High School Equivalency
Program Overview
Carteret Community College’s High School Equivalency (HSE) program helps adults prepare to earn a North Carolina High School Equivalency Diploma through the GED® or HiSET® examination. HSE classes are tuition-free and provide individualized instruction and support to help students strengthen the skills they need for success on the exam—and in college, career training, and the workplace.
GED® or HiSET®: Which Test Is Right for You?
North Carolina recognizes both the GED® and HiSET® as pathways to the same High School Equivalency Diploma. Students can choose the test that best fits their learning and testing preferences.
- GED® – The GED consists of four subject-area tests: Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies. The GED is administered on a computer and combines reading and writing skills into the Reasoning Through Language Arts test.
- HiSET® – The HiSET consists of five subject-area tests: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. The HiSET includes a separate Writing test with an essay component and is available in computer-based and paper-based formats at approved testing locations.
Both examinations measure high school-level knowledge and skills. Students who successfully complete either examination receive the same North Carolina High School Equivalency Diploma issued by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges.
Flexible Classes to Fit Your Schedule
Carteret Community College offers HSE preparation classes Monday through Thursday, with daytime and evening options:
- On Campus: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- On Campus: 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
- Off-campus: 4:30pm - 7:30pm. Offered at Newport Baptist Church, Tuesday and Thursday
Classes are available in English and Spanish, and students work with certified instructors to prepare for the four HSE subject areas: Reading/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
Students must complete a mandatory HSE orientation before enrolling in classes. Following orientation, students are assessed and placed into the instructional setting that best meets their needs. Students are expected to attend a minimum of 10 hours of HSE instruction each week.
Whether you are returning to school after many years, preparing for a new career, planning to enter college, or working toward a personal goal, Carteret Community College provides a supportive and flexible path toward earning your High School Equivalency Diploma.
Requesting Transcripts
Students may request their High School Equivalency transcripts by submitting the request below.
Program Requirements
To enroll in Carteret Community College’s High School Equivalency (HSE) program, students must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old. Students under age 18 must meet additional North Carolina requirements before enrolling.
- Not be enrolled in a public, private, or home school.
- Complete a required HSE orientation before beginning classes.
- Complete an initial assessment to determine current academic skill levels and identify areas where additional instruction may be helpful.
- Attend HSE classes regularly. Students are expected to participate in a minimum of 10 hours of instruction each week.
- Work with an HSE instructor to develop an individualized plan for preparing for the GED® or HiSET® examination.
- Complete the required HSE examination. Students register and pay for their official GED® or HiSET® tests separately from their free HSE preparation classes.
- Meet all North Carolina testing requirements for the selected examination.
Students who are ready to begin testing may work with their instructor to determine when they are prepared to schedule their official exams. Students do not have to complete every subject at the same time and may progress through the examination process as they are ready.
Questions about eligibility or enrollment? Contact Carteret Community College’s HSE program to discuss your situation and determine the best next step.
Attendance Expectations
Regular attendance is an important part of your success in the HSE program. Students are expected to attend a minimum of 10 hours of HSE instruction each week and to participate consistently in their assigned classes.
If you are unable to attend class, please communicate with your instructor whenever possible. Staying connected with your instructor helps ensure you continue making progress toward your HSE goals.
Students who have not attended an HSE class for 90 consecutive days will be required to complete the HSE orientation again before returning to instruction. This ensures that returning students receive current program information and are connected with the classes and support they need to continue their HSE journey.
Program Overview
Carteret Community College’s High School Equivalency (HSE) program helps adults prepare to earn a North Carolina High School Equivalency Diploma through the GED® or HiSET® examination. HSE classes are tuition-free and provide individualized instruction and support to help students strengthen the skills they need for success on the exam—and in college, career training, and the workplace.
GED® or HiSET®: Which Test Is Right for You?
North Carolina recognizes both the GED® and HiSET® as pathways to the same High School Equivalency Diploma. Students can choose the test that best fits their learning and testing preferences.
- GED® – The GED consists of four subject-area tests: Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies. The GED is administered on a computer and combines reading and writing skills into the Reasoning Through Language Arts test.
- HiSET® – The HiSET consists of five subject-area tests: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. The HiSET includes a separate Writing test with an essay component and is available in computer-based and paper-based formats at approved testing locations.
Both examinations measure high school-level knowledge and skills. Students who successfully complete either examination receive the same North Carolina High School Equivalency Diploma issued by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges.
Flexible Classes to Fit Your Schedule
Carteret Community College offers HSE preparation classes Monday through Thursday, with daytime and evening options:
- On Campus: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- On Campus: 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
- Off-campus: 4:30pm - 7:30pm. Offered at Newport Baptist Church, Tuesday and Thursday
Classes are available in English and Spanish, and students work with certified instructors to prepare for the four HSE subject areas: Reading/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
Students must complete a mandatory HSE orientation before enrolling in classes. Following orientation, students are assessed and placed into the instructional setting that best meets their needs. Students are expected to attend a minimum of 10 hours of HSE instruction each week.
