How to Get a GED® or HiSET® in Illinois

Study for the Illinois GED or HiSET online without having to attend class!

Illinois GED and HiSET Requirements


  • Resident: You must be a resident of Illinois for 30 days or more.
  • Age:
    • GED: In Illinois, you must be 18 years old to take the GED test. If you are 17, you will need to provide a withdrawal letter from the last school attended. Proof of withdrawal must be emailed to hse@illinois.gov (preferred) or faxed to 217-558-6700. Visit the Illinois Community College Board’s website for more information. If you are 16, you must be enrolled in a Regional Safe Schools Program, an Alternative Learning Opportunities Program, or the Lincoln’s Challenge Academy pursuant to the Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/3-15.12). The program must petition on your behalf for you to be approved to take the GED or HiSET.
    • HiSET: In Illinois, you must be 17 years old to take the HiSET exam. If you are under 18, you must also meet additional requirements: If you are 17, you must present proof of withdrawal from the last school enrolled in before taking the HiSET exam. If you are 16, you may register for the HiSET exam only if you are currently enrolled in the Illinois National Guard’s Lincoln’s Challenge Program or a qualified Alternative Learning Opportunity Program through your Regional Office of Education.
  • Enrolled: You cannot be enrolled in an accredited high school or be a high school graduate.
  • Online Testing: Yes, you can take the GED and HiSET online in California.
  • Cost:
    • GED Cost at a Test Center: $36 per subject or $144 for all subjects.
    • GED Cost Online: $36 per subject or $144 for all subjects.
    • HiSET Cost at a Test Center: $23 per subtest or $115 for all subtests.
    • HiSET Cost Online: $23 per subtest or $115 for all subtests.

      Note: In Illinois, the Illinois Community College Board is giving $26 off your GED test for each subject while funding lasts. Use promo code ILSAVE26 at checkout.

  • Score:
    • GED: A minimum score of 145 is required on each subject to pass.
    • HiSET: A minimum score of 8 is required on each subtest, with a combined score of 45. The Language Arts, Writing essay requires a minimum score of 2.
  • Accommodations: You must apply for disability accommodations through the GED Testing Service website or fill out a HiSET Accommodations Request Form on the HiSET website.
  • Additional Requirements: In Illinois, you are also required to pass the Illinois Constitution Test to earn your diploma. The Constitution Test can be taken online through the Illinois Community College Board website.
  • Diploma: After passing the GED test or HiSET exam and the Illinois Constitution Test, the State of Illinois will award you a high school equivalency certificate, showing that you have achieved the same level of knowledge as a high school graduate.

Online GED and HiSET Classes in Illinois

Need help studying? GED & HiSET Academy will help you get your Illinois GED or HiSET fast and easy. Join over 4.5 million adults who took our online classes to prepare for the GED & HiSET test!

Over 20 Million Adults

That's how many have successfully passed the GED & HiSET. So why wait?

ENROLL NOW

"I never had the opportunity to go to school. When I was a kid, my childhood was working at the fields with my dad. My three sons have good jobs and earn a lot money. I thought that if they could get their high school diploma, I could too."

– Pedro, Illinois