GED vs. HiSET vs. TASC: Which Test Should You Take?

Today the choice is between the GED and the HiSET: the TASC was retired in 2022 and can no longer be taken. The GED is computer-based and offered nationwide, including an at-home online option, while the HiSET is available on paper or computer in fewer states. Both are accepted as high school equivalency credentials, so pick the one your state offers and that fits how you like to test.

If you didn’t finish high school, you have options. The big three are the GED, the HiSET, and the TASC, all recognized nationally as equivalents to a high school diploma. They’re not identical. The right test for you depends on where you live, how you learn best, and how comfortable you are with computers.

This guide compares all three head-to-head and gives you a clear answer at the end.

The Quick Answer

• GED: Most popular, computer-only, accepted nationwide. Best if you’re tech-comfortable.
• HiSET: More flexible, paper or computer, slightly easier in places, available in some states the GED isn’t.
• TASC: Being phased out. As of 2022, the TASC is no longer offered, but it’s still mentioned in older guides. Skip it.

If you’re in 2026, the real choice is GED or HiSET. Here’s how to pick.

What All Three Tests Have in Common

• Test core high school subjects: math, reading, writing, science, social studies.
• Result in a credential equivalent to a high school diploma.
• Accepted by colleges, employers, and the military.
• Available in English and Spanish.
• Cost $30-150 per subject depending on state.

The credential matters more than which test you take.

GED (General Educational Development)

Format

• Computer-based only.
• 4 subjects: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA), Science, Social Studies.
• Total time: ~7 hours, taken across sessions.

Math Section

• 115 minutes.
• 46 questions.
• Part 1: no calculator. Part 2: calculator (on-screen TI-30XS).
• Topics: number sense, algebra, geometry, data analysis.

Scoring

• Per subject: 100-200.
• 145 = pass. 165 = college-ready. 175 = college credit (in some colleges).

Cost

• $36-50 per subject in most states.
• $144-200 total for all four.

Where it’s accepted

• Every state except where HiSET is the only option (very few states).
• Recognized by 98% of colleges and employers.

Best for

• Students comfortable with computers.
• Test-takers who want the most widely recognized credential.
• Anyone preparing with mainstream GED prep books.

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HiSET (High School Equivalency Test)

Format

• Paper or computer, your choice in most states.
• 5 subtests: Math, Reading, Writing, Science, Social Studies.
• Total time: ~7 hours.

Math Section

• 90 minutes.
• 50 questions.
• Calculator allowed (TI-30XS provided on-screen, or you bring your own for paper).
• Topics: number sense, algebra, geometry, data analysis.

Scoring

• Per subtest: 1-20.
• 8 per subtest = pass.
• 15+ on at least one subtest = college-ready bonus.

Cost

• $10.75-15 per subtest for the computer version (cheapest per subject of any test).
• Total: ~$50-100. Cheaper than the GED.

Where it’s accepted

• 26 states + several territories.
• Some states (like California, Massachusetts, New York) accept both GED and HiSET; a few only offer HiSET.

Best for

• Test-takers who prefer paper.
• Cost-sensitive students.
• Those who want to retake individual subtests cheaply.

TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion)

Current status

Retired as of 2022. Several states (including New Jersey, Indiana, Wyoming) have switched to GED or HiSET.

If you see TASC mentioned in older guides, ignore it. You can no longer take it.

Old format (for context)

• Paper or computer.
• 5 subtests: Math, Reading, Writing, Science, Social Studies.
• Similar in scope to HiSET.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Which Test Is Easier?

Both tests are similar in scope, but most students report HiSET feels slightly easier for two reasons:

1. Format flexibility. Paper is less intimidating for students who aren’t comfortable with computers.
2. Math math content. The HiSET asks more straightforward computation questions; the GED has more multi-step word problems.

That said, easier doesn’t mean trivial. Both tests require real preparation.

