The HiSET® exam is widely considered equivalent to the GED® for demonstrating high school academic proficiency.
Understanding High School Equivalency Exams
For individuals who haven't completed traditional high school, high school equivalency (HSE) exams offer a valuable pathway to validate their knowledge and skills. These exams are standardized tests designed to prove that an individual has the academic proficiency typically acquired by high school graduates. Passing an HSE exam can open doors to higher education, improved employment opportunities, and military service.
In the United States, the two primary high school equivalency exams accepted are the GED® and the HiSET®. Both assessments are designed to test your knowledge and skills across subjects typically covered in a high school curriculum.
GED® vs. HiSET®: Understanding the Equivalents
While the GED® test is the most widely recognized high school equivalency credential, the HiSET® exam serves the exact same purpose and is accepted by most colleges, employers, and government agencies as an equivalent to a high school diploma.
The GED® Test
The GED® (General Educational Development) test has been a long-standing and well-known option for high school equivalency. It consists of four subject areas:
- Reasoning Through Language Arts
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Science
- Social Studies
The HiSET® Exam
The HiSET® (High School Equivalency Test) is another comprehensive assessment designed to certify academic knowledge and skills at a high school level. It covers five core subject areas:
- Language Arts – Reading
- Language Arts – Writing
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
Key Similarities and Equivalence:
Both the GED® and HiSET® exams serve as official credentials recognized as equivalent to a traditional high school diploma. They are both developed to assess readiness for college and career.
- Purpose: Both exams' primary purpose is to certify that an individual has knowledge comparable to that of a high school graduate.
- Acceptance: Colleges, universities, employers, and military branches generally accept both the GED® and HiSET® equally as proof of high school equivalency.
- Subject Matter: While the number of tests may differ slightly, both exams cover the core academic subjects essential to a high school education.
- Benefits: Passing either exam provides similar benefits, including enhanced employment prospects, eligibility for post-secondary education, and a sense of accomplishment.
Choosing Between GED® and HiSET®
The choice between the GED® and HiSET® often depends on individual state requirements, testing center availability, and personal preference regarding test format (computer-based vs. paper-based options for HiSET®). It's crucial for test-takers to check which exam(s) are offered and accepted in their specific state or desired institution.
| Feature | GED® | HiSET® |
|---|---|---|
| Equivalency | Recognized as a high school diploma equivalent | Recognized as a high school diploma equivalent |
| Purpose | Validate high school-level knowledge and skills | Validate high school-level knowledge and skills |
| Acceptance | Widely accepted across the U.S. | Widely accepted across the U.S. |
| Number of Tests | 4 (Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies) | 5 (Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies) |
| Format | Primarily computer-based | Computer-based and paper-based options |
| Scoring | Scaled scoring varies by subject | Scaled scoring varies by subject |
For more information on high school equivalency options, you can explore resources such as the American Council on Education's overview of high school equivalency credentials.
