9 min read
Did you know that the GED test is not the only exam you can take to earn a high school equivalency diploma? Depending on where you live, taking the HiSET exam may be an alternative option. When weighing the pros and cons of taking the HiSET vs GED, there are some key differences to consider. Read on to see if the HiSET test may be right for you.
What is the HiSET?
HiSET stands for High School Equivalency Test. Just like the GED, passing the HiSET exam will allow you to obtain a high school equivalency diploma. Completing the HiSET has the same benefits and privileges as passing the GED. When searching for a job or applying to colleges and technical programs, the HiSET diploma is recognized and accepted by employers and universities throughout the United States. Both the GED and the HiSET measure general knowledge, and passing either exam will provide you with a high school equivalency credential.
What Are the Differences Between the HiSET and GED?
The biggest differences between the GED and HiSET exams are availability, test format, and scoring.
Availability
To determine your ability to take the HiSET, you must first find out if the exam is available in your state. Some states only offer the GED, others only the HiSET, and all others offer both testing options.
GED-only states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin
HiSET-only states: Iowa, Maine
States offering HiSET and GED tests: California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Wyoming
US territories offering HiSET and GED:
GED is only offered in Bermuda and the Virgin Islands. HiSET is only offered in the Marshall Islands and Palau. American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands offer both tests.
Like the GED, the HiSET has a unique set of state rules and regulations. The most important thing to remember is that either exam allows you to earn your high school equivalency diploma. Explore this article to learn more about HiSET and GED requirements by state.
Test Format
If you have a choice of exam, the next thing to consider when deciding between taking the HiSET or the GED are the differences in how the test is formatted. While very similar in degree of difficulty, each exam is set up just a bit differently. It’s important to know which subjects are covered, what types of questions are asked, and how you’ll be asked to answer those questions.
HiSET vs. GED Subjects
The HiSET and the GED exams test individuals on their math, science, social studies, and language arts knowledge. However, the HiSET and GED test makers divide those subjects in different ways. The HiSET is sectioned into five subtests: math, science, social studies, reading, and writing. The GED is divided into four subtests: math, science, social studies, and language arts. The same amount of material and subject information is assessed in both exams; the GED simply combines reading and writing into one robust language arts subtest.
HiSET vs. GED Question Type
Perhaps the greatest difference between the HiSET and GED exams is how the questions are asked. The HiSET exam is entirely multiple-choice except for the essay, while the GED has a wide variety of question types. Of course, the GED includes a significant number of multiple-choice questions as well. But the GED exam also asks fill-in-the-blank, drag-and-drop, radio button, and multiple-select questions. The GED is a perfect fit for testers who enjoy variety in the way questions are asked. For students who prefer a more cut-and-dry, predictable format, the HiSET test may be a better option.
HiSET vs. GED Testing Options
One big reason for the difference in how the questions are asked on the GED and HiSET is the difference in how students are asked to take and answer test questions. All GED testing options are computerized. Whether testing online or in-person, the GED exam is taken on a computer. This allows the test-makers to ask questions in a number of ways.
The HiSET, however, can be taken on a computer or in a pencil-to-paper option. The exam must adhere to a multiple-choice format to remain the same regardless of administration. The option to take the HiSET on a computer or manually with a test booklet varies by testing center. It’s important to check which formats are available in your local area.
Scoring
The GED and HiSET exams are scored quite differently. The max score for each subtest on the GED is 200. The highest score for each subject exam on the HiSET is 20. No, that doesn’t mean each test only has 20 questions! This means that each question varies in “weight,” and points are assigned purposefully throughout the test. Because of this, just like the GED, it’s impossible to know exactly how many correct answers are needed to pass. You can, however, make a pretty good guess.
To pass the HiSET exam, testers must receive a minimum score of 8/20. You must get approximately 40% of the questions correct to pass. If there are 50 questions on an exam you’d need to get roughly 20 of those answers right. You can miss more than half of the exam questions and still pass! Just like the GED, the HiSET has a benchmark for honors-level testing. Scoring a 15 or higher on the HiSET indicates that you are ready to take on more challenging content and gives you an extra advantage in university and vocational admission.
Which test is harder, GED or HiSET?
Each exam covers the same subject matter and is at a similar level of difficulty. The HiSET only requires 40% of the questions on each subtest to be answered correctly, while the GED requires 45% correct responses. This leads some to believe the HiSET exam is easier. Perhaps, but consider all the exam differences before deciding which option is right for you. Personal testing preferences influence the degree of difficulty and should be based on more than scoring.
What’s on the HiSET exam?
Just like the GED, the HiSET measures critical thinking. Each question is designed to assess reading and reasoning skills. To better understand what to expect on the HiSET exam, let’s explore each subject section of the test in detail.
Math
The HiSET math exam allows each tester 90 minutes to answer 55 multiple-choice questions. The HiSET math test topics include:
- Numbers and Operations (19%)
- Measurement/Geometry (18%)
- Data Analysis/Probability/Statistics (18%)
- Algebraic Concepts (45%)
Like the GED, the HiSET math section allows a calculator to be used for some questions. Your test proctor will let you know when you can use it. Math is a sticky area for many students, so when it comes to prep, be sure you are considering your personal needs and getting prep to fill your unique learning gaps.
