H.S. diploma alternative

GED

This credential is often earned through a series of tests covering core subjects like math, science, and language arts, offering a path for those who didn’t complete traditional high school.

The clue refers to a credential someone can earn instead of finishing high school—the General Educational Development test, or GED. It’s a common alternative to a traditional high school diploma, especially for adults or those who left school early. "H.S." is shorthand for "high school," making the connection straightforward.