Short answer
- To get a high school diploma in the United States, complete the graduation requirements set by your state and school district, or complete an adult high school program that awards a diploma. There is no single national diploma and no single national credit total. The usual routes are finishing at a regular public or private high school, reenrolling to finish missing credits, joining an adult high school diploma program, completing an accredited online high school program, or, where a diploma itself is not available to you, earning a high school equivalency credential such as the GED or the HiSET. Start by getting your transcript, asking your last school or your local adult education program which credits you still need, and confirming the exact checklist that applies to you. That checklist, not a general guide, decides what you must do next.
How to Choose the Right Route
Your best route depends mainly on three facts: your age, credits already earned, and the state where you live or plan to finish. A teenager a few credits short faces a different choice from an adult who left in ninth grade, and credit totals, tests, and age limits differ by state.
Ask four questions before you enroll anywhere. First, are you still eligible to attend a regular public high school? States set a maximum age for free public school enrollment, and districts set their own reenrollment rules. If you are still within that range, returning to your regular school is often simplest, because your credits are already on file there. Second, how many credits do you already have, and which subjects are missing? A person who needs one English course has a short job, while a person who needs most of high school may be better served by an adult program or an equivalency exam. Third, what do you need the credential for next? College admission can ask for more coursework than graduation requires, and an employer or training provider may accept one credential but not the other. A diploma and an equivalency credential are not the same document, even though many employers and colleges accept both. Fourth, how much time can you give each week? A route that does not fit your work hours or child care arrangements is a route you are less likely to finish.
| Situation | Route to check first | | Still school age, credits on file at a local school | Return to your regular high school, or finish through credit recovery | | Left school recently, a small number of credits short | Credit recovery, summer school, or an extra semester | | Adult, some high school credits earned | Public adult high school diploma program | | Adult, needs a flexible schedule or lives far from a campus | Accredited online high school program | | Adult, needs a credential faster and can prepare for exams | High school equivalency exam, GED or HiSET, where offered | | Adult, strong work and life skills, prefers a portfolio route | National External Diploma Program, where offered |
Before You Apply: Get Your Records in Order
Every route starts with the same paperwork, and doing it early saves repeated trips and wrong enrollments. Request your transcript from the last high school you attended: it lists courses, credits, grades, and tests passed. If the school has closed, contact the district office, which usually holds closed school records. Keep a copy, and ask for a written credit evaluation on enrollment, translating old credits into new program requirements and listing exactly what remains.
Ask these questions in writing, and keep the answers with your transcript: Which credits transfer? Which courses must be retaken? Are there required state or district tests? Is there a minimum grade point average? What is the deadline for each requirement? Is there a fee, and is fee help available? Who is your counselor or adviser, and how do you reach that person?
Gather identification and proof of residence early. Programs commonly ask for a photo ID, proof of age, and proof of residence, because public programs often serve residents first and may charge different fees to nonresidents. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian may need to sign enrollment forms. If you moved from another state or country, bring school records including course descriptions where possible. If you have an individualized education program, a 504 plan, or a documented disability, tell the program at enrollment, because accommodations each have their own application and timeline.
Route 1: Finish at a Regular Public or Private High School
The traditional route is to attend high school through grade 12 and meet state and district graduation requirements. In most states this means four years across English, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, and electives, plus local requirements. The exact mix changes by state, and sometimes by entry year into grade 9.
Public high school is free to eligible residents in the usual case. Private high school sets its own tuition and requirements, although many private schools include at least the state minimum courses. In California, charter school students must meet the same state minimum course requirements as students in traditional public schools, while a charter school governing body may add requirements above them.
This route suits students who are still of school age, who live near their school, and who can attend on a regular schedule, and it gives access to teachers, counselors, and college counseling in one place. Once a student passes the district maximum age for enrollment, the regular school route usually closes, and the adult routes below open instead. If you are still enrolled and falling behind, talk to a counselor early, and ask about credit recovery, summer options, and tutoring.
