For many years, the GED was the only high school equivalency exam. Though it’s still one of the most popular, there are other valuable options to consider before deciding which test to take, such as the HiSET and the TASC exam. To help you make your decision, we’ve put together this blog post with a comparison between the GED, HiSET and TASC exam. What’s the best option for you?
The GED exam – General Education Development
The GED, the most common high school equivalency exams, is recognized in most U.S. states, as well as Canada and many overseas universities.
It includes four tests:
- Literacy
- Science
- Social studies
- Mathematics
Each test is designed to measures the examinees’ abilities and knowledge in those academic fields, which are considered essential for their future in college or workforce.
Overall, the GED is a comprehensive test that can be quite a challenge. As the examinee, you are required to achieve the passing score in each of the tests. Since it’s such a comprehensive exam, you can take each test separately.
The test is computer-based, and you have to do it in one of the states’ testing centers. The fees will vary from one state to the next, but it ranges between $80-$160. You’ll also find that some states might subsidize the test.
Prep For The GED
The HiSET exam – High School Equivalency Test
The High School Equivalency Test (HiSET), though not as popular as the GED, has gained more traction over the years and it’s now accepted in over 20 states. The test itself resembles the old GED, before the changes in 2014, divided into five subjects:
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Reading (Language arts)
- Writing (Language arts)
Test-takers must score at least 8 out of 20 in each subject, but also must have a combined score of 45, minimum. That means examinees won’t pass the HiSET if they only score the minimum in each subject.
One of the HiSET most significant advantages over the GED exam is its flexibility. You can still take the test with a pencil and paper if you’re not familiar with computers. Plus, just like the other high school equivalency tests, examinees can take the subtests separately.
Also, when you pay for the test, you get two free retests, so if you fail in one of the subjects, you can retake it at no extra cost. Speaking of price, the fees for the HiSET vary from state to state, but it tends to be cheaper than the GED.
Prep For The HiSET
The TASC exam – Test Assessing Secondary Completion
The TASC exam is currently accepted in over 15 states. Some states, like West Virginia and New York, have already changed their systems and now admit only the TASC exam as their high school equivalency test.
Similar to the HiSET, this exam is composed of five subtests, namely mathematics, science, social studies, literacy reading and literacy writing, which can be taken separately. Another similarity to the HiSET is that the TASC exam can be taken on a computer or with pencil and paper.
Just like most high school equivalency tests, the test-taker needs to reach the passing score in each section. The examinee can retake up to two subtests free of charge. The total fees for this exam also vary between states, but it’s $90 on average.
