Kentucky adults without a high school or GED diploma now have the opportunity to earn a high school equivalency (HSE) diploma without passing a test.

A new Kentucky administrative regulation allows Kentucky Skills U to award the Commonwealth of Kentucky High School Equivalency Diploma “for credit hour completion at Kentucky Community and Technical College System institutions.”

“It is imperative that we create innovative, alternative options beyond the GED test to allow individuals to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and competencies,” says Reecie Stagnolia, vice president for adult education (Kentucky Skills U), Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. “We have to be flexible, nimble and responsive in assisting our students in obtaining 21st-century skills in accelerated models.”

There is criteria for eligible candidates to meet including age, not having a diploma, meeting the admission requirements of KCTCS, and maintaining a Kentucky address.

According to Dr. Jay Box, President of KCTCS, the 16 colleges within the system offer access to higher education in more than 70 locations across the Commonwealth.

“Now, through this partnership with KY Skills U, an individual can earn an HSE while also earning college credit,” Box said. “Opening doors to new career opportunities and the option to continue their college education to achieve a certificate or associate degree.”

To be issued an HSE diploma, the eligible candidate must submit an official KCTCS transcript documenting successful completion of the qualifying credit hours, as well as a completed application and a $25 application fee, to Kentucky Skills U.