Math Section Comparison

Both tests cover the same core math topics:

• Number operations, fractions, decimals, percents
• Algebra (linear equations, inequalities, exponents)
• Geometry (area, perimeter, volume, Pythagorean theorem)
• Data analysis (graphs, probability, statistics)

Key differences: – GED has a no-calculator section at the start (5-6 problems). HiSET allows calculator throughout. – GED has more word problems. HiSET has more straight computation. – GED uses drag-and-drop and fill-in-the-blank more than HiSET.

How to Choose

Choose the GED if:

• You’re comfortable with computers.
• You want the most widely recognized credential.
• You live in a state where it’s the primary option.
• You’re planning to go to college (the 165+ score signals college-readiness).

Choose the HiSET if:

• You prefer paper-based tests.
• Cost matters, HiSET is significantly cheaper.
• You learn better on paper.
• Your state offers it as the cheaper option.

Either is fine if:

• You’re using the credential for general employment (both are equally recognized for jobs).
• You’re going into the military (both accepted, though some branches prefer the GED).

How Long Will It Take to Prepare?

Most students need 2-4 months of consistent study to pass either test. Plan for:

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• 10-15 hours per subject for review.
• 5-8 full-length practice tests.
• 30-60 minutes of daily study, 5 days a week.

If you’ve been out of school for many years, plan for more, closer to 6 months.

Study Plan (for Either Test)

Month 1

• Foundation review: arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percents.
• Reading practice: 1 article a day with comprehension questions.
• Take a diagnostic test to identify weak spots.

Month 2

• Algebra and geometry deep dives.
• Full-length practice tests in math.
• Writing prompts 2x per week.

Month 3

• Mixed review across all subjects.
• Full-length practice tests for each subtest.
• Time yourself under real conditions.

Month 4 (if needed)

• Polish weak areas.
• Take one final official practice test the week before.

What If You Fail a Section?

• Both tests let you retake individual sections rather than the whole test.
• Most states have a waiting period of 1-3 months before re-testing.
• Cost: $10-50 to retake one section.

Failing a section is not failing the whole test. Brush off, study what you missed, and retake.

Free Resources

Effortless Math has comprehensive resources for both tests:

• Math Blog, guides on every test.
• GED Math Resources, books, worksheets, practice tests.
• HiSET Math Resources, full HiSET prep library.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HiSET better than GED? Neither one is better in value: both lead to a high school equivalency credential that colleges, employers and the military accept. The better test is the one your state offers and that suits how you test. If you prefer paper or mostly multiple-choice questions, the HiSET may feel more comfortable; if you like computers and want the option to test from home, the GED is a good fit.

What is the GED, HiSET or TASC? All three are high school equivalency tests for adults who did not finish high school, covering math, reading, writing, science and social studies. Passing earns a credential that works like a diploma for jobs and college. Today only the GED and HiSET are given, because the TASC is no longer offered. Your state decides whether you can take the GED, the HiSET, or both.

What is the difference between GED, HiSET and TASC? The biggest differences are format and availability. The GED is computer-based only, has four subject tests, and offers an at-home online option. The HiSET can be taken on paper or computer in the states that use it and has five subtests, with reading and writing tested separately. The TASC was a third choice, but it was retired, so the real comparison now is GED versus HiSET.

Which is harder, HiSET or GED? Many test takers find the HiSET slightly easier, mainly because most of its questions are multiple choice and paper testing is possible. The GED uses varied computer formats such as drag-and-drop and fill-in-the-blank, which can feel harder if you are less comfortable on screen. Your own strengths matter most, so try a practice test for each if your state offers both.

How does GED math compare to HiSET math? Both math tests cover number sense, algebra, geometry and data, so the same preparation helps for either. The GED Mathematical Reasoning test gives you 115 minutes for about 46 questions, with an on-screen TI-30XS calculator for most of it after a short no-calculator section. For HiSET math timing and calculator rules, check the official HiSET site, since details can change.

The Right Test Is the One You’ll Actually Pass

Both tests open the same doors. The credential matters more than the brand. Pick the test that fits your learning style, your budget, and your state. Then prepare consistently. The diploma you’ve been waiting for is closer than you think.

Keep Practicing With the Right Resources

Official source: what the HiSET covers, how the five subtests are structured and how the credential works are published by PSI, which administers the exam, at hiset.org.

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