HSE exam set to change

There’s a new test for Indiana adult students working on getting a High School Equivalency diploma.

Starting in July, they’ll have the option to take a test that can be completed at home. Unlike the test used in recent years, it’s also transferable to surrounding states and recognized by the military.

Indiana Adult Education is switching its final exam July 1. At that time, it will begin transitioning from the Test Assessing Secondary Completion to the High School Equivalency Test. This extends to the adult education offered at John Jay Center of Learning.

“We’re just excited about the new test,” said John Jay student services advisor Miranda Carr. “I think it will be beneficial to the students, and that’s what we’re here for — to provide the best education and best prepare these students.”

The new assessment is offered by Educational Testing Service, the world’s largest private educational testing and measurement organization. It administers and scores more than 50 million tests –– including graduate admissions and English language proficiency –– each year, according to its website.

The High School Equivalency Test is used in 23 states, including Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan and Illinois, making it an accepted certification for any students who move out of Indiana.

With a transferable High School Equivalency degree, graduates won’t need to “start over” if they move, Carr said. (The Test Assessing Secondary Completion was not as widely accepted.) She also anticipates more states will be transitioning to this service soon.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Educational Testing Service released its remote testing option for the High School Equivalency Test in June. There is an additional $17.50 fee if a student decides to take the test at home instead of at a testing center. (The fee pays for a proctor to monitor their online session.)

High School Equivalency Test takers should also receive unofficial results within an hour of completing it –– the Test Assessing Secondary Completion usually took about 12 hours to produce a student’s unofficial results.

It will still take a day or two to receive a student’s writing test score, Carr noted.

The new exam material will not change much from its predecessor, she added. It can be taken on computer or on paper, and it covers five subjects: writing, reading, mathematics, social studies and science. It also costs the same when taken in the testing center at $15 a test.

“It’s just better — we’re just here to make things as easy as we can to get to the point where they can take this final test,” Carr said.

Adult Education classes at John Jay will be starting the summer session soon, meaning only one class a week will be offered starting in June. (The program offers three classes through the traditional academic year.) Those interested can call (260) 729-5525 or email info©johnjaycenter.com for more information.