of GED or HSED). Most programs will guide you through submitting the application to DPI.
- Request your Wisconsin diploma and/or transcript from DPI: dpi.wi.gov/ged | Submit the order form + $15 fee | Mail to: DPI/GED Program, P.O. Box 7841, Madison, WI 53707-7841.
How to Pass the Wisconsin GED Fast
Wisconsin-Specific Study Plan
| Phase | Focus |
| Phase 1: Enroll and assess | Attend WTCS GED/HSED orientation (fulfills mandatory counseling). Complete initial reading/math assessment. Develop your plan for completion — GED only or HSED with additional skills components. Start civics test prep immediately alongside GED content. |
| Phase 2: Core GED subjects | Focus on weakest subjects first, especially Mathematical Reasoning. Study algebra, graphs, data interpretation, geometry. For RLA, practice the Extended Response essay. Use GED.com free previews and Khan Academy alongside your WTCS program. |
| Phase 3: Civics parallel study | Memorize all 100 USCIS civics questions (now drawn from 128-question 2025 bank). Use the USCIS flash cards and DPI answer keys at dpi.wi.gov/social-studies/laws/civics. Spanish-language resources available for GED.com and USCIS materials. |
| Phase 4: GED Ready + testing | For online: take GED Ready (~$7.99/subject) and confirm green score. For in-person: take GED Ready optionally to confirm readiness before spending $39.75/subject. Schedule subjects at GED.com. Take civics test ($10) once confident. |
Wisconsin-Specific Tips
Budget Carefully — Wisconsin’s Testing Is the Most Expensive in This Series
At $39.75 per GED subject + $10 civics = $169 total for a first attempt, Wisconsin’s testing costs are the highest in this guide series. Unlike most states where retakes are $10, online retakes in Wisconsin cost the full $39.75.
Invest time in preparation before scheduling tests — spending $159 on tests you’re not ready for is costly. GED Ready (~$7.99/subject) before in-person testing is strongly recommended as a low-cost insurance policy.
Don’t Forget the 30-Day Civics Retake Wait
The civics test has a unique 30-day waiting period between attempts — longer than GED subject retakes. Failing the civics test and having to wait 30 days can significantly delay your overall credential.
Study the USCIS 100 questions thoroughly before your first attempt. Free study materials are available from USCIS and DPI.
Civics Test Update
The USCIS expanded its test bank from 100 to 128 questions effective October 20, 2025. Questions are drawn from American history, the structure of U.S. government, civic principles, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
The DPI has made the 2025 Revised Civics Graduation Requirement Multiple Choice Exam available. Verify that your study materials include the updated 2025 question bank.
s.118.15 Contract Students: Clarify Timeline with Your School
If you are 17-18.5 years old pursuing GED testing through a s.118.15 contract, work closely with your high school administration to ensure the contract is in place before attempting to schedule tests. The s.118.15 contract is a formal school-district-level arrangement, and processing time varies.
Day-of-Test Checklist
- Bring valid government-issued photo ID plus Wisconsin residency proof (driver’s license satisfies both; otherwise bring separate ID + utility bill/lease showing WI address)
- GED subjects: no phone/notes/food/drinks in testing room
- For online: log in 30 min early; private quiet space; parent at check-in for under-18.5
- Civics test is separate — schedule through GED.com; costs $10
- Spend 5 minutes outlining the Extended Response essay before writing
- TWO no-wait in-person GED subject retakes at $10 each; civics retake requires 30-day wait
Wisconsin Diploma and Transcript Requests
| Transcripts and Diplomas Go Through Wisconsin DPI Directly
Unlike most states in this guide series where transcripts are handled by GED Testing Service/Parchment, Wisconsin DPI handles all GED and HSED transcript and diploma requests directly. There is a $15 fee per document. Electronic copies and mail orders are available through dpi.wi.gov/ged. |
| Document | How to Obtain |
| Wisconsin GED or HSED diploma | Submit order form + $15 fee to WI DPI. Mail to: DPI/GED Program, Department of Public Instruction, P.O. Box 7841, Madison, WI 53707-7841 | or use: dpi.wi.gov/ged (GED and HSED Transcript and Diploma Request link) |
| Wisconsin GED or HSED transcript | Same process — $15 fee per transcript; order from dpi.wi.gov/ged |
| Education verification (for employers/colleges) | GED and HSED Education Verifications — available at dpi.wi.gov/ged |
| Public directory | Public GED/HSED directory for finding basic info — dpi.wi.gov/ged |
| Contact DPI | Sherry Holly | (608) 267-1062 | Fax (608) 267-9275 | Alternative Education and GED/HSED Email Contact at dpi.wi.gov/ged | Book a phone call appointment at dpi.wi.gov/ged |
What Can You Do With a Wisconsin GED Certificate or HSED?
