It is a tough job market these days. It is possible to have a great career without a high school diploma. Still, you no doubt have a higher chance of advancing in the employment market if you have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate.
A high school equivalency certificate also allows those that didn’t complete high school the chance to continue their education and attend college.
Obtaining a high school equivalency certificate is a stepping stone for a career change or continuing your education and reaching higher career goals.
Today, we will review the two most popular and widely accepted exams that qualify you to receive a high school equivalency certificate – the HiSet test and GED.
HiSET Test
The HiSET, or High School Equivalency Test, is a standardized test designed to assess the knowledge and skills of individuals who did not graduate high school. It was created by the non-profit ETS (Educational Testing Services), America’s largest developer of educational assessment systems.
The exam is typically administered by individual states or territories. The test covers five subject areas and takes approximately 7 hours to complete. Each state sets its own passing scores for the HiSET. In general, candidates need to score at least an 8 for each subject area, with a total combined score of at least 45. Additionally, the minimum accepted score for the writing test’s essay section is 2 out of 6 points.
HiSET Exam Structure:
- Language Arts – Reading: 65 minutes
- Language Arts – Writing: 120 minutes
- Mathematics: 90 minutes
- Science: 80 minutes
- Social Studies: 70 minutes
It is difficult to say how hard or easy the HiSET is because the difficulty will vary depending on a test taker’s background and level of preparedness. Some people may find the test relatively easy if they have a solid educational background and have prepared adequately, while others may find the test more challenging.
GED Test
The GED, or General Educational Development, is a test like the HiSET and is given by the American Council on Education. To pass, you need a score of 145 on each section. If you want a diploma with a College Ready label, you must get a score of 165 or higher. If you score 175 or more, you’ll get a College Ready + Credit label on your diploma. The GED is scored from 100 to 200, and 145-164 is the passing range for each subject area. Just like the HiSET, passing the GED gets you a high school equivalency certificate. The GED has four tests, one for each subject, and takes about 7.5 hours to complete.
GED Exam Structure:
- Language Arts: 150 minutes (including a 10-minute break)
- Math: 115 minutes
- Science: 90 minutes
- Social Studies: 90 minutes
How easy you find the process of getting your GED depends on your educational background and your preparation for the exam.
HiSET vs. GED: Key Differences
The HiSET and GED exams are for adults who were not in a position to complete their regular high school curriculum. Individuals must be at least 17 years old and not currently enrolled in high school to take either exam. Under-age students may qualify if they officially withdraw from high school, have parental consent, and meet more strict requirements.
The GED is still America’s most popular and widely used High School Equivalency (HSE) test. However, the HiSET is gaining popularity as many states have opted to use the exam as a GED alternative.
The tests are very similar but do have a few key differences…
HiSET: Five sections scored on a scale of 1-20.
GED: Four sections scored on a scale of 100-200.
HiSET: Paper and pencil and computer option.
GED: Only a computer version.
The exception is in New Jersey, where all tests are computerized.
Exam Costs
HiSET: The exam costs vary by state. There is no charge for residents in Maine to take the test. A computer-based test costs $18.75 for each module taken; this is paid online when registering. For paper tests, the price is $23. It is possible to take a mix of paper-based and computer-based tests.
GED: The exam costs vary by location. The average cost is around $30, but fees can be as low as $4 in states such as Arkansas or as high as $38 in Oregon.
Testing Locations
Many states recognize HiSET and GED scores for granting a high school equivalency diploma. The following states provide options for taking the GED or HiSET exams.
GED:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
HiSET:
California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Wyoming
Similarities Between the HiSET and GED
The exams are equally as challenging; however, many say they feel that the math portion of the HiSET exam is less complicated than the GED math portion.
Both are available in English and Spanish; if you pass, both exams will lead to your state’s high school equivalency certificate. This credential will qualify you to attend credit-bearing college courses, often bringing about better employment opportunities with higher pay.
Some states don’t offer the GED, some don’t offer the HiSET, and others offer both. You should check to see which test is available in your area.
How Long Does It Take to Get a GED or HiSET?
The exam for both tests takes around 7 hours to complete. But you also should factor in prep work before the test. In general, it is recommended that individuals spend at least several weeks or months preparing for the GED or HiSET, studying the subject areas covered by the test and familiarizing themselves with the test format. There are many prep classes online and in person to help.
