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United States · Exam

GED vs HiSET: how the two tests differ

Your state decides which high school equivalency tests it offers, so the GED vs HiSET choice may already be made for you. Where you can pick, the two differ in format: HiSET has five subtests, all multiple choice plus one essay, on computer or paper. The GED has four tests, on computer, with question types like drag and drop and fill in the blank.

  • 5HiSET subtests
  • 4GED tests
  • 145GED pass on each test, out of 200
Read about the GED test

Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

GED vs HiSET side by side

PartHiSETGED
Tests5 subtests4 tests
FormatComputer or paperComputer, except with accommodations
Reading and writingReading 65 minutes, 50 questions; Writing 120 minutes, 61 with essayOne test, 150 minutes, 51 questions with an essay
Math90 minutes, 55 questions115 minutes, 46 questions
Science80 minutes, 60 questions90 minutes, 34 questions
Social studies70 minutes, 60 questions70 minutes, 35 questions
To pass8 of 20 on each, 45 in total145 of 200 on each

From the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s comparison, last updated October 16, 2026. The HiSET pass rule also needs 2 of 6 on the essay.

GED passing score and questions →

Is the HiSET easier than the GED?

Neither HiSET nor the Massachusetts comparison says one test is easier. What’s different is how they feel. HiSET’s questions are all multiple choice apart from the essay, while the GED mixes in drag and drop, hot spot and fill-in-the-blank items. HiSET lets you test on paper at centers that offer it.

Scoring works differently too. The GED needs 145 or more on each test. HiSET needs 8 on each subtest but also 45 in total, so five bare passes of 8 still fall short.

HiSET scores explained →

Is HiSET a GED, or a new name for it?

No. They’re separate tests from separate organizations: HiSET comes from PSI, and the GED from GED Testing Service. Both lead to a state high school equivalency credential, and HiSET says a state-issued credential is recognized nationwide.

Some states let you mix them. Massachusetts has accepted a mix of GED and HiSET scores since November 23, 2022, as long as your HiSET subtests average 9 or more. New Jersey and West Virginia let people who started HiSET finish with the GED after they stopped offering HiSET.

HiSET diploma and transcripts →

Which states use which test, and what about TASC?

HiSET is offered in 24 states and five Pacific island jurisdictions. Texas isn’t one: the Texas Education Agency contracts with GED Testing Service for its high school equivalency certificate. GED Testing Service lists GED testing in California, Louisiana, Massachusetts and Ohio as well, so you can choose there. It lists none in Iowa or Maine.

TASC is a third high school equivalency test. HiSET’s Ohio page says TASC stopped being a high school equivalency vendor in Ohio on July 1, 2020.

HiSET requirements by state →GED testing centers by state →
Sources: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education · Texas Education Agency · HiSET and 8 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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