What is the Difference Between GED and HiSET

Not everyone finishes high school the usual way. Life happens. But your education can still move forward. Many look for ways to pay someone to take my GED exam as a quick solution. It shows theyre motivated to succeed, even if there are better ways to do it.

Two popular ways of doing so in the United States are to take the GED or the HiSET test. These two tests give you a second appreciation for showing what you've learned. They lead to college, jobs, and even the armed forces. However, what distinguishes the two? Let's dissect it.

Purpose of GED and HiSET

The GED and HiSET both have the same purpose. They make it possible for people to obtain a qualification that is on par with a high school diploma. Training programs, businesses, and schools all accept them. In other words, if you pass either test, you are formally considered a high school graduate.

What They Test

Both tests test on the same general subjects:

? Reading

? Writing

? Math

? Science

? Social Studies

The GED contains four components. The HiSET contains five. Why is that? There are two tests on the HiSET: one for writing and one for reading. The GED rolls them both together.

GED vs. HiSET: Key Differences

Both the HiSET and GED are tests for those who didnt finish high school but want an equivalent diploma. If you need language arts GED help, knowing the key differences is important. Here is a simple comparison:

Test Format

Here's where things begin to diverge more noticeably.

GED Format:

? It is computer-only.

? No paper alternative.

? You need to be proficient in the use of a computer.

? All answers are typed or clicked online.

HiSET Format:

? You have the option of taking it on a computer or paper, depending on your state.

? A few people still utilize paper in case they despise typing.

? It is more flexible.

Then, in case you are not quite a computer genius, the HiSET would be easier for you.

Types of Questions

Both tests use:

1. Multiple-choice questions

2. Essays

3. Drag-and-drop or fill-in-the-blank (basically on GED)

4. The writing portion of both tests includes an essay. You must show that you can write decently and support your ideas.

The GED will see more contemporary question styles. You may drag and drop text or select from menus. The HiSET uses primarily traditional question formats.

Scoring Differences

Here's how each test is graded:

GED:

? Score range: 100200 per subject

? You pass if you score 145 or higher on each test.

If you score 165 or higher, that indicates that you are college-ready.

HiSET:

Each subject is graded on a scale of 20.

? You need to score

? 8 or better on every test,

? 45 or better on all tests combined,

? And an essay graded from 2 or above on 6 points.

Both tests essentially require minimal reading, writing, and math skills. But they score you differently.

Time and Length

Both the GED and HiSET are roughly the same length to complete overall, about 7 to 8 hours. But the time per test differs.

You don't have to take all the tests at once. You can take them separately, whenever you're ready.

Cost Comparison

The cost may differ from state to state. But generally:

GED:

? Around $30$40 per subject.

? That's around $120$160 in total for all four tests.

HiSET:

? Around $10$20 per subject, along with state charges.

? That's around $50$100 in total for all five tests.

HiSET is generally cheaper, especially if you want to take the test on paper.

Availability by State

Not all states offer both tests. Some only offer the GED. Some only offer the HiSET. A few offer both and you get to choose.

Examples:

GED only: California, Florida, Texas.

HiSET only: New Hampshire, Iowa.

Both available: Wyoming, Nevada.

Before you select a test, be sure to find out what is approved in your state. You don't want to study for one and find out you can't take it.

College and Job Acceptance

This is the only area where there isn't much variation. Both tests are accepted everywhere.

Both are accepted at community colleges.

Most universities accept both.

Both tests are accepted, supervised by employers as equivalent to a high school diploma.

Both are accepted by the military, although with some restrictions.

No matter which test you take, you'll get a credential that says you completed your high school education.

Which Test Do You Take?

Here's a simple way to choose:

Take the GED if:

You're okay with computers.

You want a more modern test experience.

Your state only offers the GED.

You're aiming for the college-ready score (165+).

Take the HiSET if:

You prefer paper tests.

You want a cheaper option.

You like more freedom in question style.

Your state allows HiSET.

Both paths are fine. It just depends on learning style and what you want to do.

How to Prepare

No matter what test you take, studying is required. You can prepare by:

1. Practicing free tests on the internet

2. Utilizing study guides

3. Learning through video lessons

4. Taking prep classes

5. Preparation is key. Most people fail because they don't prepare. They breeze through the test without any studying.

6. Make a plan. Study a little bit each day. Focus on your weaker subjects.

7. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help. A lot of the Internet and software has help available, information, and guidance.

Summary

Make your decision based on your level of computer comfort and the possibilities available in your state. They cover similar content and serve the same purpose. But they differ in structure, cost, scoring, and availability.

Consider your level of computer comfort as well as the possibilities available in your state. Both tests open doors to college and better jobs. Keep going, youve got this!