{"id":5951,"date":"2026-04-08T09:43:22","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T09:43:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prepsaret.com\/hiset\/?p=5951"},"modified":"2026-04-08T09:43:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T09:43:22","slug":"hiset-alternative-in-west-virginia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prepsaret.com\/hiset\/hiset-alternative-in-west-virginia","title":{"rendered":"HiSET Alternative in West Virginia: GED Options & Requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"

West Virginia officially discontinued the HiSET exam on August 1, 2024. The GED is now the only state-approved high school equivalency test in West Virginia. If you previously started HiSET testing but did not finish all subtests, you can combine your partial HiSET scores with GED scores via DiplomaSender<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Exam<\/b><\/td>\nStatus in West Virginia<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
GED<\/b><\/td>\nACTIVE \u2014 the only state-approved HSE exam since August 1, 2024. Free for eligible test-takers through state funding.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
HiSET<\/b><\/td>\nENDED August 1, 2024. Partial HiSET scores (subjects passed before 8\/1\/2024) can be combined indefinitely with GED scores via DiplomaSender. Contact WVDE at (833) 627-2833.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
TASC<\/b><\/td>\nEnded previously. TASC scores from the 2014 series can also be combined indefinitely with GED scores via DiplomaSender’s Total Transcript program.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are searching for a ‘West Virginia HiSET alternative,’ the answer is the GED. The WVDE has formally notified all test-takers via ETS that the HiSET is no longer offered. Existing myHiSET Test Taker Portal accounts remain accessible until further notice. All questions about the transition should be directed to the WVDE at (833) 627-2833.<\/span><\/p>\n

Partial HiSET or TASC Scores: DiplomaSender Score Combination<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
CRITICAL: Partial HiSET\/TASC Scores CAN Be Combined with GED \u2014 Indefinitely<\/b><\/p>\n

West Virginia allows students who passed some \u2014 but not all \u2014 HiSET or TASC subtests before those programs ended to combine their passing scores with GED subject scores via DiplomaSender’s Total Transcript program.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This combination is available indefinitely. Once you have passed all subjects across the two exams combined, contact WVDE at (833) 627-2833 to have your diploma issued.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

How Score Combination Works<\/b><\/h2>\n
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  1. Identify which HiSET or TASC subjects you passed (check your myHiSET portal or contact WVDE at (833) 627-2833).<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Take the remaining subjects via the GED exam at a West Virginia adult education center. The free GED testing program applies to these remaining subjects.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Once all subjects are covered between your HiSET\/TASC scores and your new GED scores, contact WVDE at (833) 627-2833 to initiate the diploma issuance process.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Set up a DiplomaSender account at DiplomaSender.com (or call 1-855-313-5799) to receive your diploma and official transcript.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    HiSET-to-GED Subject Mapping<\/b><\/p>\n

    The HiSET has five subtests (Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies). The GED has four subjects (RLA combines Reading and Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    If you passed HiSET Reading and\/or Writing, those passing scores count toward your credential.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Your WVDE coordinator and DiplomaSender will guide the exact mapping for your specific situation. Contact WVDE at (833) 627-2833 for personalized guidance.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    What Is the West Virginia GED?<\/b><\/h2>\n

    The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE), Division of Adult & Technical Education, administers the GED program in West Virginia. The state has provided funding to cover the full cost of GED testing \u2014 making West Virginia one of only approximately four states nationally where GED testing is completely free for qualifying test-takers.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The credential \u2014 the State of West Virginia High School Equivalency Diploma \u2014 is issued through DiplomaSender and mailed to you at no cost.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    WVDE notes: ‘the issuance of the State of West Virginia High School Equivalency Diploma provides [West Virginians] with the opportunity to demonstrate academic skills at a high school level of competency.’\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    West Virginia GED At-a-Glance<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Fact<\/b><\/td>\nDetail<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Official credential name<\/b><\/td>\nState of West Virginia High School Equivalency Diploma<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Administered by<\/b><\/td>\nWV Department of Education (WVDE), Division of Adult & Technical Education<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    HSE Coordinator<\/b><\/td>\nEllen Killion, Option Pathway\/HSE Coordinator | (304) 558-2389 | Fax (304) 558-4874 | 1900 Kanawha Blvd., East Building 6, Suite 825, Charleston, WV 25305-0330<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Adult Education Director<\/b><\/td>\nMendy Marshall | wvde.us\/adult-education\/<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    WVAdultEd Hotline<\/b><\/td>\n1-800-642-2670 \u2014 find your nearest adult learning center or get program questions answered<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    WVDE GED\/HiSET Hotline<\/b><\/td>\n(833) 627-2833 \u2014 for HiSET transition questions and diploma issuance for score combination<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Cost<\/b><\/td>\nFREE \u2014 state-funded; zero cost to test-taker for all four GED subjects<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Free testing requirement<\/b><\/td>\nMust go to an Adult Education classroom, take and PASS the GED Official Practice Test (GED Ready) at an approved adult education or Option Pathway program<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Enrollment required<\/b><\/td>\nREQUIRED \u2014 must enroll in adult education or Option Pathway program before scheduling. Adult Education instructor must assist with registration and scheduling.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Online GED testing<\/b><\/td>\nNOT AVAILABLE in West Virginia \u2014 in-person only at approved test centers<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Residency required?<\/b><\/td>\nNO \u2014 no residency requirement to test in WV. Diploma issued as WV diploma if tested here. Distance education DOES require WV residency.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Standard minimum age<\/b><\/td>\n19 years old; 16-18 with specific requirements; Option Pathway for students still enrolled in school<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Languages<\/b><\/td>\nEnglish and Spanish; can combine to earn credential<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    HiSET ended<\/b><\/td>\nAugust 1, 2024 \u2014 GED is now the only approved exam<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Diploma\/transcript delivery<\/b><\/td>\nDiplomaSender.com or 1-855-313-5799 \u2014 first diploma and transcript mailed free; replacements for a fee<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    West Virginia’s FREE GED Testing Program<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    West Virginia: One of ~4 States with Completely Free GED Testing<\/b><\/p>\n

    West Virginia state funding covers the full cost of GED testing for all qualifying test-takers. There is no cost to the test-taker for any of the four GED subjects. This makes West Virginia one of only approximately four states nationally offering truly free GED testing. The key requirement: you must first pass the GED Official Practice Test (GED Ready) at an approved Adult Education or Option Pathway program \u2014 practice test scores from home or outside an approved program are NOT accepted.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    Requirements to Access Free GED Testing<\/b><\/h3>\n