How to Request a Copy of Your High School Equivalency Certificate
Quick answer: To get a copy of your high school equivalency (HSE) certificate or transcript, contact the education department in the state where you tested. Most states let you request a duplicate online for a small fee. A personalized display copy from a print shop is a keepsake only and can't be used as proof of education.
Start with your state's education department
Your HSE was issued by the state where you passed the exams, and that state keeps your record. Search for the state's education department and "high school equivalency records" or "HSE transcript request." Many states handle requests through an online form; some ask you to mail or email a signed request.
Diploma or certificate vs. transcript
- Diploma or certificate: the document that shows you earned your HSE. Good for your own records and for some employers.
- Transcript or score report: lists your scores for each subject. Colleges, training programs and many employers ask for this.
If you're not sure which one you need, ask the school or employer before you order.
How to request an additional or duplicate copy
- Find the HSE records page for the state where you tested.
- Choose a duplicate diploma or certificate, a transcript, or both.
- Enter your name at the time of testing, date of birth and approximate test date.
- Upload or provide ID if the state asks for it.
- Pay the fee and pick electronic delivery or mail.
Why the process varies by state
Each state runs its own HSE program, so request steps, fees and delivery times differ. Records from many years ago may be held in a state archive and take longer to find. If you tested in a different state from where you live now, contact the state where you tested.
If you don't remember where or when you tested
- Start with the state you lived in at the time.
- Give a range of years if you don't know the exact date.
- List any name you used then, such as a maiden name.
- Ask the adult education program or testing center you used, if you remember it; they can often point you to the right office.
What to prepare before ordering
- Full name at the time of testing
- Date of birth
- Approximate test date and city
- A government-issued photo ID
- The address or email where the copy should go
State record or personalized display copy?
If anyone is asking for proof of education, only your state's record will work. If you want something to frame while your state copy stays filed safely, or a gift for a new graduate, Hey Congrats makes personalized, non-official display copies in the high school equivalency collection. They are keepsakes, not credentials. See our disclaimer.
