Pathways to the Arizona High School Equivalency Diploma
There are three different ways to earn your Arizona High School Equivalency Diploma. You can find details about each pathway on the Arizona Department of Education website.
No matter which pathway you choose, you’ll need to pass the Arizona Civics Test with a score of at least 60. If you’ve already passed it in middle or high school, that score can count. Otherwise, you can schedule the test anytime through your MyGED.com student profile.
GED® Testing Pathway
If you’re ready to earn your HSE diploma, Pima Community College is here to support you!
You can take the GED® test at our official GED/Pearson VUE Testing Center. The test is computer-based and available in English and Spanish.
HSE Plus Career Readiness Pathway and College Credit Pathway
You can also explore the HSE Plus Career Readiness Pathway and the College Credit Pathway. If one of these options seems like a good fit, call 520-206-7330 to schedule an appointment with a Student Success Coach. They’ll help you figure out which pathway is right for you and guide you through your next steps.
Where You’ll Test
You can take the GED® test at PCC’s authorized GED and Pearson VUE Testing Centers, located at the Downtown, Northwest, and East Campuses.
(You don’t have to be a PCC student—testing is open to everyone!)
Check test availability and schedule anytime at GED.com.
How to Register for the GED® Test
Step 1: Create Your GED Profile
Go to GED.com and create a free account.
Need help? Call GED Testing Service at 1-877-EXAM-GED (392-6433).
Step 2: Schedule and Pay Online
Choose your test date and pay with a debit, credit, or prepaid card on the website.
Step 3: Test Day – What to Bring
- Arrive 15 minutes early. Late arrivals may not be allowed to test and could still be charged.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID (your name must match the name you used on GED.com).
Step 4: Get Your Results
Scores are posted at GED.com within two business days.
Your diploma will be mailed within 2–3 weeks.
Who Can Take the Test?
You must be at least 16 years old to take the GED. If you’re 16 or 17, you’ll need to bring the following before you can schedule:
- A notarized letter of permission from a parent or guardian
- A signed school withdrawal form from your last school
- A government-issued photo ID
- Bring these documents to any ABECC Learning Center or a Campus Testing and Placement Center.
What’s on the Test?
To earn your diploma, you’ll need to pass four subject tests with a score of 145 or higher on each.
| Test | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Reasoning | 120 minutes | $41.00 |
| Reasoning Through Language Arts | 155 minutes | $41.00 |
| Science | 95 minutes | $41.00 |
| Social Studies | 75 minutes | $41.00 |
Need to retest?
You can take two retests per subject for just $15 each. After that, you’ll need to wait 60 days and pay the full price again.
Score Guide
- Below Passing: 100–144
- Passing (HSE diploma eligible): 145–164
- College Ready: 165–200
To pass and earn your Arizona HSE diploma, you need at least 145 on each subject test. For more details, check out our HSE Testing FAQs.
Civics Test
Arizona requires the Civics Test to receive your HSE diploma.
- Scheduled through GED.com
- 100 multiple-choice questions – you need to get 60 correct to pass
- No limit on how many times you can take it
- Scheduled for 2 hours, but it’s not timed
- Only offered in English
- Cost: $9
You're Closer Than You Think
Whether you're coming back to finish something you started or taking the first step now, we’re proud of you for moving forward.
You’ve got this, and we’re here to support you.