259A.1 Tests.

The department of education shall cause to be made available for qualified individuals a high school equivalency diploma. The diploma shall be issued on the basis of satisfactory competence as shown by tests covering: The correctness and effectiveness of expression; the interpretation of reading materials in the social studies; interpretation of reading material in the natural sciences; interpretation of literary materials; and general mathematical ability.

259A.2 Age.

Every applicant must have attained the age of eighteen years, be a nonhigh school graduate, and not currently enrolled in a secondary school. However, an applicant is not eligible for the diploma until after the class in which the applicant was enrolled has graduated.

Application shall be made to a testing center approved by the department of education, accompanied by an application fee in an amount prescribed by the department. The test scores shall be forwarded by the testing center to the department.

259A.3 Notice and fee.

Any applicant who has achieved the minimum passing standards as established by the department, and approved by the state board, shall be issued a high school equivalency diploma by the department upon payment of an additional five dollars.

259A.4 Use of fees.

The fees collected under the provisions of this chapter shall be used for the expenses incurred in administering, providing test materials, scoring of examinations and issuance of high school equivalency diplomas, and shall be disbursed on the authorization of the director of the department of education. The treasurer of state shall be custodian of the funds paid to the department and shall disburse the same on vouchers audited as provided by law. The unobligated balance in such funds at the close of each biennium shall be placed in the general fund of the state.

259A.5 Rules.

The director of the department of education shall adopt tests, definitions of terms, and forms as necessary for the administration of this chapter. The state board shall adopt rules under chapter 17A to carry out this chapter.

259A.6 Residents of juvenile institutions and juvenile probationers.

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 259A.2 a minor who is a resident of a state training school or the Iowa juvenile home or a minor who is placed under the supervision of a juvenile probation office may make application for a high school equivalency diploma and upon successful completion of the program receive a high school equivalency diploma.