Certificate for Students Achieving the Proficiency Level of Upper Secondary School Graduates (高等学校卒業程度認定試験 Kōtōgakkō Sotsugyōteidoninteishiken) is an examination, taken by individuals who could not graduate upper secondary school (High school) for some reason.
This exam is provided by Lifelong Learning Promotion Division, Lifelong Learning Policy Bureau, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan, started in 2005 as the replacement of the University Entrance Qualification Examination (大検, Daiken) which were held until 2004 in Japan.
The certificate is meant to certify that the bearer has an academic ability equivalent to a graduate of an upper secondary school.
This exception can be applied for universities only and not for other educational institutions.
The takers must choose one subject from each category (with the exception of Civics and Science).