Chawanakee Adult School

• Both the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) and the General Educational Development (GED) exams are used to award a high school equivalency diploma, but there are differences between the two.

• The HiSET has five test sections and the GED has four. Additionally, testing centers for the GED only offer a computer version of the test, whereas the HiSET has a paper and a computer option.

• The HiSET and GED both test individuals on their knowledge of math, science, social studies and language arts. However, the HiSET has five subtests (one each for reading and writing), while the GED uses four subtests. The GED combines reading and writing into a single literacy test.

Social Studies

The 70-minute HiSET social studies test covers history and political science. An individual's knowledge of such subjects as economics, sociology, and psychology is also measured through multiple-choice questions.

The GED social studies test is also 70 minutes long. The GED social studies exam evaluates an individual's knowledge of civics and government. Other subject areas individuals are tested on include U.S. history and geography.

Science

The HiSET test determines how well test-takers understand scientific principles and measures their ability to use a scientific approach to problem-solving. Examinees' knowledge of science content areas is also assessed. This test takes 80 minutes.

The GED science test takes 90 minutes to complete. Much of the test focuses on determining how well individuals can interpret science experiments and scientific data. It also covers life, physical, and Earth science topics.

Mathematics

The HiSET mathematics test takes 90 minutes and uses multiple-choice questions to determine how well test-takers understand mathematics concepts. Individuals are expected to solve problems involving measurement, estimation, arithmetic, and algebra. They must also be able to interpret data.

The GED mathematics test is 115 minutes. It focuses on quantitative and algebraic problem solving and includes topics in geometry and functions.

Language Arts

The HiSET Reading test takes 65 minutes and uses multiple-choice questions to evaluate test-takers' ability to understand information presented in written form. The 120-minute HiSET Writing test examines test-takers' ability to correct text and write a well-organized essay. It includes multiple-choice questions and an essay prompt.

The GED Reasoning Through Language Arts test takes 150 minutes, 45 of which are allotted for completing the essay assignment. This test assesses both the reading and writing skills of test-takers. There are also tasks designed to determine if examinees can correct writing errors.

The HiSET can be taken in 3 different ways

1. Computer based test Onsite (test center) each subtest fee: $12.75

2. Paper based test Onsite (test center) each subtest fee: $17.00

3. Test at home Online (proctored -live). each subtest fee: $12.75

*The California state administrative fee of $20.00 and test center fees are not included in the HiSET test fees. Test center fees vary.

The GED can be taken 2 different ways

1. Online from your home --each subtest $41.00

2. In person at a test center -- each subtest $35

*The California fee is $35 per subject for the GED^® test, of the fee, $5 is for the state administrative cost. Testing center fees vary

• Each state sets its own passing scores for the HiSET. In general, you must score no less than 8 on each subtest. You are also required to have a total combined score of no less than 45. The minimum accepted score on the writing test's essay section is 2 out of 6 points.

• Passing the GED requires a score of 145 on each subtest. To earn a diploma with a College Ready designation you must score 165 or more. By scoring 175 or more, you will receive a College Ready + Credit designation on your diploma.

• Individuals are limited to 3 attempts on the HiSET tests each calendar year.

• Examinees can take GED tests as many times as necessary over the course of the year. A discounted rate on the first two retakes of a test is available..