Route 2: Reenroll and Finish Missing Credits
Reenrollment means returning to school after a break to complete only what remains. It is often the fastest diploma route for a person who left school near the end, because earlier credits usually still count, subject to the new school evaluation. Credit recovery is the main tool here. Instead of repeating a whole school year, a student retakes only failed or unfinished courses, often compressed, online, after school, or in summer school. Summer school can clear several courses in one session. Ask whether recovery courses count as the original courses do, and whether a recovered grade replaces an earlier grade or sits alongside it.
Some districts also allow a student who has completed all credits but missed a required test, or who finished below a required grade point average, to remain in school for additional instruction and retesting. Rules for that extra time differ by state and district, so ask for the rule in writing. To use this route, contact the last school you attended first, then the district enrollment office if that school cannot reenroll you, bringing your transcript, identification, and proof of residence, and ask for a dated plan listing each remaining course and test. If the district says you are past its maximum age, ask it to refer you to its adult education program, which keeps your transcript moving instead of starting your record from zero.
Route 3: Adult High School Diploma Programs
Adult high school diploma programs are designed for adults who are no longer eligible for regular high school. They are usually run by a school district adult education department, a community college, or a state adult education provider. The student completes the remaining high school credits and, on completion, receives a diploma, not an equivalency credential. That distinction matters for readers who specifically want a diploma document.
Programs vary in format: evening in person classes, mixed in person and online coursework, or fully online through a public provider. Most begin with a transcript review that sets a study plan based on credits already earned. A student with many credits may finish in months, while a student starting with few credits will need longer, because the full set of diploma credits is still required.
Cost varies too. Many public adult programs are free or low cost to local residents, although fees, materials, and test charges can still apply, so ask for the full cost before enrolling. In California, adult classes through a local district or community college are commonly described as open to students aged 18 and older and usually free to local residents, but that does not set the rule for any other state.
To find a program, search for your state adult education office or your local district adult education department, and ask for the adult high school diploma option by name. Do not confuse it with equivalency test preparation, which does not itself award a diploma. Ask the program to confirm, in writing, that completion leads to a diploma, which body issues it, and how transcripts are requested.
Route 4: Online High School Programs
Online high school programs suit learners who need a flexible schedule, who work irregular hours, who care for family at home, or who live far from a campus. Programs fall into three broad groups, and confusing them is one of the most common and costly mistakes in this area.
The first group is public virtual schools run by a state or district. These are usually free to residents of that state or district, follow state graduation requirements, and award a diploma on completion. Residency is commonly required, and enrollment may follow school term dates even when coursework is self paced. The second group is private accredited online high schools. These charge tuition, set their own calendars, and may allow enrollment at any time of year. Quality and recognition vary, so accreditation and state recognition must be checked before paying anything. The third group is diploma mills and unaccredited sellers. These promise a diploma in days or weeks for a fee, with little or no coursework, and their documents are commonly rejected by colleges, employers, and licensing bodies. A fast diploma with no real coursework is a warning sign, not a shortcut.
Before you enroll in any online program, check four things. First, is the school accredited by a recognized accrediting body, and can you verify that on the accreditor’s own site rather than on the school’s sales page alone? Second, does your state education department recognize the school diploma, and will the school put that recognition in writing? Third, will your existing credits transfer in, and how many credits must you complete with that school itself? Fourth, what is the total cost, including tuition, fees, materials, and transcript or diploma copy charges, and what is the refund policy if you withdraw? A legitimate program has real courses, named teachers or tutors, and graded work. A program with no teacher contact, no graded coursework, and no verifiable address deserves a second check before any payment.
Route 5: High School Equivalency Pathways
An equivalency credential is not a diploma, but it serves a similar purpose for many readers: it shows high school level academic skills, and many employers, colleges, and training programs accept it. Check acceptance with your planned college, employer, or licensing body, because that body decides, not the testing organization.
The GED test is the most widely known equivalency exam in the United States. Administered by GED Testing Service, it assesses four subjects: Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies. Each subject is scored from 100 to 200, and a credential is awarded once a student scores at least 145 on each subject, as described by West Virginia Department of Education GED guidance. The four sections take about seven and a half hours in total, may be taken on different days, and are available in English and Spanish.
