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Adult Education (AE) is personal and flexible, with a variety of convenient class options. Choose from lab, online and traditional classroom settings with day and evening hours. The flexible scheduling and individually-paced instruction allows for a variety of start times and can be completed when goals have been met. You can also choose from a variety of locations throughout the region.

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GED® Credential or HSED

GED® is the name (brand) of the high school equivalency that was developed by the American Council on Education and is administered in Wisconsin at testing sites approved by the state superintendent and GED Testing Service®, a branch of the American Council on Education. The GED® credential consists of a battery of tests to measure competency in math, science, social studies and language arts (reading and writing). If you pass the GED® test battery, you'll qualify for a GED® certificate issued by the Department of Public Instruction. The GED® is a nationwide credential used to demonstrate a level of education achievement equivalent to a high school diploma.

Wisconsin’s version has three additional requirements and is called the High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED). It consists of the GED® test battery as well as health, civic literacy, and employability skills. The HSED demonstrates that a student has met the requirements for a higher level of education than the GED® credential. Learn more about the GED® exam​.

GED® and HSED Guidance and Preparation at Fox Valley Tech

First Steps to Success
GED® Exam Requirement
HSED Requirements

  1. Start with Orientation: The first step to pursuing your GED® credential or HSED is to schedule your First Steps to Success orientation.

  2. Attend and Successfully Complete Orientation

  3. Register for Adult Education (AE) Classes: To help you prepare for your GED® or HSED exams, AE classes will build your skills and confidence in reading, writing, math, science, social science and study skills. Learn more.

  4. Schedule Your GED®/ HSED Exam: If you have met your preparation requirements, it's time to schedule your GED®/HSED and Civics testing appointment. You must schedule your appointment at least two business days prior to your test session. You can schedule your appointment online or by calling Pearson Vue at 1-877-392-6433. 
    1. Schedule Your GED® Exam
    2. Note: If you cannot attend your scheduled GED®/HSED exam time, you must cancel your appointment with Pearson Vue at least 24 hours prior to your test or you will be charged the test fee.
    3. To schedule your health test, contact the FVTC Assessment Center at assessment@fvtc.edu or call 920-993-5139. 

  5. GED® Exam Transcript or HSED Transcript: To request a copy of your GED® Exam Transcript/HSED transcripts, contact the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. If you need verification for your GED® credential/HSED, this resource provides instructions.

The GED® Certification requirements include:

  • Participate in an orientation

  • Complete a reading assessment

  • Complete career interest inventory

  • Enroll in test preparation classes

  • Pay the associated testing fees

You'll be required to successfully complete four GED® tests in Reasoning through Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematical Reasoning and Science, as well as successful completion of the state of Wisconsin civics test.

There are five different ways to earn an HSED in Wisconsin. The first option, P.I.5.05, meets the needs of the majority of students seeking an HSED.

P.I.5.05 – Pass the four GED® exams, meet the requirements in health and employability skills and successfully complete the state of Wisconsin civics test.

P.I.5.06 – Earn at least 22 high school credits including four in English, three in social studies, three in math, three in science, and one-half in health and successfully complete the state of Wisconsin civics test.

P.I.5.07 – Earn 24 post-secondary credits including a credit in each subject in which you did not complete the high school credits required, except physical education, as well as successfully complete the state of Wisconsin civics test.

P.I.5.08 – Present a foreign diploma or degree and meet citizenship requirements as well as successful completion of the state of Wisconsin civics test.

P.I.5.09 – Complete a state-approved program through coursework designed to provide knowledge and skills that are expected to be taught in the courses required of high school graduates, including employability skills, the successful completion of the state of Wisconsin civics test, and excluding physical education.

If you choose to earn an HSED through any of these options, you must meet the state eligibility requirements before starting. After completion of any of these five options, a High School Equivalency Diploma is issued from the State of Wisconsin.

If you'd like more information about upgrading your GED® credential to an HSED, call us at 920-993-5139.

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Adult High School

What is Adult High School?
Adult High School offers adults ages 18 and older the opportunity to earn a high school diploma from their high school. Fox Valley Technical College provides high school equivalent courses that area high schools can accept to meet graduation requirements. When you have completed the requirements, you will receive a diploma from the participating high school.

Who is eligible?
If you are age 18 or older and within a few credits of graduation from your high school, this may be a good option for you. A suggested guideline is that you should not be more than three credits short of graduation.

How do I get started?
To get started, call the Fox Valley Technical College location you plan to attend or complete the Request Information form. A representative will explain the procedures between FVTC and your high school, and send you the necessary paperwork. You will work with your FVTC representative to write your Educational Plan Agreement, then have it approved by your high school. 

Your next step will be to attend a First Steps to Success orientation. Then you'll be ready to register for classes. Upon completion of your classes, a transcript is sent to your high school and a diploma is issued from the high school.

Request Info First Steps
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Program Preparation

There are many resources available to help you meet your educational goals. Whether you need help with academic skills or study habits, these options can give you a solid foundation for success. Learn more about Program Preparation.

  • Program Prep Courses will help you build your academic skills to be successful in your program courses.
  • College Success elective course is strongly recommended for anyone entering college for the first time.
  • College & Career Success is a course where you'll examine career options, develop academic and career goals, and learn specific skills to enhance your success in meeting personal and professional goals.
  • Teaching & Learning Center is available for you to work with faculty and peer tutors to improve your math, writing and science skills.
  • Adult Education is here to support and guide you in achieving your goal of earning a high school credential of either a GED® credential or HSED.

Program Prep Options

Get the Skills You Need for a Brighter Future!

 Are you a young woman looking for direction in the areas of education, employment, self-esteem, and a healthy support system? Or maybe you’re a mother of young children looking for a way to provide for your family? If either of these descriptions speaks to you, maybe Starting Point is for you. Starting Point is a free program that will empower you for your future!

  • Gain the necessary skills to go to college or prepare for an entry-level job
  • Make connections and find out about available resources
  • Learn team-building, conflict management and other critical employment skills
  • Gain confidence
  • Learn how to manage your finances

Learn More



Are you under 18 and still in high school?

If so, there are special high school completion programs just for you.


Check Out Your Completion Options



AE (GED/HSED) Locations

Email: Adult Education Services


Appleton Campus
1825 N. Bluemound Drive
920-993-5210

Appleton Family Literacy Program
(Eligibility requirements apply)
Inside Community Early Learning Center
313 S. State Street
920-832-6208

Chilton Regional Center
1200 E. Chestnut Street
920-849-4416

 

  

 


Clintonville Regional Center
525 S. Main Street
715-823-1555

Menasha Family Literacy Program
(Eligibility requirements apply)
Inside Gegan Elementary
675 W Airport Road
920-993-5210

 

 

 


Oshkosh Riverside Campus
150 N. Campbell Road
920-236-6142 or 877-272-4559

Wautoma Regional Center
556 S. Cambridge Street
920-787-3319

Waupaca Regional Center
1979 Godfrey Drive
715-942-1700

 

  

 

GED® and GED Testing Service® are registered trademarks of the American Council on Education (ACE) and administrated exclusively by GED Testing Service, LLC under license.
This content is not endorsed or approved by ACE or GED Testing Service, LLC.