If you’re interested in earning a high school equivalency diploma, you may be debating between the benefits of the HiSET vs. GED.
The exams cover similar subject material, but they differ in structure, format, and availability. Some states offer both the GED and HiSET, while others only offer one or the other.
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Students who don’t have the opportunity to finish high school can still achieve their academic and professional goals by taking one of these standardized tests.
What’s the Difference Between HiSET vs. GED?
When determining whether to take the HiSET or GED, it’s beneficial to consider every aspect of the tests.
Both substitute for a high school diploma and may help you strengthen your resumé or gain admission to a college or university. Because they serve the same purpose, it may not be clear what is the difference between HiSET and GED tests.
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The exams are distinct in how students take them, how much they cost, and how many subtests they include.
What Is the HiSET Test?
The High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) is an exam that students who didn’t graduate from high school can take to demonstrate their knowledge and skill levels.
The Educational Testing Services designed the test as a way of assessing students’ abilities in writing, reading, science, math, and social studies. It is available in paper or digital versions, and it consists primarily of multiple-choice questions as well as one essay in the writing subtest.
The HiSET is only available to students who aren’t enrolled in high school. Achieving a passing score of at least 8 on each subtest allows you to qualify for a high school equivalency certificate, but the test is only administered in certain states.
What Is a GED Test?
The General Educational Development (GED) test is also a standardized test intended for adults who never graduated from high school.
It’s administered by the American Council on Education and includes math, science, social studies, and language arts questions. Comprised mostly of multiple-choice questions and one essay response, the GED is only available on the computer. Students can only take it on paper if they have a documented medical reason.
The GED determines whether you have attained the same knowledge and skills as a student who has graduated from high school. Test-takers must receive a score of at least 145 to pass. The majority of states accept GED scores when awarding high school equivalency certificates.
Key Differences Between GED vs. HiSET
To clarify what is the difference between GED and HiSET exams, it’s helpful to compare their specific characteristics.
You might want to review each of these points when deciding which test is the better fit for your location, budget, and preferred testing method.
Delivery Format and Language
Without a documented medical accommodation, the GED is only offered as a computer-based test in English or Spanish.
Students who like taking tests on paper may be better served by taking the HiSET. It’s available in digital and paper formats and can also be taken in Spanish or English.
Test Subjects
The GED and HiSET have slightly different subject tests:
- Language arts. The HiSET includes two separate subject tests for language arts, divided into reading and writing exams. The GED features a single section for reasoning through language arts.
- Mathematics. The mathematics section of the HiSET evaluates students’ skills in areas such as measurement and geometry, data analysis, and statistics. The GED’s mathematical reasoning subtest covers math concepts from geometry, basic algebra, and graphs and functions.
- Social studies. The GED social studies subtest focuses on skills such as reading graphs and charts. The HiSET also emphasizes reading passages, timelines, and primary source documents.
- Science. Students taking the HiSET are evaluated on physical, life, and earth science. Science topics on the GED include experiments and using numbers and graphics in science.
Examining study materials for the tests can help students get a better grasp of the types of questions that they include.
Passing Scores
The GED is scored out of 200 points, and students must earn a score of 145 or higher on each test subject. The sections of the HiSET are scored on a scale of 1 to 20, with a passing score of 8 for each subtest and a combined passing score of 45.
Exam Costs
States and testing centers determine how much to charge for the HiSET and GED. Generally, the GED costs between $20 and $36 per subject area, or around $140 for the entire test. The full HiSET costs approximately $90 to $115.
The price of each test also depends on whether it is taken in person or online.
Retake Policies
Students can retake the GED twice without a waiting period. The first retest of the exam is offered at a discounted rate. After the third attempt, a 60-day waiting period is implemented.
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The HiSET policy allows students to take a subtest up to three times in a calendar year, paying the standard rate for each attempt.
Requirements
The requirements for the GED and HiSET differ from state to state, but some core principles are usually in place regardless of where the exam is administered.
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It’s essential to check your state’s requirements prior to signing up for either test.
What Can You Do with a GED/HiSET?
Passing the GED or HiSET allows you to receive a high school equivalency diploma. A high school diploma is a basic requirement for admission to most accredited colleges and universities.
Taking college-level courses may allow you to pursue your preferred career. This credential may also help you qualify for jobs with higher salaries and more opportunities for advancement.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, students with a high school diploma have median annual earnings that are approximately 25% higher than those offered to employees who never finished high school.
How Long Does It Take to Get a HiSET or GED?
The amount of time it takes to successfully complete the GED or HiSET depends on your learning style and how recently you attended school. Some students spend several weeks or months taking practice exams and reviewing material before sitting for their exam.
The testing process itself typically takes around 7 hours, regardless of whether you complete the GED or HiSET. After finishing your exam, you may have to wait a few days or weeks to receive your scores and learn whether you’ve earned your high school equivalency certificate.
HiSET vs. GED, Which Is Harder?
How hard is the GED and HiSET tests? Both are designed to determine whether a test taker has the same level of knowledge and skill as a high school graduate. So, there may not be an obvious difference in their difficulty levels.
During the HiSET exam, students take subtests in mathematics, science, social studies, reading, and writing. The reading exam is 65 minutes long, while the writing exam lasts 120 minutes.
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The GED is divided into science, mathematics, language arts, and social studies tests. The language arts exam gives students 150 minutes to write an essay and demonstrate their editing and reading comprehension skills.
GED or HiSET – Which Is Right for You?
Taking the HiSET or GED may seem daunting, especially if you left school many years ago. For most students, the benefits of passing the exam and earning the equivalent of a high school diploma is a worthwhile endeavor.
Completing one of these standardized tests may help boost your confidence and qualifications when entering the workforce or asking for a promotion. It can also provide you with the necessary credentials to pursue a college degree program at accredited universities that accept GED or HiSET scores. These are some of the things you can do with the GED and HiSET.
If you’ve decided to further your education by pursuing your high school equivalency certificate, you can start by exploring your state’s requirements for the GED or HiSET.
