New high school equivalency test being used

With the new year comes a new way of obtaining a high school equivalency degree but it will also cost more.

A number of states, including Missouri, have adopted the High School Equivalency (HiSet), also known as the HSE, after a new version of the GED was found to be too expensive for those wanting to take it.

The HiSet costs $95, which is less than half of what the new GED version would have cost but more than what had previously been changed.

The new test costs $95 to take.

“The most significant changes in the High School Equivalency exam starting this month is the cost and that the exam is computer-based,” said Ramona George, college director of Adult Education and Literacy at OTC.

George said there are a number of advantages to the new test, which the College started offering last week.

“The new high school equivalency certification exam can be taken one subtest at a time. There is immediate notification of score in reading, math, science and social studies subtests. It increases test takers computer usage skills and scores can indicate college readiness,” she said.

OTC’s Adult Education and Literacy classes help students brush up on reading, math, language, science, and social studies skills so they can pass the exam the first time. There are 17 prep centers in the area that OTC oversees. The test is offered at the OTC Testing Center.

“We help students who are uncomfortable with computers; OTC’s Adult Education classes have computers and educational software to improve their basic computer skills,” George said.

Last year, 311 people passed the GED version of the test. Those who complete the program receive a three-hour credit class at no cost from OTC.

George did offer some advice for those who will be taking the HSE.

Due to the increased cost, we are encouraging test takers to save money by enrolling in our classes where certified instructors are able to predict when a student is ready to pass the exam. There is no charge for the classes located throughout the eight-county service area, she said.

For more information, go to www.otc.edu/programs/adulteducation.php or call (417) 447-8860.

Steve Koehler is coordinator of media relations at Ozarks Technical Community College.