If you didn’t finish high school, earning a high school equivalency (HSE) diploma can open doors to college, better jobs, and career opportunities. Thankfully, there are three major HSE exams that can help you achieve this:

✅ GED (General Educational Development Test)
✅ HiSET (High School Equivalency Test)
✅ TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion) (TASC was discontinued in 2021—most states now use GED or HiSET instead!)

This guide will walk you through the options, requirements, and steps to get your equivalency diploma.

Step 1: Choose the Right High School Equivalency Exam

The best exam depends on your state’s requirements and your strengths.

| Exam | Subjects Covered | Format | Passing Score |
|----------|---------------------|------------|------------------|
| GED | Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts | Computer-based only | 145+ per subject (out of 200) |
| HiSET | Math, Science, Social Studies, Reading, Writing | Paper or computer | 8+ per subject (out of 20) + 2+ on essay |
| TASC (Discontinued in 2021) | Math, Science, Social Studies, Reading, Writing | Paper or computer | 500+ per subject (out of 800) + 2+ on essay |

✅ Key Differences:
✔ GED is 100% computer-based (except in a few states).
✔ HiSET is offered in both paper and computer formats.
✔ HiSET includes a separate Reading & Writing test, while GED combines them.

Final Tip: Check which test your state accepts here: GED & HiSET State Policies.

Step 2: Meet Eligibility Requirements ✅

Each state sets its own age, residency, and testing requirements.

✅ Typical Eligibility Rules:
✔ Must be at least 16 years old (some states require 18+ or parental permission).
✔ Not currently enrolled in high school.
✔ Meet state residency requirements (some states require proof of residency).
✔ Pass a practice test in certain states before taking the official exam.

Final Tip: Some states allow 16- and 17-year-olds to test with special permission (such as parental consent or enrollment in an HSE program).

Step 3: Prepare for the Exam

Studying is key to passing! Here’s how to get ready for your HSE test:

✅ Study Options:

✔ Online Prep Courses – GED.com, HiSET.org, Khan Academy, Coursera.
✔ Local Adult Education Programs – Many community colleges offer free/low-cost prep classes.
✔ Study Guides & Books – Kaplan, Princeton Review, and Barron’s offer official GED/HiSET books.
✔ Practice Tests – Take free online practice tests to identify weak areas.

✅ How Long Does It Take to Prepare?
- Fast learners: 2–3 months
- Average pace: 3–6 months
- Need extra help? 6+ months

Final Tip: Many states offer free or low-cost test prep programs—check with your local library, job center, or community college!

Step 4: Register & Schedule Your Exam️

Once you're ready, it’s time to sign up for the test!

✅ How to Register:
✔ GED: Register at GED.com
✔ HiSET: Register at HiSET.org
✔ TASC: No longer available (use GED or HiSET instead)

✅ Testing Locations:
✔ In-person testing – Take the exam at a local testing center.
✔ Online proctored testing – Available in some states (must have a webcam & stable internet).

✅ Cost of HSE Exams:
GED: $30–$150 total (varies by state).
HiSET: $50–$100 total (varies by state).

Final Tip: Some states offer free or reduced-price testing for low-income students—check state policies before paying!

Step 5: Take & Pass the Exam

The test is split into multiple sections, so you can take one subject at a time or all at once.

✅ What to Expect on Test Day:
✔ Arrive early – Bring your ID and confirmation email.
✔ No personal items allowed – Lockers may be provided for phones/bags.
✔ Use provided calculators – GED allows an on-screen calculator for math.

✅ Scoring & Retaking the Exam:
✔ GED: Pass with 145+ per subject (score of 165+ is "college-ready").
✔ HiSET: Pass with 8+ per subject (out of 20) and 2+ on the essay.
✔ Retakes: Most states allow up to 3 retakes per year, often at a discount.

Final Tip: If you fail one subject, you only need to retake that section—not the whole test!

Step 6: Get Your Diploma & Plan Your Next Steps

Once you pass, you’ll receive a High School Equivalency Diploma from your state’s education department.

✅ What You Can Do With an HSE Diploma:
✔ Go to College – Apply to community colleges, universities, or trade schools.
✔ Apply for Better Jobs – Many employers require a high school diploma or GED.
✔ Join the Military – The U.S. military accepts GED graduates (some branches have extra requirements).

Final Tip: Some states offer career & college transition programs for GED/HiSET graduates—ask your local testing center about options!

Final Thoughts: Earn Your High School Equivalency & Move Forward!

Passing a high school equivalency exam can change your life by unlocking college, better jobs, and new opportunities.

✅ Quick Recap – Steps to Earn Your HSE Diploma:
✔ Choose the right exam (GED or HiSET) based on your state.
✔ Meet eligibility requirements (age, residency, etc.).
✔ Study & take practice tests to prepare.
✔ Register & schedule the exam online.
✔ Pass the test and get your diploma!

Final Pro Tip: You can do this! Set a study schedule, use free resources, and take the first step today!

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