(1) Candidates 17 and 18 years of age are eligible to test and receive HSE diplomas provided the candidate:

(a) submits to the HSE testing center prior to testing, an original, official school document that clearly identifies the candidate by name, date of birth, and provides the last school enrollment date and signed by the chief education officer verifying that the candidate has been advised of in-school and alternative educational options; and

(b) is no longer enrolled in a regular high school program for credit; or 

(c) resides in a Montana-based job corps center, correctional facility, state-authorized group home, youth challenge, or treatment center and submits a written referral from the facility director or authorized agent (e.g., probation officer).

(2) Candidates with no previous high school enrollment are required to provide documentation from a chief education officer or the county superintendent of the county in which the candidate currently resides, documenting the candidate has not enrolled in school and has been advised of in-school and alternative education options.