Which High School Equivalency Test Should You Take? GED vs. TASC vs. HISET
Choosing the right high school equivalency test is a big decision. It can be a tough choice to make, too. While there are many tests, you’ve probably heard of at least one of the three most common ones, GED, TASC and HISET. Each of these tests prove that you have the same amount of education as a high school graduate, which makes it easier to get jobs. To help you make an informed decision, here are the facts you need to know about each test.
GED
How do I take the GED?
The GED is a test that is administered on a computer. To take the test, you need to schedule with a testing center and do the test on their computer. This is to prevent people who are taking the test from cheating.
Where is it offered?
The GED can be taken in every state EXCEPT the following: Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, Tennessee, West Virginia
What’s on the test?
The test is made up of 5 sections. These sections include reading, writing, social studies, science, and mathematics sections. The reading section, social studies, and science sections are all multiple choice. The writing section has multiple choice questions and essays. The math section has a mix, and a calculator may be used for some parts.
What’s a passing score?
To pass the GED high school equivalency test, you need to get at least 145 points on a scale of 100 to 200 on each section. That adds up to 580 points out of 800 for the whole test.
How much does the test cost?
The cost of the GED is different in each state. In some states, it’s free and in others it can cost a couple hundred dollars.
Pros
- It’s available in most states
- Depending on your state, it might be free
- It’s the most well known test
- If you fail, you only have to retake the sections you didn’t pass
Cons
- It can be expensive
- It’s not free to retake the test if you fail a section
- In states without wavers, the GED can be very expensive
TASC
How do I take the TASC?
TASC can be taken in a testing center on a computer or on a paper form.
Where is it offered?
You can take the TASC test in these states: California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, West Virginia, Wyoming
What’s on the test?
Like the GED, TASC has 5 sections that include reading, writing, social studies, science, and math. Most of the test is multiple choice, except the writing and math sections. During portions of the math test, calculators are not allowed. TASC has a reputation for being one of the most difficult tests.
What’s a passing score?
You must get at least 500 points on each section, plus a 2 out of 8 on the writing portion.
How much does the test cost?
The test starts at $50, but may cost more due to state and testing center fees.
Pros
- TASC is offered where GED and HiSET aren’t available, like Indiana
- If you fail, you only retake sections that you didn’t pass
- You can retake up to 2 sections for free
Cons
- The minimum cost is $50
- The math section is the most difficult among GED, TASC, and HiSET
- It’s only available in 15 states
HiSET
How do I take the HiSET?
The HiSET test can be taken online or on paper, but some testing locations might offer only one of the two formats.
Where is it offered?
You can take HiSET in these states: 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
What’s on the test?
Same as GED and TASC, HiSET tests have reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies. Each section is made up of of either multiple choice or essay-style questions.
What’s a passing score?
Passing on HiSET is 145 of 200 or 8 out of 20 in multiple choice sets and 2 out of 6 on essays.
How much does the test cost?
Between $18 and $90, depending on the state.
Pros
- It has the easiest math section
- Available in more states than TASC
- Potentially very affordable
Cons
- Costs at least $18
- Retakes aren’t free
- You can only do 3 retakes per year
