GED

Requesting GED Records from the Minnesota Department of Education

If you just passed your GED or HiSET test, the Minnesota Department of Education will automatically send you a diploma and transcript using the mailing address you have in your GED or HiSET account. Please make sure your address is correct. It typically takes three weeks from the final test passing date for you to receive your High School Equivalency diploma and record via U.S. Mail.

People can request a High School Equivalency diploma or transcript by completing and submitting a High School Equivalency (GED/HiSET) Records Request Form (see below). The one-page request form lists three options for submitting the request. Please choose one:

  1. Email a completed form to MDE.ABE@state.mn.us.
  2. Fax the completed form to 651-582-8458.
  3. Mail the completed form to:
    High School Equivalency (HSE) Office
    400 NE Stinson Blvd.
    Minneapolis, MN 55413
High School Equivalency records will be sent out from our office via U.S. Mail, typically within three to five business days of receiving the request.

Please note the Minnesota Department of Education does not allow High School Equivalency diploma holders to pick up High School Equivalency records at the Minnesota Department of Education to help ensure public and staff safety. Until further notice, we will also not be allowing people to create appointments to pick up records.

HSE Testing Subsidy Available for Minnesotans with code MNHSEFREE

HSE testers in Minnesota can now get one free test in each subject by entering the code MNHSEFREE when scheduling and paying for testing, while test approval and funding last. This promotional code must be entered when scheduling tests. This code applies to any eligible tester with a Minnesota address who marks that they intend to test in Minnesota and schedules testing via online proctored or at an approved Minnesota or border state's testing center. If a student does not pass or does not show up for testing, they will not receive the subsidy for the retake tests; they will have to pay the standard retake test price. Once the funding  runs out, the code will not work and testers will have to pay the full testing fee. We cannot predict how long funding will last.

Getting Started
Register online at the GED website, register online at the HiSET website, or contact your local Adult Basic Education (ABE) program to get started. Search for an ABE program near you by visiting the Minnesota Adult Literacy website. Staff at each ABE program will be able to walk you through the registration process and also provide resources and classes to prepare for taking the test.

The Test
In Minnesota, individuals who do not have a high school diploma may be able to earn a state of Minnesota High School Equivalency Diploma by passing the GED or HiSET tests. The four tests in the GED battery and the five tests in the HiSET battery measure academic competencies similar to many of those required of a Minnesota high school graduate.

Eligibility
If you are 19 years old, do not already have a recognized and documented high school diploma, and are not currently enrolled in high school, you are eligible to take a High School Equivalency test battery in Minnesota without an age waiver.

Getting an Age Waiver
If you are 17 or 18 years old and are not currently enrolled in high school, you must apply for an age waiver before testing. The waiver form and instructions are available below. In addition to the form, you will need to bring a valid, current government-issued photo ID to the testing site.

Once You Pass All the Tests
Once you pass all GED or HiSET tests, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) will receive your information (including name and address) automatically from your GED or HiSET testing account and print you an official diploma and transcript, typically within a week. Please make sure your mailing address is correct in your GED or HiSET account! The diploma and transcript will be mailed via U.S. Mail to your address that you have listed in your GED or HiSET account. You should receive your diploma in about 3 weeks after passing the final test.

Getting Additional Copies of GED Records
If you need additional copies of your GED or HiSET records, please download and complete the High School Equivalency (GED/HiSET) Records Request form below. Please note that for official employment, college, other postsecondary or similar verification purposes, they typically need just the “Official Transcript.” Records are sent via U.S. Mail or via email.

Warning Regarding Misleading GED® Claims

The State of Minnesota High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma can only be earned through the GED and HiSET test vendors and/or their official testing sites. The Minnesota HSE Diploma cannot be earned or obtained by other internet sites or through correspondence programs. General Educational Development (GED) tests are developed by the GED Testing Service®. High School Equivalency Tests (HiSET) are developed by PSI Services. HSE tests often require extensive preparation in order to demonstrate the high level of high school knowledge and academic skills needed to pass. The Minnesota Department of Education issues and can verify an authentic High School Equivalency Diploma earned in the state of Minnesota. “High school equivalency” diplomas or certificates obtained in Minnesota but not issued by the Minnesota Department of Education may not be accepted by employers, colleges and universities, or the military.

GED® and GED Testing Service® are registered trademarks of the American Council on Education. They may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the American Council on Education.

PSI®, the PSI logo, and HiSET® are registered trademarks of PSI and used in the United States under license.

Minnesota Adult Literacy Hotline

To find an approved ABE program to help you earn your diploma as an adult, please visit the Minnesota Adult Literacy Hotline website or call 1-800-222-1990.

  •  - 8/19/22
  • Age Waiver Form and Instructions - 6/16/22
    Form to request an age waiver for individuals taking the General Educational Development (GED) tests.
  • GED Records Request Form - 4/8/22
    Complete this form and return to the Minnesota Department of Education to request official GED records.