| Legal Equivalence in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Certificate of GED and the High School Equivalency Diploma are fully recognized by all Wisconsin employers, all WTCS colleges, Wisconsin universities, all U.S. military branches, and federal employment programs as equivalent to a high school diploma. |
| Opportunity | Details |
| Employment | Manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, tech, retail, government — most WI entry-level and professional positions accept the WI GED Certificate or HSED |
| Military service | All U.S. Armed Forces branches accept both credentials |
| Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) | All 16 WTCS colleges accept both credentials for admission; high GED scores (165+) may waive placement tests |
| University of Wisconsin System | UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Green Bay, and all UW System campuses accept both credentials |
| HSED advantage over Certificate of GED | The HSED is a state-issued diploma (stronger) vs. the national GED certificate. For college admissions and some employers, the HSED may be preferred. Most test-takers pursue the HSED through PI 5.04 or PI 5.05. |
| College credits (GED 175+) | College Ready + Credit scores may earn college credits at participating WI institutions through ACE CREDIT |
| Federal employment in WI | VA Medical Centers, Social Security Administration, USDA, IRS, and all WI federal facilities accept both credentials |
Wisconsin HiSET Alternative: FAQs
Is the HiSET available in Wisconsin?
No. Wisconsin does not offer the HiSET exam. The GED is the only standardized test used for high school equivalency in Wisconsin, administered through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Wisconsin does offer its own High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) system with six pathways under PI 5 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, but all pathways require passing the Wisconsin Civics Test and completing counseling — no pathway uses the HiSET.
What is the Wisconsin Civics Test and why is it required?
The Wisconsin Civics Test is a 100-question exam based on the USCIS naturalization/citizenship test bank, required by Wisconsin law (Wis. Stat. sec. 118.33(1m)(a)1) for all GED/HSED applicants effective July 1, 2016.
You must score 65 out of 100 (65%) to pass. The test costs $10 and is scheduled through GED.com. There is a 30-day waiting period between retakes. Students who passed civics in high school (class of 2017 or later) can document completion with official transcripts and skip this test.
What changed with the Civics Test in 2025?
Effective October 20, 2025, the USCIS expanded its citizenship test bank from 100 to 128 questions. Wisconsin law still requires 100 questions to be selected from the bank.
Under DPI guidance, test centers and districts choose 100 questions from the 128-question pool. Students who passed the civics test before October 20, 2025 do not need to retake it.
Those testing after that date will encounter questions from the updated 2025 bank. About 75% of the content of the new 2025 test comes from the original 2008 bank.
Why is Wisconsin’s GED more expensive than other states?
At $39.75 per subject ($159 total + $10 civics = $169 total), Wisconsin charges the highest GED testing fees in this guide series. The higher cost reflects Wisconsin’s state-level pricing structure.
There are no state-funded free GED testing programs in Wisconsin like those in West Virginia or Kentucky. However, free or low-cost GED preparation is available through the WTCS and community-based organizations, and the mandatory counseling helps ensure you are truly ready before spending money on tests.