The HiSET exam is the other major equivalency exam offered in a number of states. It has five subtests: Language Arts Reading, Language Arts Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, which can be taken one or two at a time or all five at once, according to official HiSET preparation material. Which exam your state offers is a state decision, so check your state adult education office before preparing for a specific test. Eligibility rules also vary by state. Common conditions include a minimum age, usually 16, 17, or 18, and a requirement that the test taker is not currently enrolled in high school. In California, the California Department of Education states that the state has approved the GED and HiSET for students aged 18 and older, and aged 17 in some instances, for a California High School Equivalency Certificate. Some states add a practice test, residency, or retake waiting period requirement, and fees vary by state and subject, so ask your state office about cost before you book.
A third pathway in some states is the National External Diploma Program, known as NEDP. Rather than timed exams, NEDP asks adults to complete tasks and build a portfolio showing academic and life skills, including reading, writing, mathematics, and workplace skills, while meeting periodically with a trained assessor. In Maryland, NEDP is described as a way for adults to earn a Maryland high school diploma without taking classes or completing high-stakes tests, for Maryland residents aged 18 and above who are not enrolled in school and who meet placement cut scores. NEDP is not offered everywhere, so confirm availability and eligibility with the state or local provider. Before booking an exam, take a practice test to find weak subjects, and keep your score reports, because a passing score in one subject is usually kept while you retake another.
How Requirements Vary by State
State variation is the reason general guides must be used with care. States set credit totals, required subjects, test rules, minimum ages, and fees, and districts then add local requirements on top of the state minimum. The same transcript can therefore lead to different remaining work in different states.
California illustrates the state plus district pattern. The California Department of Education states that the state sets minimum course requirements, that local districts have the authority for establishing requirements for awarding a diploma, and that most California districts require between 22 and 26 one year courses or the equivalent for graduation. California Education Code section 51225.3 lists state minimums for grades 9 to 12, including three English, two mathematics, two science, and three social studies courses, plus one course in visual or performing arts, world language, or career technical education, and two physical education courses. Local districts may require more, so the state minimum is a floor, not a complete local checklist.
Credit counting also differs. California districts commonly award ten local units for each yearlong course and five for a semester course, so most California public high schools require between 220 and 260 local units, according to the same department guidance. Other states count credits in whole numbers, such as 24 credits. Do not convert a total from one state system into another without a transcript evaluation from the receiving school. Tests vary too: some states require specific assessments, others require coursework and a grade point average only, and some accept an approved alternative score. Because test rules change by cohort year, meaning the year a student entered grade 9, always ask which rules apply to your cohort. If you move during your studies, get a fresh credit evaluation promptly, because a new school must still evaluate earned credits against its own requirements.
Documents You Will Typically Need
Exact lists differ by program, but most enrollments need photo identification and proof of age, proof of residence such as a utility bill, lease, or official mail, your school transcript or a request for it, and any test score reports you already hold. If you are under 18, expect a parent or guardian signature. If your name has changed since school, bring the legal document linking your school name to your current name.
For equivalency testing, you will usually create an account with the testing organization, choose a test center or an approved online proctored option where available, and show identification at check-in. For online enrollment, you may also need an email address, a device and internet access, and a payment method if tuition applies. If cost is a barrier, ask about fee waivers, subsidized testing, and payment plans before you decide a route is unaffordable. Keep every document you receive, and request extra official transcripts while you are still in contact with the issuing school.
How Long Each Route Usually Takes
Timeframes depend on remaining work, weekly study time, and how quickly your program evaluates your transcript. The figures below are planning ranges, not promises, and your program plan governs. Finishing at a regular high school usually follows the school calendar: a grade 12 student with one term left may finish in one semester, while a student returning after a longer break may need a full school year or more.
Credit recovery for a small number of courses can take weeks to one semester per course, and a summer session can clear several courses at once. An adult program can take months for a student with many credits, and one to two years or more for a student starting with few credits. A self-paced online student with transfer credits may finish in under a year, while a part time student starting from a low credit total will need longer. Equivalency preparation and testing can take weeks to several months, because subjects can be taken and retaken separately. If a program promises a diploma in days, with no coursework and no testing, treat that as a warning sign.
