Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 151B.403 – Adult education programs aligned with federal college and career readiness standards -- High School Equivalency Diploma -- Programs and examinations -- Previously issued equivalency or external diploma to be considered High School Equivalency Diploma -- Validity of diplomas after changes in test selection. (Effective July 15, 2026)

(1) The Office of Adult Education within the Department of Workforce Development in the Education and Labor Cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations to establish programs aligned with the College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education, or any other similar standards adopted by the federal Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, which upon successful completion, shall result in the issuance of a High School Equivalency Diploma.
1. (a) At least one (1) program authorized under subsection (1) of this section shall include a test aligned with the College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education, or any other standards adopted by the federal Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, to serve as a qualifying test, which upon passing, shall entitle students to receive a High School Equivalency Diploma.
(2)
(b) A qualifying test meeting the requirements of paragraph (a) of this subsection shall provide an option for students to be administered a written or paper test in lieu of an electronic administration.
(3) For purposes of any public employment, a High School Equivalency Diploma shall be considered equal to a high school diploma issued under the provisions of KRS 158.140.
(4) A High School Equivalency Diploma shall be issued without charge upon successfully completing a High School Equivalency Diploma program. A fee may be assessed by the Office of Adult Education for the issuance of a duplicate High School Equivalency Diploma and for issuance of a duplicate score report. All fees collected for duplicate diplomas and score reports shall be used to support the adult education program.
(5) The Office of Adult Education is authorized to contract annually with an institution of higher education or other appropriate agency or entity for scoring High School Equivalency Diploma program examinations.
(6) On June 29, 2017, any high school equivalency diploma or external diploma previously recognized or issued by the Commonwealth shall be considered retroactively as a High School Equivalency Diploma.
(7) Upon issuance, a High School Equivalency Diploma shall not be invalidated by any subsequent changes in test selection under this section.

Effective: July 15, 2026

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 197, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2026. -- Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 236, sec. 35, effective July 1, 2022. -- Repealed, reenacted as KRS 151B.403, and amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 146, sec. 40, effective June 27, 2019. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 63, sec. 1, effective June 29, 2017. -- Repealed, reenacted, and renumbered 2013 Ky. Acts ch. 59, sec. 32, effective June 25, 2013. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 211, sec. 36, effective July 12, 2006. -- Amended 2003 Ky. Acts ch. 29, sec. 13, effective June 24, 2003. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 63, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 145, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 363, sec. 6, effective July 15, 1994; and ch. 469, sec. 23, effective July 15, 1994. -- Repealed, reenacted and amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 470, sec. 23, effective July 1, 1990; amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 476, sec. 167. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 361, sec. 12, effective July 15, 1988. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 311, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1986. -- Created 1972 Ky. Acts ch. 192, sec. 1. Formerly codified as KRS 156.485, 151B.125, and 164.0064. Legislative Research Commission Note (7/15/94). This section was amended by 1994 Ky. Acts chs. 363 and 469. Where these Acts are not in conflict, they have been codified together. Where a conflict exists, Acts ch. 469, which was last enacted by the General Assembly, prevails under KRS 446.250. Legislative Research Commission Note (7/13/90). This section was amended by two 1990 Acts which are in conflict. Pursuant to KRS 446.250, the Act which was last enacted by the General Assembly prevails.