Ways Adults Can Earn a Maryland High School Diploma - Adult Education and Literacy Services

In Maryland there are three ways an adult who has withdrawn from high school before graduating may earn a Maryland High School Diploma

1. GED^®:

GED^® candidates must be residents of Maryland. They must be at least 18 years of age at the time of testing. They may not have obtained a Maryland high school diploma, a high school certificate or diploma issued by another state by a non-US or correspondence school. They must be officially withdrawn from a regular full-time public or private school; or have obtained a Maryland High School Certificate of Program Completion in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 13A.03.02.09D.

In order to pass the test, a minimum score must be obtained in the content areas of Reasoning through Language Arts, Science, Social Studies and Mathematics.

Learn more by visiting Maryland GED^® Testing.

2. National External Diploma Program (NEDP)

NEDP is designed with the needs of the adult learner in mind. The computer-based program provides a unique way for adults to earn a high school diploma without taking classes or completing a series of high stake tests. Rather, NEDP^® clients complete program requirements by working independently on a series of assigned tasks or competencies at their own pace, while meeting periodically with a trained NEDP^® assessor to develop a portfolio that proves that they have acquired the skills required to be awarded a Maryland High School Diploma. NEDP measures academic and life skills such as reading, writing, mathematics, oral communication, critical thinking, self, social, occupational awareness, and other workplace skills. Applicants must be Maryland residents, 18 years and above, and not enrolled in school. They must complete placement tests at the nearest NEDP location, and meet cut scores to determine eligiblity for the program.

For more information about the National External Diploma Program (NEDP^®), contact an NEDP^® program in or near your county directly or e-mail Lynnette Demby.

National Adult External Diploma Program (NEDP) brochure

3. Adult High School Pilot Program

The Maryland Adult High School Pilot Program establishes an alternative method for adults, who did not graduate from high school, to earn a high school diploma and potentially earn post-secondary credit or an industry-recognized certification in an environment that meets the needs of the adult learner. Adult high school pilots will serve learners 21 years and older, who do not have a high school diploma or who did not complete the requirements for high school graduation through GED^® testing or the National External Diploma Program. In addition to the academic course of study leading to a high school diploma, the adult high school pilots will offer wrap-around services, career pathways in high need and growth industry sectors, and transitions into postsecondary education and credentialing opportunities.

View information about solicitations to become an adult high school pilot.