Three high school equivalency tests are available.
Starting in 2014, three high school equivalency tests became available. They are the GED test, the HiSET test, and the TASC test. Each state has the option to offer one or more of the three tests as its high school equivalency credential.
Which one should I take?
Your state dictates which test(s) can be used. Refer to the tables below to see which test to take in your state.
Information about the GED Test
What is a GED Credential?
What is a GED Credential?
The initials GED stand for General Educational Development. The GED test was created in 1942 during World War II.
Originally, it was meant to allow veterans to quickly get a credential that would be equivalent to a high school diploma
so that they could go on to college. Later, it was available to all adults.
The GED Test measures how well someone has mastered the skills and general knowledge that are acquired in a four-year
high school education. The test does not expect someone to remember numerous details, definitions, or facts. You are
expected to demonstrate the ability to think about a variety of issues.
The GED Test has changed periodically to keep up with the knowledge and skills needed in our society. The newest
revision to the GED began in January of 2014 and is aligned with the Common Core standards.
You must have a minimum of a 9th grade reading level. This means that you have the ability to read and understand
newspapers, forms, and letters. You must also have the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide by hand.
Developing strong reading and thinking skills are the keys to succeeding on these tests. Regular study is also needed to earn your GED credential.
What subjects are included on the GED Test?
REASONING THROUGH LANGUAGE ARTS:
You will read passages of several sentences or real-life documents like resumes, reports, e-mails. In each you
will be asked to correct grammar, sentence construction, spelling or other common writing mistakes.
You will also be expected to type a response to "Extended Response" and "Short Answr" type questions. The test is 150 minutes long.
SOCIAL STUDIES:
In this test you will answer Economics, Geography, Civics and Government, and United States and World History questions.
You will also interpret maps, charts, political cartoons, speeches, articles, and photographs. Questions will also come
rom the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Federalist Papers, and landmark Supreme Court decisions. The test is 90 minutes long.
SCIENCE: In this test you will answer Life Science, Earth and Space Science and Physical Science questions.
You will be asked questions requiring critical thinking and problem solving skills. The test 90 minutes long.
MATH:
A basic knowledge of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division is required. Questions relating to Geometry, Algebra,
data analysis, number operations, and problem solving will be included. The test is 115 minutes long.
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Information about the HiSET Test
What is a HiSET Credential?
What is a HiSET Credential?
Started in 2014, the HiSET test measures how well someone has mastered the skills and general knowledge that are acquired in a four-year
high school education. The test does not expect someone to remember numerous details, definitions, or facts. You are
expected to demonstrate the ability to think about a variety of issues.
What subjects are included on the HiSET Test?
Language Arts–Reading:
50 multiple-choice questions and measures your ability to understand, comprehend, interpret, and analyze a variety of reading material. 65 minutes – (English) 80 minutes – (Spanish)
Language Arts–Writing:
60 multiple-choice and one essay question, and measures your ability to edit and revise written text, and to generate and organize ideas in writing. 120 minutes
Social Studies:
60 multiple-choice questions and measures your ability to analyze and evaluate various kinds of social studies information. 70 minutes
SCIENCE:
60 multiple-choice questions and measures your ability to use science content knowledge, apply principles of scientific inquiry, and interpret and evaluate scientific information. 80 minutes
Mathematics:
55 multiple-choice questions and assesses your ability to solve quantitative problems using fundamental concepts and reasoning skills. 90 minutes
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Information about the TASC Test
What is a TASC Credential?
What is a TASC Credential?
Started in 2014 and updated in 2015, the TASC test measures how well someone has mastered the skills and general knowledge that are acquired in a four-year
high school education. The test does not expect someone to remember numerous details, definitions, or facts. You are
expected to demonstrate the ability to think about a variety of issues.
What subjects are included on the TASC Test?
Language Arts–Reading:
50 multiple-choice questions and measures your ability to understand, comprehend, interpret, and analyze a variety of reading material. 75 minutes
Language Arts–Writing:
50 multiple-choice and one essay question, and measures your ability to edit and revise written text, and to generate and organize ideas in writing. 105 minutes
Social Studies:
47 multiple-choice questions and measures your ability to analyze and evaluate various kinds of social studies information. 75 minutes
SCIENCE:
47 multiple-choice questions and measures your ability to use science content knowledge, apply principles of scientific inquiry, and interpret and evaluate scientific information. 85 minutes
Mathematics - Part I:
40 multiple-choice questions and a scientific calculator can be used. 105 minutes
Mathematics - Part II:
12 questions and a calculator cannot be used.
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