After an individual takes the exam, their scores are typically available within a few days or weeks. If an individual passes, they will be awarded a high school equivalency certificate, usually obtained by contacting the testing center where the test was taken.
Overall, obtaining a high school equivalency certificate can take several weeks or months, depending on the individual’s level of preparation and the availability of testing centers in their area.
How do GED and HiSET Classes Work?
You don’t have to attend classes as you did in high school. Test prep courses are available and can be a valuable resource for many students. These lessons and practice tests explain how to prepare for each subtest and what to expect on each subtest.
GED and HiSET classes are designed to help students prepare for the exam. Prep courses for each exam have a few minor differences but are very similar overall. It is optional to take these classes to take the exam. However, many take prep courses to prepare for the exam and increase their chances of success.
These classes provide students with the opportunity to review the material that will be covered on the exam and to receive guidance and support from experienced instructors. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have been out of school for a long time or need additional help to succeed on the exam.
Some people may believe that getting a high school equivalency certificate is relatively easy, while others may consider it challenging. Ultimately, the difficulty will depend on how prepared you are and your ability to successfully demonstrate your knowledge and skills on the exam. Prep courses can make the exam much more accessible and increase your chance of passing without having to retake the exam.
How is a GED and HiSET Different from a High School Diploma?
A GED and HiSET are high school equivalency credentials awarded to individuals who pass the exam. This exam is designed to assess whether an individual has the knowledge and skills typically associated with a high school education, but it’s not the same as earning your high school diploma.
A high school diploma is a credential that is awarded to students who have successfully completed the requirements of a specific high school program.
You have to have similar knowledge and pass a test to receive either credential; the main difference between a high school equivalency credential and a high school diploma is how the credentials are earned.
High School Equivalency Credential vs. High School Diploma
A GED and HiSET are high school equivalency credentials awarded to individuals who pass the exam. This exam is designed to assess whether an individual has the knowledge and skills typically associated with a high school education, but it’s not the same as earning your high school diploma.
A high school diploma is a credential that is awarded to students who have completed the requirements of a specific high school program.
You must have similar knowledge and pass a test to receive either credential; the main difference between a high school equivalency credential and a high school diploma is how the credentials are earned.
High School Equivalency Credential vs. High School Diploma
A high school equivalency credential is earned by passing a single standardized exam. In contrast, a high school diploma is earned by completing a set of courses and requirements established by the school. The coursework required for a high school diploma is typically more rigorous than the material covered on a high school equivalency exam.
Another key difference between a high school equivalency credential and a high school diploma is the recognition and acceptance of the credentials. While high school equivalency credentials are widely recognized and accepted by employers and colleges, a high school diploma may be preferred by some institutions and may be required for specific job opportunities.
Additionally, some schools and programs may have specific requirements or preferences regarding the credentials required for admission.
Are There Any Other High School Diploma Alternatives?
The GED and HiSET are the two most common high school diploma alternatives, but many colleges and employers recognize several other academic qualifications.
These alternatives include the following:
- The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE): is a globally recognized qualification that Cambridge Assessment International Education offers.
- The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: is a highly regarded academic qualification that colleges and universities worldwide recognize.
- The General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level: This qualification is offered by schools and colleges in the United Kingdom and is recognized by many institutions worldwide.
- The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE): This qualification is offered by schools and colleges in the United Kingdom and is recognized by many institutions worldwide.
In addition to these alternatives, many online high school programs offer recognized high school diplomas. These programs are often designed for students looking for a flexible and convenient way to earn their high school diploma.
Conclusion
Overall, while the GED and the HiSET are similar in that they are both tests that can be taken to earn a high school equivalency certificate, they have some critical differences in administration, content, and scoring.
One test isn’t necessarily better than the other. Neither is an identical replacement for a high school diploma. Still, they are both great options for anyone who didn’t get to complete high school and wants to complete their education to enroll in college courses or obtain a higher-paying job.
Most jobs, even entry-level, require you to hold at least a high school or equivalent diploma. Taking and passing either the HiSET or GED are equally beneficial for your career. Which you choose boils down to personal preference and test availability where you live.
High School Equivalency Diploma Courses at Workforce Essentials
To help you prepare for your high school equivalency diploma, Workforce Essentials provides free test preparation courses so you can be prepared and have a higher chance of passing the test.
Our courses are available at several locations throughout Middle Tennessee. For more information about Adult Education, please get in touch with us at 1.800.826.3177.
