Is a passing score on an independently administered ability to benefit test considered an equivalent to a high school diploma?

A passing score on an independently administered ability to benefit test is not considered equivalent to a high school diploma. The federal regulations require that students must have a recognized high school diploma or an equivalent qualification, such as a GED, to be eligible for federal financial aid. While ability to benefit tests can serve as an indicator of a student's readiness for college-level work, they do not replace the foundational educational requirement of having a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent.

The policies surrounding eligibility and the type of credentials that meet these requirements are determined at the federal level, and there is no provision that classifies a passing score on such tests as equivalent to a high school diploma across all states or programs. This ensures consistency and maintains the educational standards necessary for federal financial aid eligibility.