High School Equivalency

Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma

The Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma (CSSD) is a high school equivalency credential available to Pennsylvania residents who do not possess a high school diploma and who have met criteria specified in the Pennsylvania Code. The Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma may be achieved by passing the GED® test or the HiSET® exam or by completing the 30 College Credit Option.  Visit the PA Department of Education for more information about the options.

GED® test

GED® Testing Service is currently conducting a pilot where eligible test-takers can take the GED® test at home in an online, proctored setting.

Resources for the Online Proctored GED® test

Resources for the GED® test

HiSET® exam

Educational Testing Service (ETS) is offering the HiSET® exam at home option.

Resources for the HiSET® Exam at Home

30 College Credit Option

The Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma (CSSD) may be issued to an applicant who:

  • Is a resident of Pennsylvania;
  • Is at least 18 years of age;
  • Does not possess a secondary school diploma from the United States;
  • Is not in a public, licensed private, registered accredited or licensed nonpublic secondary school;
  • Presents evidence of satisfactory completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours of study (in post-secondary level courses) at a U.S.-accredited institution of post-secondary education;
  • Completes the application process; and
  • Submits an official transcript from a United States Accredited Postsecondary Institution for evaluation.

Visit the PA Department of Education website for more information on the 30 College Credit Option.

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