Reading
The reading portion of the HiSET exam allows students 65 minutes if taken in English and 80 minutes if taken in Spanish to answer 50 multiple-choice questions. Fiction-based reading passages account for 40% of the HiSET reading portion, compared to 25% fiction-based passages on the GED. 60% of the HiSET reading passages are non-fiction, informational texts. 75% of the GED reading is based on nonfiction passages. For testers who prefer one type of reading over another, this may be a factor in deciding which exam to take.
The HiSET reading skills tested are nearly identical to those on the GED. These include:
- Reading Comprehension
- Inference and Interpretation
- Analysis
- Synthesis and Generalization
In both exams, the test makers want to be sure you understand what the passage says, can use clues from the text to make conclusions, are able to examine how and why details are used and can combine ideas to understand a larger meaning.
Writing
To complete the writing portion of the exam, HiSET testers must answer 61 questions in 120 minutes. The exam has 60 multiple-choice questions and one essay question. The skills tested in the multiple-choice section include:
- Organization of Ideas (22%)
- Language (43%)
- Writing Conventions (35%)
The skills evaluated in the essay section include:
- Development of Central Position or Claim
- Organization of Ideas
- Language
- Writing Conventions
The essay questions on the GED and HiSET differ slightly. Both tests will ask you to write an argumentative essay. Two reading passages from two different authors will address the same topic from two different perspectives. The GED essay question prompts testers to read, evaluate, and decide which author has the strongest opinion and why. Those taking the HiSET will be asked to express their personal opinions on the topic. Both tests have the same comparative essay format but ask the primary question in different ways.
Science
HiSET science asks 60 multiple-choice questions in 80 minutes. Testers are permitted to use a calculator for some questions. The HiSET science test topics include:
- Reading for Meaning in Science
- Interpreting Science Experiments
- Using Numbers and Graphics in Science
The questions will be based on reading passages in the following content categories:
- Life Science (49%)
- Physical Science (28%)
- Earth Science (23%)
Both the GED and HiSET science exams encourage testers to use observational skills and, at times, math skills to work through science content. The focus should be on reading about science in the content categories and reading about science experiments.
Social Studies
The HiSET social studies portion of the exam allows 70 minutes to answer 60 multiple-choice questions. The test topics include:
- Reading for Meaning in Social Studies
- Analyzing Historical Events and Arguments in Social Studies
- Using Numbers and Graphs in Social Studies
The questions will be based on reading passages in the following content categories:
- History (35%)
- Civics/Government (35%)
- Economics (20%)
- Geography (10%)
Many test takers erroneously think that they must memorize a ton of facts and figures to pass the social studies portion of the HiSET. This is simply not true. You will not be asked to name and number the presidents of the United States, recite key dates, or discuss war chronology. Of course, it can help to build your social studies vocabulary and have a general understanding of those things, but you do not have to commit those things to memory to be successful.
The test-makers want to see you read and reason. That means reading historical documents, answering questions, expressing opinions on social studies-based topics, and finding the author's purpose, much the same way you would in the reading section.
What Are the Costs of the HiSET vs GED?
The HiSET costs vary by state and are comparable to the fees required to take the GED. For instance, there is no fee to take the HiSET exam if you are a resident of Maine. Test fees also depend on the test format: paper, computer, or test-at-home. The cost for paper-based testing is around $23 per subtest. Computer-based testing can cost roughly $37 per subtest. Test-at-home options are approximately $55 per subtest. You can also look into taking a mix of paper-based and computer-based tests.
The cost of taking the GED also varies by state. While the average cost is $36 per subject, some fees may be absolutely free, like in New York, or as much as $50 per subject, like in South Dakota.
Most states offer two free retakes for the HiSET and the GED but check your specific area and test center to see what's available. Rules and regulations vary and are subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions About HiSET vs GED
- Should I take a GED or HiSET?
Both tests are challenging, but with the right preparation, you can gain the confidence to pass either exam. Remember, both tests come with the same rights and benefits. Passing either exam will provide your high school equivalency diploma.
- Does the military accept the HiSET?
Yes! You can apply to join the military with a HiSET credential. Each branch recognizes the HiSET as equivalent to a traditional high school diploma.
- What is a good score on the HiSET?
You must obtain an 8/20 on each section of the HiSET in order to pass. Honors scoring begins with a score of 15 or higher.
- Can you take one test at a time on the HiSET?
Of course! Both the GED and the HiSET can be taken one subject at a time.
- What are the retake policies for the HiSET?
Most states offer two free retakes for the HiSET and the GED. Policies vary by state and are subject to change. Be sure to check your local test center’s retake policy.
- Can you go to college with a HiSET diploma?
Yes! From West Coasters in California to East Coast residents in Georgia, passing the HiSET opens the doors to admission to 98% of colleges and universities throughout the U.S.
- What happens when you pass the HiSET?
After you pass each test section, the HiSET testing service will issue your high school equivalency diploma. The national testing center for the HiSET, hiset.org, is your primary contact for all official testing and credentialing information. In addition to getting a copy of your certificate, you can order a transcript when applying to colleges and trade schools.
- Can I receive testing accommodations for the HiSET exam?
Yes. If you have a diagnosed learning difference, be sure to check into the accommodations available to you. These can include extra testing time, special test formatting, a solo testing environment, etc. You must apply for these accommodations in advance and provide supporting documents. You can do this at hiset.org
- What are others saying about the HiSET vs GED?
Join the discussion to learn more about others' personal experiences with both exams.