Beginning October 2020, Georgia now offers both the HiSET® exam and GED test to qualifying individuals. Both tests allow you to earn your high school equivalency credential. The HiSET® exam is one of three tests (GED, HiSET, and TASC) U.S. states and territories use to measure high school equivalency (HSE) skills. Educational Testing Services (ETS) works closely with states to ensure the HiSET® exam closely reflects the skills of a high school graduate and to provide a fair, rigorous exam.

HiSET Quick Facts

  • HiSET preparation classes are free. Contact your local Adult Education Center for information about classes.
  • Scholarships are available to assist with HiSET Testing fees. See your local adult education center for more information.
  • View a list of currently open HiSET testing centers for computer-based testing in Georgia.
  • The HiSET@Home is available to take from home 15 hours a day, 7 days a week. To view the differences between the HiSET Computer-Based Test and HiSET@Home, view this resource.
  • View all of the policies and requirements for taking the HiSET in Georgia on the ETS website.

Frequently Asked Questions about the HiSET Exam

The HiSET® exam is an affordable, accessible high school equivalency test option for out-of-school youth and adults without a high school diploma to demonstrate their skills and knowledge and earn a state-issued high school equivalency credential. The five subject area tests are:

  • Language Arts – Reading
  • Language Arts – Writing
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies

Click here to see an overview of the HiSET Exam. Click here for more information on each of the subjects.

In Georgia, the HiSET computer based five subject-area tests are $26.75 each. The HiSET @Home five subject-area tests are $36.25 each.

Earn your high school equivalency diploma for FREE. The HOPE High School Equivalency Examination Grant is now available to qualified Georgians to cover the cost of their GED test. Visit www.HSEtest4Free.com to apply!

The HiSET exam can only be administered to individuals who:

  • Are at least 16 years of age* (*16 and 17 year olds must enroll in a state-approved adult education program and receive approval to test. Contact your local Adult Education Center for more information.)
  • Have not graduated from an accredited high school
  • Are not currently enrolled in a regular high school; and
  • Can provide a valid photo ID (driver’s license, state identification card, military ID or Passport).

No. You do not need to be a resident to take the HiSET exam in Georgia; however, you must take and pass your last exam in Georgia to earn the state credential.

Yes, the HiSET exam can be taken online if you meet the requirements. Students taking the HiSET exam online must have a computer (no tablets or phones are allowed), a webcam, and a reliable internet connection.

Visit hiset.ets.org to set up your My HiSET Account and schedule your exam. You can find a test center near you or sign up for HiSET@Home. You can also call the ETS Customer Service at 1-855-MyHiSET (1-855-694-4738) Note: A $10 fee will be applied when registering by phone.

To pass the HiSET® exam, you must:

  • Score at least 8 out of 20 on each of the five subtests
  • Score at least 2 out of 6 on the essay
  • Achieve a total combined score on all five HiSET subtests of at least 45 out of 100
  • Take all subject-area tests in a uniform language (English or Spanish).

The HiSET pass score is based on a national study of high school juniors and seniors and indicates that 60 percent of graduating high school students would pass the HiSET exam.

For the HiSET computer-based exam, you will receive two retests per subtest at $16 each taken within 12 calendar months. For HiSET@Home, you will receive two retests per subtest at $25.50 each taken within 12 calendar months. Candidates must wait 14 days between test attempts.

Graduates should expect to receive credentials in the mail within 2-3 weeks from the test date.

See Request GaHSE Transcript to request official transcripts or duplicate diplomas.

The HiSET diploma is one type of high school equivalency offered in Georgia. Many employers recognize the HiSET diploma as a high school equivalency credential. HiSET graduates may also attend technical college with free tuition if you enroll in one of the 17 areas funded by the HOPE Career Grant. Visit here for detailed information on HOPE Career Grant programs.

Both the GED test and HiSET exam are recognized high school equivalency credentials in Georgia. For a comparison of the GED test and HiSET exam, visit this page.

TESTING DATES

Done by appointment only.