Whether you are returning to school after many years, preparing for a new career, planning to enter college, or working toward a personal goal, Carteret Community College provides a supportive and flexible path toward earning your High School Equivalency Diploma.
Requesting Transcripts
Students may request their High School Equivalency transcripts by submitting the request below.
Program Requirements
To enroll in Carteret Community College’s High School Equivalency (HSE) program, students must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old. Students under age 18 must meet additional North Carolina requirements before enrolling.
- Not be enrolled in a public, private, or home school.
- Complete a required HSE orientation before beginning classes.
- Complete an initial assessment to determine current academic skill levels and identify areas where additional instruction may be helpful.
- Attend HSE classes regularly. Students are expected to participate in a minimum of 10 hours of instruction each week.
- Work with an HSE instructor to develop an individualized plan for preparing for the GED® or HiSET® examination.
- Complete the required HSE examination. Students register and pay for their official GED® or HiSET® tests separately from their free HSE preparation classes.
- Meet all North Carolina testing requirements for the selected examination.
Students who are ready to begin testing may work with their instructor to determine when they are prepared to schedule their official exams. Students do not have to complete every subject at the same time and may progress through the examination process as they are ready.
Questions about eligibility or enrollment? Contact Carteret Community College’s HSE program to discuss your situation and determine the best next step.
Attendance Expectations
Regular attendance is an important part of your success in the HSE program. Students are expected to attend a minimum of 10 hours of HSE instruction each week and to participate consistently in their assigned classes.
If you are unable to attend class, please communicate with your instructor whenever possible. Staying connected with your instructor helps ensure you continue making progress toward your HSE goals.
Students who have not attended an HSE class for 90 consecutive days will be required to complete the HSE orientation again before returning to instruction. This ensures that returning students receive current program information and are connected with the classes and support they need to continue their HSE journey.
Steps to Register
Step 1: Register for Orientation
Select an available session to attend the mandatory HSE Orientation with the link provided below.
Step 2: Provide Documentation
Documents that must be brought to the mandatory orientation:
- Social Security or Tax ID card (signed) (copies not accepted). If you do not have access to one of these items, you may still be eligible to participate. Call us at (252) 222-6195 for information.
- Picture ID with date of birth and signature
Step 3: Minors (ages 16 & 17)
Students who are 16 or 17 years old and wish to enroll in the HSE program must attend an HSE orientation and provide the following:
- A photo ID that includes the student’s date of birth and signature
- Their Social Security card
- A parent or legal guardian to accompany them to orientation
- Proof of withdrawal from high school, such as an official school withdrawal form
Students must also provide additional documentation based on when they withdrew from high school:
If the student withdrew from a Carteret County high school less than six months ago:
The student must provide an approved Application to Attend Carteret Community College Basic Skills Program packet from their local high school.
If the student withdrew from a high school in another county less than six months ago:
The student must provide the equivalent documentation required by their local school system. The form or application may have a different name in other counties.
If the student withdrew from high school more than six months ago:
The student must provide a completed Minor Release Form.
If you are 16 or 17 and are interested in the HSE program, please contact [email protected] before attending orientation. We can help you understand what documents you need and make sure you are prepared to get started.
Register for Orientation
Select an available session to attend the mandatory HSE Orientation with the link provided below.
Provide Documentation
Documents that must be brought to the mandatory orientation:
- Social Security or Tax ID card (signed) (copies not accepted). If you do not have access to one of these items, you may still be eligible to participate. Call us at (252) 222-6195 for information.
- Picture ID with date of birth and signature
Minors (ages 16 & 17)
Students who are 16 or 17 years old and wish to enroll in the HSE program must attend an HSE orientation and provide the following:
- A photo ID that includes the student’s date of birth and signature
- Their Social Security card
- A parent or legal guardian to accompany them to orientation
- Proof of withdrawal from high school, such as an official school withdrawal form
Students must also provide additional documentation based on when they withdrew from high school:
If the student withdrew from a Carteret County high school less than six months ago:
The student must provide an approved Application to Attend Carteret Community College Basic Skills Program packet from their local high school.
If the student withdrew from a high school in another county less than six months ago:
The student must provide the equivalent documentation required by their local school system. The form or application may have a different name in other counties.
If the student withdrew from high school more than six months ago:
The student must provide a completed Minor Release Form.
If you are 16 or 17 and are interested in the HSE program, please contact [email protected] before attending orientation. We can help you understand what documents you need and make sure you are prepared to get started.
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