The most common path for students to complete their public school education is to attend elementary school, middle school and high school and graduate around age 18 with a high school diploma. However, due to family responsibilities, health or other life challenges, that is not always possible. Those individuals need obtain a diploma to access higher paying jobs, attend technical schools or college. Previously, individuals would take the GED exam which was the only test given in NY to obtain a High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma. Recently, the New York State Education Department has determined that the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) exam is the most appropriate for residents seeking their HSE diploma. The TASC exam is given at no cost to any NY state resident, age 16 and older, who want to obtain their HSE diploma. Please call the Office of Pupil Personnel at 845-639-6482 for more information about HSE and the TASC exam.