HiSet vs. GED – Which is the better option in 2023?

HiSet stands for High School Equivalency Test, meanwhile GED is the abbreviation for General Educational Development (GED) exams. Both of them are designed for those who want to earn a state-issued high school equivalency certificate and are used to qualify them for a high school degree. However, here are some main disparities between HiSet vs. GED that need to be taken into account before deciding which is the better option for you. Let’s get started!

 

1.What kind of test delivery method in the HiSet vs. GED? 

 

Additionally, testing centers for the GED only offer the computer-delivered testing whereas the HiSET has both computer-delivered and paper-based testing. When either exam is completed, the diploma equivalent is nationally recognized no matter which test delivery method was taken.

>>> Read More: TASC VS GED: Which Is A Superior Test ?

 

2.How many sections are required to take in the HiSet vs. GED? 

 

The main differences between the HiSet and GED is the battery of subtests as follows: 

• The HiSet comprise 5 subtests – Language Arts (Reading) & Writing); Mathematics, Science, Social Studies.
• The GED consists of 4 modules – Language Arts Reasoning, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, Social Studies. 

As far as the subtests included are concerned, here is the table we have outlined the dissimilarities between 2 tests. If you have the option of taking either the GED or HiSET,   let’s take a gander at the test formatting to see which one would suit you best.

 

HiSET	GED
Language Arts-Reading  Allotted Time: 65 mins 50 multiple Choice Questions	Reasoning through Language Arts  Allotted Time: 150 mins 46 Questions Section 1 — (27 mins) Section 2 — Extended Response (45 mins) Student Break (10 mins) Section 3 — (60 mins) Note: The time allotted for Sections 1 and 3 can vary  marginally, but the total test time will always be 150 minutes.
Language Arts-Writing  Allotted Time: 120 mins 61 Questions 60 multiple choice questions 1 Essay
Mathematics  Allotted Time: 90 mins 55 Multiple Choice Questions Calculator: TI-30XS scientific calculator	Mathematical Reasoning Allotted Time:  115 mins 46 Questions Part 1 (first 5 questions) calculator not allowed Part 2 (remaining 41 questions) calculator allowed Possible Item Types: Multiple choice Drag-and-drop Hot spot Fill in the blank   Calculator: TI-30XS scientific calculator
Science  Allotted Time: 80 mins 60 multiple choice questions Calculator: TI-30XS scientific calculator	Science  Allotted Time: 90 mins 34 Questions Possible Item Types: Multiple choice Short answer Drag-and-drop Hot spot Fill in the blank   Calculator: TI-30XS scientific calculator
Social Studies  Allotted Time: 70 mins 60 Multiple Choice Questions	Social Studies  Allotted Time: 70 mins 35 questions Possible Item Types: Multiple choice Drag-and-drop Hot spot Fill in the blank   Calculator: TI-30XS scientific calculator

 

For more detailed information on Everything You Need To Know About GED

 

 

3.Where the HiSet vs. GED might be taken?

 

Up to now, it is calculated that approximately 20 states acknowledge HiSet as a high school equivalency credential, whereas, the GED is accepted in around 40 states. Thus, the states where you can take the GED or HiSET are tabulated below: 

 

Types of Test	Testing Site
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.

 

4.What Are the Costs of the HiSET vs. GED?

 

Actually, one of the similarities between the GED vs HiSet is the Testing Service Fee which is administered and varies by state and by test delivery method you took. 

 

• On average, the total fee you need to pay for a HiSet battery is around $103.75. for a computer based test and $125 for a Paper based test. However, the HiSet in Maine, for example, takes no charge for residents. Meanwhile, the HiSet in North Carolina charges you with $10,75 for a computer-based subtest and $15 for paper and pencil one. Another example is in Illinois and Pennsylvania where you take a computer – based test with $18.75 and paper one is $23.

 

• On average, the testing service cost of each GED module might be around $31. However, the candidates are required to pay $4 for testing fee if they take the test in Arkansas is $38 in Oregon. 

 

5.What Are Passing Scores for the HiSET vs. GED?

 

Although each state sets its own passing scores for the HiSET, you must score no less than 8 on each subtest according to a scaled-score range per subtest from 0 to 20. Thus, you are also required to have a total combined score of no less than 45 in which the minimum accepted score on the writing test’s essay section is 2 out of 6 points.

 

Besides, based on the scaled-score range per module from 100 to 200, the GED score required to pass  is above 145 on each subtest. 

 

6.Which Is Easier To Pass, The GED Or HiSET?

 

There is no way to answer whether the GED or HiSet is easier to pass because it depends on the individual’s ability. In other words, all persons are different, and what one individual may consider difficult may be less challenging to another and vice versa.

 

Hence, as long as you get enough preparation, you can completely ace the GED or HiSet successfully. Take the GED Practice Test to familiarize yourself with the actual testing format. 

 

 

7.What Are the Retake Policies for the HiSET vs. GED?

 

Aspiring individuals are limited to 3 attempts on the HiSET tests each year. Meanwhile, examinees can take GED tests as many times as necessary over the course of the year.

 

To sum up, this article provides you with an informative comparison between the HiSet vs. GED test. Hope you guys will choose the best option for yourself and prepare well to conquer it.