What is a s.118.15 contract?
A Wisconsin s.118.15 contract (named after Wisconsin Statute 118.15) is a formal agreement between a school district and a student (and their parents) that modifies the student’s high school program requirements.
For GED/HSED purposes, this contract allows students between 17 and 18.5 years of age to pursue the GED instead of completing a traditional high school program. The contract is initiated through the student’s local high school or through a juvenile correctional facility or the Wisconsin Challenge Academy.
Simple parental consent alone is insufficient — the formal school-district contract is required.
What is the difference between the Certificate of GED and the HSED?
The Certificate of GED is a national credential issued by GED Testing Service after you pass the four GED subjects plus the Wisconsin Civics Test. The High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) is a state diploma issued by the Wisconsin State Superintendent of Public Instruction through one of six pathways under PI 5.
Most test-takers pursue the HSED, which is considered a stronger credential than the national GED certificate. The PI 5.04 pathway (pass GED + civics) results in both credentials simultaneously.
The PI 5.05 pathway (GED + civics + additional skills) results in a full HSED with health and employability components. Contact your program counselor for guidance on which is right for you.
Final Thoughts: GED Your Wisconsin HiSET Alternative
Wisconsin’s GED/HSED program is unique in this guide series for three reasons that no other state shares simultaneously: the mandatory Wisconsin Civics Test (the only state requiring a separate civics exam), the mandatory pre-testing counseling session, and the highest per-subject pricing at $39.75.
Together, these requirements reflect Wisconsin’s philosophy that earning a high school equivalency is a substantive achievement that deserves structured preparation, informed decision-making, and a demonstration of civic knowledge.
The WTCS — Wisconsin’s 16 community and technical colleges — provides the backbone of GED/HSED preparation statewide, offering free and low-cost instruction that fulfills the counseling requirement, provides civics test preparation, and supports students through all six HSED pathways. Start with your nearest WTCS college, and you will have access to everything you need to succeed.
| Your Action Plan — Start Today
1. Create a free GED account at GED.com. Confirm WI residency (10+ days) and age eligibility (18.5+ or 9th-grade class graduated; 17-18.5 requires s.118.15 contract) 2. Complete the mandatory counseling session at your nearest WTCS college or approved provider. Find your WTCS college: wtcsystem.edu | DPI contact: dpi.wi.gov/ged 3. Enroll in a GED/HSED preparation program at your WTCS college — free or very low-cost instruction in all four GED subjects AND civics preparation 4. Start studying for the Wisconsin Civics Test NOW alongside GED prep. Use: USCIS study guide (uscis.gov), DPI civics resources (dpi.wi.gov/social-studies/laws/civics), Khan Academy, and your WTCS program 5. Take GED Ready (~$7.99/subject) — required for online testing; strongly recommended for in-person given $39.75/subject cost 6. Schedule GED subjects at GED.com: $39.75/subject ($159 total). Schedule Wisconsin Civics Test at GED.com: $10. Pass civics with 65/100. 7. Work with your program counselor to determine your credential pathway (Certificate of GED vs. HSED PI 5.04 vs. PI 5.05, etc.) 8. Request your Wisconsin diploma/transcript from DPI: dpi.wi.gov/ged | $15 fee per document | Mail to: DPI/GED Program, P.O. Box 7841, Madison, WI 53707-7841 9. Note: Civics retakes require a 30-day wait — prepare thoroughly before first attempt 10. If you have old high school transcripts showing civics completion (class of 2017+), bring official transcripts to skip the separate civics test GED Administrator Sherry Holly: (608) 267-1062 | Fax (608) 267-9275 | 125 S. Webster St., P.O. Box 7841, Madison, WI 53707-7841 DPI GED/HSED: dpi.wi.gov/ged | Book phone appointment: dpi.wi.gov/ged WTCS System: wtcsystem.edu GED Testing Helpline: 1-877-EXAM-GED (1-877-392-6433) |