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High School Equivalency Program

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Use the HSEP Help Desk to submit a request and get your questions answered.

Related Content

HSEP Forms

HSEP Testing Process

HSEP and Average Daily Attendance Funding

HSEP Students and Assessment Testing

HSEP Information for Students

 

Contact Information

College, Career, & Military Preparation

1701 N. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701 

The purpose of the High School Equivalency Program (HSEP) is to prepare eligible students to pass the high school equivalency exams instead of earning a high school diploma. Any school district or open enrollment charter school can apply for authorization to operate a HSEP in the state of Texas.

Program Authorization

Texas Education Code -

Commissioner's Rules -

About the High School Equivalency

You can learn more about the HSEP from the links below:

Student and Parent Information regarding the high school equivalency

The Texas Education Code - statute requires anyone under age 18 to attend school.  The HSEP allows students who are at risk of dropping out of high school to earn a high school equivalency credential.  The Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ provides a list of schools which operate a HSEP.

Student Eligibility Requirements

  1. The student is at least 16 years of age at the beginning of the school year or semester; at least two school years have elapsed since the student first enrolled in ninth grade; the student has completed fewer than 1/3 of the credits required for graduation under the district's or the open enrollment charter school's minimum graduation plan.
  2. Students ordered by a court under or directed by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department are automatically accepted to the program.

Student Registration to take the High School Equivalency Exam

As a HSEP student, you need to register to test at the . Important, during the registration process, you must indicate:

  • You are currently enrolled in high school
  • You attend a High School Equivalency Program (Options Program)

Note: Your high school will need to submit an "Authorization to test" form so you can schedule your exams.

Alternatives to the HSEP

There are alternative educational opportunities, some are free of charge and others have a fee.  We recommend you talk to your school counselor regarding your options.

  • is a free education and training program that helps young people learn a career, earn a high school diploma or high school equivalency credential, and find and keep a good job.
  • The is designed to reclaim the potential of at-risk students by training them to be successful, responsible, productive citizens through a program of education, mentoring, physical fitness, and volunteer service to the community.
  • offer seamless access to services under a variety of employment, training, and education programs.
  • offers online high school diploma programs accredited by Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ.
  • offers online high school diploma programs accredited by Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ.
  • To verify accreditation of Texas online and private high schools, contact the  (TEPSAC) and (IALDS).

High School Equivalency Preparation

The is responsible for Adult Basic Education in Texas.  You can find Adult Preparation programs by contacting T-Call at 800-441- READ (7323) or tcall@tamu.edu.

High School Application for a HSEP

School districts and open enrollment charter schools must complete an (PDF) and submit it to the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ for approval. The application will include the following:

  • evidence of a public hearing concerning the HSEP or Option Program
  • assurances from the school that they will follow the specified rules in the application for providing a HSEP
  • narrative description of the proposed program
  • contact information for all campuses with a HSEP