Antelope Valley School District

High School Equivalency FAQs

 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3.  How do I check whether I passed a GED or HiSET test and if the test still counts?
  1. 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/
     
  2. 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_d0G71KRc0

6. 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:

7. What are the differences between the GED and HiSET?

Image result for hiset logo

  • 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 residency

GED® Exams

  • 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

HiSET Test vs. GED Test: Which is Best for You?

HiSET Test: Five sections scored on a scale of 1-20. 

  • Language Arts – Reading: 65 minutes Language Arts – Writing: 120 minutes
  • Mathematics: 90 minutes Science: 80 minutes
  • Social Studies: 70 minutes

GED Test: Four sections scored on a scale of 100-200.

  • Language Arts: 150 minutes Math: 115 minutes
  • Science: 90 minutes Social Studies: 90 minutes

GED & HISET: You don't have to take all tests at once, space them out as you choose

GED: Subtests have no limit, after 3rd attempt, required 60 day wait to retest again

HISET: Subtests can be taken up to 3 times in calendar year

GED:  To pass the exam you need a score of 145 out of 200 (73%) on each subtests.  A college-ready score is considered to be anything above 164.

HiSET: To pass the exam you need at least 8 out of 20 (40%) on each test. A total score for all five tests must be at least 45, an average of 9 on each test. 

HiSET:  Will give a separate score for essays with a minimum of 2 out of 6 (33%).

GED & HISET: Both test are available in English and Spanish

GED & HISET: Both tests accept US Passport, Military ID, government issued ID, driver’s license, temporary license, or National ID card.  Note:  Out of state ID requires proof of residency.

AV ADult Ed offers:

  • Free GED and HiSET preparation classes
  • Attend classes remotely or on campus
  • Free Test Vouchers for those who qualify

 

Enroll at  www.avadulted.org/registration    (required age 18+)