On May 12, 2025, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced that $2 million is available to enable Pennsylvania residents to take a high school equivalency exam free of charge when they test at non-restricted public testing sites or take the exam via online proctoring. The funding will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma (CSSD) is a high school equivalency credential available to Pennsylvania residents at least 18 years of age who do not possess a high school diploma and who have met additional specified criteria.

Currently, Pennsylvania test takers can expect to pay between $120-$144 to take the full battery of GED® tests or HiSET® exams. The GED® test has four subtests: Mathematics, Reading/Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. The HiSET® exam has five subtests: Mathematics, Reading, Science, Social Studies, and Writing.

Test takers can use a promo code, found with instructions on test vendor websites, to register to complete the exams at no charge. New test takers will need to register for accounts to use the promo code. For the GED® test, register here and enter the promo code PAFreeGED in the Voucher/Promotion Code field on the payment page during checkout. For the HiSET® exam, register here and enter the promo code PAFreeHiSET in the Coupon or Voucher Code field on the payment page during checkout. Test takers who already have a GED® or HiSET® account will schedule the tests through their existing accounts and enter the appropriate promo code during checkout.

Individuals who passed some subtests of the GED® test or HiSET® exam but have not passed a whole battery and earned their high school equivalency credential can complete the testing using previous scores from January 2014 to present. Test takers with test scores prior to 2014 must retake those subject subtests.

Additionally, individuals who have previously taken either the GED® test or HiSET® exam in Pennsylvania can check their progress toward test completion in DiplomaSender, the company that maintains the Commonwealth’s high school equivalency records.

In Pennsylvania, approximately 650,000 adults—or about 9.4% of Pennsylvania residents aged 25 to 65—do not have a high school diploma. Obtaining a CSSD has many benefits, including increased access to postsecondary education, more employment opportunities, and a higher salary. The GED® test and HiSET® exam provide a flexible option for individuals aspiring to attain a credential, advance their education, or switch careers. In his 2025-26 budget proposal, Governor Josh Shapiro has reiterated his commitment to helping learners of all ages chart their own course and have the opportunity to succeed. Through a proposed $6.4 million increase for Adult and Family Literacy programs, more Pennsylvanians will be able to earn secondary diplomas and join the workforce.