Kentucky Revised Statutes Title XII. Conservation and State Development § 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

(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.

(2) 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.

(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.