The GED is not offered in Iowa. GED.com says the GED program is not available there at this time, and the state uses the HiSET for its high school equivalency credential. Contact the Iowa adult education office for test dates, fees and local classes.
Key facts
GED test: Not offered
Test used: HiSET
Credential: High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED)
Can you take the GED in Iowa?
No. GED.com says: "If you live in Iowa or Maine, the GED program is not offered in your state at this time."
Iowa uses the HiSET for its high school equivalency credential.
What the state agency describes: For HiSET, enroll at an Adult Education and Literacy program, complete a CASAS assessment in math and reading, and pass the Official Practice Test. Iowa also offers diploma routes without a test.
What is the high school equivalency credential called in Iowa?
When you pass, Iowa issues the High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED).
Can GEDPilot still help?
GEDPilot is built for the GED test. Its lessons teach reading, writing, math, science and social studies skills, but the HiSET has its own format and rules.
Ask a Iowa adult education program which materials it recommends before you choose a course.
What if you live near a state line or plan to move?
Some states let people from other states take the GED there, and some do not. The rules and the credential come from the state where you test. Check that state page and its agency first.
Where can you check the official Iowa rules?
Contact the Iowa agency for the state's high school equivalency options.
"Iowa uses the HiSET high school equivalency test to award a HSED." (https://educate.iowa.gov/higher-ed/hsed)
"In January of 2014, Iowa began using the HiSET® high school equivalency test developed by Education Testing Service (ETS)." (https://workforce.iowa.gov/opportunities/adult-education-and-literacy/hsed-program)
"Be a minimum of 17 years of age (unless granted exception)" (https://workforce.iowa.gov/opportunities/adult-education-and-literacy/hsed-program)
"Enroll at an Adult Education and Literacy program" (https://workforce.iowa.gov/opportunities/adult-education-and-literacy/hsed-program)
"Complete a pre CASAS Assessment in Math and Reading" (https://workforce.iowa.gov/opportunities/adult-education-and-literacy/hsed-program)
"Pass the Official Practice Test (OPT)" (https://workforce.iowa.gov/opportunities/adult-education-and-literacy/hsed-program)
"On testing day, present a valid photo identification, verify social security number if applicable and a Verification for Testing Form" (https://workforce.iowa.gov/opportunities/adult-education-and-literacy/hsed-program)
"$75.00 for the full battery of tests (all five content areas), which includes two free re-tests per sub-section during a 12 month period from the initial date of purchase" (https://workforce.iowa.gov/opportunities/adult-education-and-literacy/hsed-program)
"$15.00 for a single subtest (1 content area) - no retakes" (https://workforce.iowa.gov/opportunities/adult-education-and-literacy/hsed-program)
"There is no charge for the first diploma after the HiSET battery is taken with a passing score" (https://workforce.iowa.gov/opportunities/adult-education-and-literacy/hsed-program)
"Duplicate diplomas and documentation $20.00 (paid to DiplomaSender.com )" (https://workforce.iowa.gov/opportunities/adult-education-and-literacy/hsed-program)
"The new pathways, which are in addition to the HiSET®, are based on the accumulation of secondary credit or the completion of a postsecondary credential equal to or beyond an associate degree." (https://workforce.iowa.gov/opportunities/adult-education-and-literacy/hsed-program)
Can I take the GED in Iowa? No. GED.com says the GED program is not offered in Iowa at this time.
What high school equivalency test does Iowa use? Iowa uses the HiSET. Contact the state agency or a local adult education program for test dates and fees.
What is the credential called in Iowa? The state issues the High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED).
Where do I find the official Iowa rules? Start with the Iowa Department of Education (HSED issuance); Iowa Workforce Development (Adult Education and Literacy). Its website lists the current steps.
Data notes
Rules and fees change. Always confirm on GED.com and with your state agency before you book. We checked this data on October 26, 2026.
How we collected it: Each state's GED Testing Service policy page and GED.com's online-testing table, cross-checked against the state education or adult-education agency. Every value is backed by a quote saved from an official page. Where sources disagree, the conflict is listed in plain words with the value we show. Official test fees only; confirm on GED.com before you book.
Next steps
Find your starting point with the free 32-question GEDPilot diagnostic.
Build a week-by-week plan around your job, family and test date.
Try the free sample lesson on number sense, the base for GED Math.
Take GED Ready, the official practice test, and aim for green (145 or higher) before you book.
Plan test day: your ID, arrival time, and test center or online.
Independent preparation materials. Not affiliated with or endorsed by ACE or GED Testing Service. GED is a registered trademark owned by ACE. Practice results do not predict an official GED score, and GEDPilot does not guarantee a passing score.