High School Equivalency
High School Equivalency at Catawba Valley Community College provides options for adults to acquire high school level credentials. This program prepares students to pass standardized equivalency tests such as the GED® or HiSET.
New Location beginning april 8th
CVCC Main Campus
Cuyler A Dunbar (CAD) Building, 2nd floor
2590 US Hwy 70 SE
Hickory, NC 28602
CVCC's High School Equivalency (HSE) program prepares students to pass standardized equivalency tests such as the GED® or HiSET. Classes are free and open to students 16 years of age or older. Students who are 16 or 17 years old must download a Minor Application Form from the College and Career Readiness website and return it completed before admission. Students may study in our open labs and/or online. Students must be formally enrolled to use the online skill-building program. Students who are 16 or 17 should see the Procedure for Minor Students for more information.
How do I get started?
- Step 1 - Schedule an assessment appointment with the College and Career Readiness Office.
- Step 2 - Attend a mandatory orientation session.
- Step 3 - Begin studying in our labs and/or at home.
Call the College and Career Readiness Office at (828) 327-7000, ext. 4353 and leave a message or email college-career-readiness@cvcc.edu to schedule an appointment.
Alexander Campus, Taylorsville
LAB HOURS ROOM 203
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Monday & Wednesday
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday
Please call (828) 632-8221 for more information about studying for your HSE at the CVCC Alexander Center.
High School Equivalency FAQs
What are the tests like?
The GED® exam consists of four computer-based tests, and the cost is $20 per test. *subject to increase
- Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) (150 minutes)
- Mathematical Reasoning (115 minutes)
- Science (90 minutes)
- Social Studies (90 minutes)
The HiSET® consists of five paper-based tests, and the cost is $15 per test. *subject to increase
- Language Arts-Reading (65 minutes)
- Language Arts-Writing (120 minutes)
- Science (80 minutes)
- Social Studies (70 minutes)
- Mathematics (90 minutes)
How will I know if I'm ready to take the tests?
Students who are enrolled in our HSE classes may try the Official GED® and HiSET Practice Tests in class for free. These tests will help students to know if they are ready for the actual tests.
Where do I take the tests, and how do I register?
Students will sign up online to take tests here at our Testing Center. All test scheduling and payment must be done online with a credit card. Lab instructors can help students in the classroom with the registration process. If you don't have a credit card, a prepaid Visa/MasterCard can be purchased at most grocery and retail stores.
I passed some of the GED® tests a few years ago. Are my scores still good?
Yes, GED® scores from 2014 to now are still valid. However, scores from before the 2014 edition of the GED® are not transferable. Students will have to take all subject area tests again.
I started taking some of the HiSet or GED tests at another school. What are my options at CVCC?
Contact the ASC Senior Coordinator at (828) 327-7000, ext. 4129 about transferring scores. If you haven't taken any tests, talk to your classroom instructor about your test options after you are enrolled.
Career Pathways
Career Pathways allow you to start training for a career while you are working on your high school diploma, learning the English language, or building academic skills in our department. Click the link for more information. https://www.cvcc.edu/Academic-Resources/CCR/career-pathways.cfm
Contact Information
Adult Secondary Credentials Coordinator
College and Career Readiness
Email:
Mary Morningstar
Phone: 828-327-7000
x4129