High School Equivalency FAQ
What is a High School Equivalency Certificate?
A high school equivalency certificate allows those that didn’t complete high school the chance to continue their education and attend college.
Do I need to provide transcripts if I am enrolling in the equivalency program to take the GED or HiSET?
- No, we do not need your school transcripts for you to enroll in the equivalency program.
How do I check whether I passed a GED or HiSET test and if the test still counts?
- GED: GED.com
- HiSET: https://www.parchment.com/u/registration/24172917/institution
- How long does it take to get your GED? Watch
How Long Does it Take to Get Your GED?
GED Study Guides: https://www.ged.com/educators-admins/teaching/classroom_materials/study_guides/
How is a GED or HiSET Different from a High School Diploma?
- GED and HiSET are high school equivalency credentials awarded to individuals who pass the subtest exams.
- High School Diploma is a credential that is awarded to students who have successfully completed the requirements of a specific high school program.
Watch https://youtu.be/d_d0G71KRc06. What is the HISET?
A standardized test that assesses the knowledge of those who did not graduate high school
Watch The HiSet Exam: What is it?
HiSET Study Guides: https://hiset.org/test-takers-downloadable-resources/
For more information ,visit the following webpage links:
What are the differences between the GED and HiSET?

- Can be taken in English or Spanish
- Cost = $157 Retakes are $14
- Test is made up of 5 subtests
- Reading – 65 min
- Writing – 120 min
- Math – 90 min
- Science – 80 min
- Social Studies – 70 min
- Subtests can be taken up to 3 times in calendar year
- Pass criteria: To pass the entire exam you need at least 8 out of 20 (40%) on each test. However, your total score for all five tests must be at least 45, an average of 9 on each test (45%). On the HiSET test you'll also get a separate score for the essay with a minimum of 2 out of 6 (33%).
Subtests – 40%; Essay – 33%; Total 45% . - The test is taken electronically on a computer. Test can also be taken on paper at an alternate testing center.
- Accepts US Passport, Military ID, Government issued ID, Driver’s License, temporary license, or National ID card
- If student has out of state ID that they need to provide proof of residenc
- Can be taken in English or Spanish
- Cost = $150 Retakes are $10
- Test is made up of 4 subtests
- Language Arts (Reading and writing together) -2.5 HOURS
- Math – 115 min
- Science – 90 min
- Social Studies – 70 min
- Subtests have no limit however, after the 3rd attempt, you would need to wait 60 days before trying again
- Pass Criteria: To pass the entire exam, you need a score of 145 out of 200 (73%) on each of the subtests. A score of 145 or higher is considered a passing score on the GED, A college - ready score is considered to be anything above 164.
- Must be taken on computer
- Accepts US Passport, Military ID, Government issued ID, Driver’s License, temporary license, or National ID card
- If student has out of state ID that they need to provide proof of residency
Scheduling your Exam
- To schedule each subject test of your official HSE Exam, Please follow the instructions below:
- Go to HiSET.ETS.org or GED.com
- For HiSET Accounts, create an account and write down the ETS ID# (for accounts that have been created for the first time, your ETS ID# will be next to your username)
- For GED Accounts, make sure to fill out the questionnaire
- Contact Brian Merrick either by phone @ (661) 942-9042 x160, or in person
- Let Brian know which subject you are approved to take.