Eligibility Requirements for High School Equivalency Testing

A resident of the state who has not graduated from an accredited high school is eligible to take the high school equivalency test per Texas Education Code, Section 7.111 in accordance with rules promulgated by the State Board of Education. Eligibility requirements for high school equivalency testing are defined in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 2, Chapter 89, Subchapter C, §89.43.

Test Taker Requirements

Identification

A test taker must have a valid, government-issued (state, national or foreign) photo ID, such as one of the following:

• state driver license (including learner permit),
• Department of Public Safety identification card,
• military ID,
• passport, 
• U.S. passport card (requires additional ID with signature),
• permanent resident card (requires additional ID with signature), or
• matrícula consular card. 

Unacceptable forms of ID include:

• Student ID,
• Library Card (including enhanced library cards),
• Expired ID (unless presented with renewal documentation),
• Photocopy of ID,
• Digital photo of ID, or
• Digital (wallet) ID (including a state-sponsored digital driver license).
• Parent/Guardian's ID

Residency

A test taker must provide proof of residency in Texas, which could be a:  

• Texas driver license, DPS ID, student ID, library card;
• utility/cell phone bill showing a Texas address, or
• bank statements, paycheck stubs, tax returns, or government mail showing a Texas address.

Additional Requirements

A test-taker must

• be 18 years of age*,
• not be enrolled in an accredited high school, and
• not be a high school graduate from an accredited high school. 

*Age Exceptions

Individuals under the age of 18 are required to attend school (Texas Education Code Chapter 25, Section 25.085) unless they qualify for an exemption (Texas Education Code Chapter 25, Section 25.086).

17-Year-Old Test-Takers** 

To qualify for an age exception, a 17-year-old must:

• have a government-issued photo ID (see above for ID requirements);
• have proof of Texas residency (see above for residency requirements);
• not be currently enrolled in school (unless enrolled in an approved in-school High School Equivalency Program);
• not have an accredited high school diploma; and
• have parent or guardian permission.

Alternatively, a 17-year-old may qualify under the 16-year-old rule below.

16-Year-Old Test-Takers**

To qualify for an age exception, a 16-year-old must:

• have a government-issued photo ID (see above for ID requirements);
• have proof of Texas residency (see above for residency requirements);
• not be currently enrolled in school (unless enrolled in an approved in-school High School Equivalency Program);
• not have an accredited high school diploma; and
• be one of the following:
  • in the care of a state agency;
  • under a court order issued under Family Code 65.103 (a) (3);
  • enrolled in a Job Corps training program, or
  • enrolled in the Texas Challenge Academy.

** Note:  For online proctored exams, a parent or guardian must be present at the pre-test check-in to give consent and authorize the underage testing. Both the test taker's and parent/guardian's IDs are required.
 

Updated 2/11/2025