From an exam-focused perspective, neither the HiSET nor the GED is inherently "better." Both credentials are nationally recognized as equivalent to a high school diploma. The critical distinction lies in their structural differences, which may make one exam a more suitable fit for an individual test-taker's strengths. The decision hinges on which test format aligns with your specific academic skills.
Contrasting Core Exam Structures
The GED is a single, comprehensive test divided into four independent subject modules. Conversely, the HiSET exam is structured as five separate subtests. This difference in volume can influence testing strategy and pacing.
A primary distinction exists in question format, particularly for the Mathematics section. The GED math test is exclusively multiple-choice, while the HiSET math section incorporates both multiple-choice items and constructed-response questions. The latter requires you to show your work and generate answers without choices.
- GED Focus: Applies reasoning to solve problems quickly, leveraging multiple-choice strategies.
- HiSET Focus: Demonstrates problem-solving processes explicitly, balancing speed with documented reasoning.
Divergence in Content Emphasis and Scoring
The GED is known for its emphasis on complex reasoning and real-world application scenarios, often within an on-screen computer-based format. The HiSET exam typically presents content in a more traditional academic style, with a paper-based option available in many locations.
Furthermore, the scoring models differ significantly. The GED requires a minimum score of 145 on each subject test but does not have a composite score. The HiSET has a dual scoring requirement: you must achieve at least 8 out of 20 on each of the five subtests and a minimum composite score of 45 across all tests. Consequently, the HiSET system allows a higher score on one subtest to help compensate for a lower (but still passing) score on another.
Therefore, your choice should be informed by a self-assessment of your testing preferences. If you excel at showing your work in math and prefer a more segmented testing approach, the HiSET may be advantageous. If you are more comfortable with a fully multiple-choice format and a computer-adaptive environment, the GED could be the more appropriate pathway.