In North Carolina, you can earn a high school equivalency certificate by taking the GED test or HiSET exam. The credential is called the North Carolina High School Equivalency Diploma. Employers and 98% of colleges accept a GED or HiSET certificate.

Here is a list of North Carolina GED and HiSET testing centers.

If you're like many, you're probably wondering: How can I get my GED or HiSET fast? Well, the good news is that earning your GED or HiSET certificate is easier than you think. The sooner you start, the sooner you can meet your goals.

Steps to Get the GED or HiSET Test in North Carolina

1. Check Your Eligibility in North Carolina: Every state has its own GED and HiSET test eligibility requirements. For North Carolina, you can find the list of requirements at the top of this page.
2. Study for the Test: Preparing for the GED or HiSET test is key to success. Choose from various study options, including using a GED or HiSET North Carolina study guide, attending local GED or HiSET prep classes, or studying online. Find the method that works best for you.
3. Practice the Material: Create a quiet and focused study environment. Use GED or HiSET study guides or online classes to help structure your learning.
4. Take GED or HiSET Practice Tests: Practice tests are a great way to track your progress and identify areas for improvement. If you choose to take the GED test online, you're required to take the GED Ready® practice test and achieve a "green" score within the last 60 days before scheduling the official online exam.
5. Register for the Test: When you're ready, schedule your GED test or HiSET exam.
6. Take the Test: On test day, bring a valid, non-expired, government-issued photo ID. Personal items are not allowed in the testing area.
7. Get Your Transcript and Diploma: After passing the GED test or HiSET exam, the State of North Carolina will award you a high school equivalency certificate, showing that you have achieved the same level of knowledge as a high school graduate.

The GED Testing Service offers an official GED practice test for $7.99 per subject. The HiSET also offers practice tests. Additionally, you can take a free GED practice test or a free HiSET practice test through Essential Education, with the option to focus on one or multiple subjects.

Yes, in fact, GED Academy and HiSET Academy are fully aligned with GED test and HiSET exam standards and recognized by the testing services. That’s why over 4.5 million people have used these programs to earn their credentials. It's fast, easy, and affordable.

The North Carolina GED test and HiSET exam are the same as in every other state since they are national exams. While it may seem challenging, preparation is key, and online classes can help you get ready. For more on how hard the GED test is, read our article How Hard Is the GED in 2025?

In North Carolina, you can request your official transcript through DiplomaSender.com.

GED: A passing score on the North Carolina GED test is 145 points (45% correct) in each of the four subjects. You can check your results in your MyGED account after you have completed the test.

HiSET: A passing score on the North Carolina HiSET exam is 8 points in each of the five subtests. You can view your results in your HiSET account after you have completed each subtest.

No, you are not required to be a resident in North Carolina to No, you do not have to be a resident of North Carolina to take the GED test or HiSET exam.

You must be 18 years old to take the GED test or HiSET exam in North Carolina.

GED: You must apply for disability accommodations through the GED Testing Service website.

HiSET: Find out about disability accommodations and complete a HiSET Accommodations Request Form.

In North Carolina, you can take the GED test or HiSET exam if you are 16-17 years old and meet specific requirements. Contact your local North Carolina Basic Skills Education program for the appropriate form(s).

• GED Cost at a Test Center: $26 per subject or $104 for all subjects.
• GED Cost Online: $36 per subject or $144 for all subjects.
• HiSET Cost at a Test Center: $15 per subtest or $75 for all subtests.
• HiSET Cost Online: $32.50 per subtest or $162.50 for all subtests.

GED:

• In-person at a Testing Center: GED Testing Service waives its $26 testing fee and Wyoming does not charge for additional retakes.
• Online Testing: The Online Proctored Exam costs $36 for a retake in North Carolina. Discounted retakes are not offered on the Online Proctored Exam.

HiSET: You may retake each subtest two times over the 12 months following your first attempt by paying only the test center fee, or the at-home online proctor fee, which is $17.50 for each at-home subtest.

GED: The North Carolina GED tests you on Language Arts (Reading and Writing), Math, Science, and Social Studies.

HiSET: The North Carolina HiSET tests you on Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

GED Test:

HiSET Exam:

GED Test:

HiSET Exam:

GED: 145 minimum per subject

HiSET: 8 minimum per subtest, combined minimum of 45, 2 minimum on the essay

GED:

• In-person at a Testing Center: In North Carolina, there is no waiting period for your first two retakes. After taking a test subject three times, you’ll have to wait 60 days before retesting. There’s no limit to how many times you can test in a year.
• Online Testing: The Online Proctored Exam allows for one retake before a 60-day waiting period. After taking a test subject two times online, you’ll have to wait 60 days before retesting.

HiSET: HiSET test takers may take each subtest a maximum of three times in a calendar year.

Yes, in North Carolina, you can take the GED or HiSET exams either at an official testing center or online. For the GED, if you choose the online option, you're required to take the GED Ready® practice test and achieve a "green" score within the last 60 days before scheduling the official online exam.

Use our list of authorized testing centers in North Carolina to find a location near you.

What you should know:

• You should be familiar with math concepts, measurements, equations, and applying math concepts to solve real-life problems.
• You don’t have to memorize formulas and will be given a formula sheet in the test center as well as on the screen in the test.
• Essential Education offers a free practice test for math that will help you assess your readiness for the test.
• GED Academy gives you all the math you need to study at one affordable price.

GED:

• In-person at a Testing Center: Yes, in North Carolina you can take all GED test subjects in one day, provided you find a testing center with available hours that can accommodate this.
• Online Testing: No, each subject must be scheduled separately, one at a time. After completing one online exam, you can schedule the next, depending on available appointment times.

HiSET: You can choose to take each subtest individually, but if you prefer, you may also take multiple subtests in a single day, subject to availability at your testing center and your personal preference.

Yes, in North Carolina, you can test in English or Spanish and you can combine tests from different languages to earn your credential.

For Spanish speakers, GED Academy and HiSET Academy provide mobile-friendly, online courses designed to fully align with test standards. These programs cover all test subjects with engaging, expert-designed lessons, helping you confidently prepare to take the exam in English or Spanish.

No, you cannot combine GED and HiSET test scores to earn a high school equivalency credential in North Carolina.