The digital architecture of the self · Est. 2024

HiSET vs GED: how the two high school equivalency tests differ

Both earn a high school equivalency credential, and both take 425 minutes of testing. The GED is four subjects, each scored 100 to 200 with 145 needed in every one. The HiSET is five subtests scored 1 to 20, needing 8 on each and 45 in total, so a strong subtest can help a weaker one over the line. Which you can take depends on your state.

5 vs 4
subtests vs subjects
425
minutes of testing, both
45 total
HiSET also needs
145 each
GED needs

Last checked

Try the HiSET side free

  • 50 questions
  • 69 minutes
  • Score in seconds

All five HiSET subtests, timed. The GED-style test is free too.

Start the free HiSET-style test

By the LifeScore Editorial Team · Updated · How we check facts · How this is scored

How do the HiSET and GED compare?

Same purpose and the same total testing time; different structure and scoring. The HiSET splits language arts into Reading and Writing and adds a total-score rule; the GED needs 145 in each of four subjects.

HiSET and GED side by side, from each program's own documents
HiSETGED
Parts5 subtests: Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies4 subjects: Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies
Total time425 minutes425 minutes
Questions285 multiple choice plus an essayAbout 160, several item types, plus an essay
Score scale1 to 20 a subtest; essay 1 to 6100 to 200 a subject
To pass8 on every subtest, 2 on the essay, 45 in total145 in every subject; no total
Higher levels15+ a subtest: college and career ready165+: College Ready; 175+: College Ready + Credit
EssayIn Writing: take a position and support itIn Language Arts: judge which of two arguments is better supported
CalculatorAllowed on Math, not neededOn-screen TI-30XS on Math (after the first questions), Science and Social Studies
FormatComputer and, in many places, paperComputer, at a test center or online
Cost and retakesSet by each stateSet by each state; quick-retake limits from GED Testing Service

Which is scored more forgivingly, the HiSET or the GED?

Neither is officially easier, but they forgive different things. On the HiSET a strong subtest can carry a weaker one toward the total of 45, as long as the weak one reaches 8. On the GED each subject must reach 145 by itself.

If one area is well behind the others, the HiSET's floor of 8 is the number to watch: it is a lower bar than being fully ready, but every subtest must clear it and the total has to reach 45. On the GED there is no total, so it is simply four separate hurdles.

Neither program publishes how raw answers become scaled scores, so comparisons of "how many questions you need" between the two are guesses. The fair comparison is how you score on a practice test of each: our HiSET-style practice test and GED-style practice test are both free.

Is the content different on the HiSET and GED?

The subjects overlap heavily: algebra-heavy math, reading informational and literary texts, grammar, life and physical science, and U.S. history and civics. The bigger differences are in format and the essays.

The HiSET is almost entirely multiple choice and splits language arts into separate Reading and Writing subtests, with an essay in which you take and support a position. The GED combines reading and writing in one long Language Arts subject, uses drag-and-drop, drop-down and fill-in items as well as multiple choice, and its essay asks you to judge which of two arguments is better supported rather than give your own view.

GED math gives you an on-screen calculator and a formula sheet for most of the test; the HiSET is calculator-neutral and leaves some formulas, such as the Pythagorean theorem, off its sheet. See the HiSET math practice test and the GED math practice test.

Should I take the HiSET or the GED?

First check which your state offers: many offer only one. If you can choose, take a practice test of each and pick the one you score better on, weighing the paper option, the cost and the nearest test centers.

  1. Does your state offer only one of them?

    Yes
    Then that is your test. Your state education department, ged.com and hiset.org list which tests each state offers.
    No
    Go to question 2.

  2. Do you prefer paper and multiple choice?

    Yes
    The HiSET is offered on paper in many places and is nearly all multiple choice.
    No
    Go to question 3.

  3. Do you want to test from home?

    Yes
    The GED is offered online with a live proctor in most states that use it.
    No
    Go to question 4.

  4. Is one area far behind the others?

    Yes
    Compare how close it is to 8 of 20 on the HiSET against 145 on the GED, using a practice test of each.
    No
    Check with the person or company that sent you the link.

Frequently asked questions

Is the HiSET easier than the GED?

Neither is officially easier. The HiSET's total-score rule gives a little room to balance subtests, and it is all multiple choice apart from the essay; the GED has more question types and needs 145 in every subject. Take a practice test of each and see which suits you.

Is a HiSET worth the same as a GED?

Both lead to your state's high school equivalency credential, which colleges and employers treat the same way.

Can I choose between the HiSET and the GED?

Only if your state offers both. Each state decides which tests it offers, so check your state education department or the state pages on ged.com and hiset.org.

Can I switch from the GED to the HiSET?

Passed GED subjects do not transfer to the HiSET or the other way round, except where a state has its own rule. Ask your state's high school equivalency office.

Know every subtest clears 8 before you book

8 full HiSET-style tests and 20 subtest drills, in one payment with no subscription.

The HiSET Pass Pack gives you 8 full mocks on the real clock, 20 drills of 12 questions for the sections that cost you points, and a predictor that turns your mocks into the odds of reaching your target. One payment, no subscription, and your free score stays free.

Prep courses for these tests usually cost $19 to $129. The HiSET Pass Pack is US$39 (£29), once.

See the HiSET Pass Pack How our questions are built and checked
8
timed mocks
20
topic drills
1
score predictor

LifeScore is not affiliated with PSI Services, ETS or any state HiSET program. HiSET® is a registered trademark of its owner. Our HiSET-style practice tests use original questions written from scratch and are not the official HiSET exam or its official practice tests.

Facts last checked by the LifeScore Editorial Team. How we check facts.