Explanation of Administrative Rules Relating to the General Educational Development Program and the High School Equivalency Diploma Options
Ch. PI 5, Administrative Code: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/pi/5
PI 5.04
GED. Passed the four (4) GED subtests with a minimum score of 145 on each of the four (4) subtests and passed the civics test with a score of 65 or better.
PI 5.05
Passing the GED test and meeting additional requirements in health, citizenship, and employability skills. (The employability skills and career awareness requirements shall be waived for persons 55 years of age or older at their request.)
PI 5.06
Attainment of credits. This option is most closely related to the completion of an actual high school program of study. Persons who have attained, or nearly attained, the 22 high school credits, but who have not graduated, may be eligible for a diploma from their local school district by earning the additional credits required. If the person is not able to obtain a diploma from the school district, he or she may be granted a high school equivalency diploma from the state superintendent. Student must also pass the civics test with a score of 60 or better.
PI 5.07
Post-secondary education. Persons who complete a full year of post-secondary education may be issued a high school equivalency diploma. This option requires the completion of 24 semester or 32 quarter credits of post-secondary education, which must include credits in any area of study (except physical education) in which the person did not meet the high school graduation requirements. For example, a person who earned 2 credits each in math, science, English, and social studies, and 0.5 in health during high school, would be required to include course work in English and social studies in post-secondary study. Student must also pass the civics test with a score of 60 or better.
PI 5.08
Foreign degree or diploma. This option allows persons who completed the equivalent of high school or post-secondary study in another country, to be granted a high school equivalency diploma from the state superintendent. Student must also pass the civics test with a score of 60 or better.
PI 5.09
Completion of a program approved by the state superintendent. This option will allow WTCS districts, colleges, universities, and community-based organizations to request approval of programs that will lead to high school equivalency diplomas under this section. The rules specify that the programs must be based on the high school graduation standards and include employability skills training and/or assessment. Student must also pass the civics test with a score of 60 or better.
Updated: 06/2022