A high school equivalency (HSE) is a recognized alternative to a high school diploma. It is a credential that certifies that an individual has high school-level academic skills and knowledge. There are three common exams used to determine high school equivalency: the General Educational Development (GED) test, the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET), and the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC). Most colleges and employers accept an HSE credential as being equivalent to a high school diploma.

The High School Equivalency Program (HEP) is a program that helps migratory and seasonal farmworkers (or children of such workers) who are 16 years of age or older to obtain a high school equivalency credential. The program is overseen by the U.S. Department of Education and provides discretionary/competitive grants.

In the United States, each state has its own high school equivalency options, and states typically promote and endorse one or more high school equivalency diplomas. If you are interested in earning an HSE, you can find your states high school equivalency options.

Having an HSE can open many doors, as it is a recognized alternative to a high school diploma and can help individuals advance their careers, join the military, begin a training program, or continue their education. People who have a diploma or equivalency earn more than people who dont, and many jobs and training programs require that you have one or the other.