After You Earn the Credential, and Mistakes to Avoid
Once you finish, order an official transcript and keep the diploma or equivalency certificate in a safe place, with a digital copy stored separately. Colleges, employers, and licensing bodies commonly ask for a transcript rather than the diploma document itself. If you lose a diploma or certificate, contact the issuing school, district, or testing organization for a replacement, keeping the issuing body name and completion year with your records.
Common mistakes are easy to avoid. First, choosing a route before a transcript evaluation, which can lead to unneeded courses or a missed requirement in the final term. Second, confusing a diploma with an equivalency credential, since some colleges, employers, and licensing bodies treat them differently. Third, assuming a credit total, test rule, or fee from one state applies in another. Fourth, paying for an online program before checking accreditation and state recognition. Fifth, leaving test preparation until the week of the exam. Sixth, losing paperwork: transcripts, score reports, and credit evaluations are the proof of your progress, so keep copies.
Be cautious with any provider that offers a diploma based on life experience alone, with no coursework, no assessment, and no transcript evaluation, or that cannot name its accrediting body or put recognition and refund terms in writing. A legitimate school has a verifiable location, named teachers or advisers, and a clear transcript process. An unofficial printed copy is not a credential, and presenting it as one can create serious problems with an employer or college.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a high school diploma as an adult?
Start with your transcript and a credit evaluation from a local adult education program. With enough credits, an adult diploma program lets you complete the remaining credits and earn a diploma. With few credits, an equivalency exam such as the GED or HiSET may suit you better.
Can I get a high school diploma online?
Yes, through an accredited online program, including public virtual schools where you meet residency rules and private accredited schools that charge tuition. Check accreditation, state recognition, credit transfer, and total cost before enrolling. Avoid any provider promising a diploma in days with no coursework.
How long does it take to get a high school diploma?
It depends on remaining credits and study time. A student a few credits short may finish in one semester through credit recovery or summer school. An adult with many credits may finish in months, while an adult starting with few credits may need one to two years or more. Equivalency preparation can take weeks to several months.
What is the difference between a diploma and a GED?
A diploma is awarded for completing required coursework, credits, and any required tests set by a state and district. A GED is an equivalency credential awarded for passing four subject tests. Many employers and colleges accept both, but they are different documents, so check acceptance with your planned college, employer, or licensing body.
Do I need to pass a test to get a high school diploma?
It depends on your state, district, and cohort year. Some states require specific assessments, others require coursework and a grade point average only, and equivalency routes are test based by design. Ask your school or program for your exact test list in writing.
Can I get a diploma if I dropped out years ago?
Yes, in most cases, through an adult diploma program, an accredited online program, or an equivalency pathway, subject to your state age, residency, and program rules. Start by requesting your old transcript, because earlier credits commonly still count after evaluation.
How much does it cost to get a high school diploma?
Public high school and many public adult programs are free or low cost to eligible residents, although materials and test fees can still apply. Private online schools charge widely varying tuition, and equivalency fees vary by state and subject. Ask for the full cost before you enroll or book a test.
Keep reading: High School Diploma Online Free
Keep reading: Is a GED the Same as a High School Diploma
Sources & references
- California Department of Education. High School Graduation Frequently Asked Questions. Verified 2 November 2026. https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/gs/hs/hsgrfaq.asp
- California Education Code, section 51225.3, minimum courses for a diploma of graduation from high school. Verified 2 November 2026. https://california.public.law/codes/education_code_section_51225.3
- West Virginia Department of Education. The GED Exam. Verified 2 November 2026. https://wvde.us/academics/adult-education/adult-education-student-information/ged-exam
- HiSET. Official HiSET preparation material describing five subtests: Language Arts Reading, Language Arts Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Verified 2 November 2026. https://hiset.org/prepare-for-your-test/practice-tests/
- Maryland Department of Labor. National External Diploma Program, Adult Education and Literacy Services. Verified 2 November 2026. https://labor.md.gov/adultliteracy/nedp.shtml
- EdSource. No high school diploma? You've got options! Verified 2 November 2026. https://edsource.org/2017/high-school-diploma-options/582040
