If you’re an adult in Pennsylvania looking to earn a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma, you have two main options: GED® (General Educational Development) and HiSET® (High School Equivalency Test).
What is the difference between GED® and HiSET®? They are both tests that can obtain an HSE diploma. GED® is often misunderstood as a type of HSE diploma, but it is just a testing option to receive a diploma. Employers, colleges, and government agencies all recognize both tests.
The GED® has been around since 1942, when it was created to help veterans show they had high school-level skills. Since then, millions have earned their credentials with the GED®. Now, the GED® is taken on a computer and covers four subjects: Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies.
The HiSET® was introduced in 2014 to offer a more flexible and affordable HSE option, especially after the GED® became computer-only and more expensive. A key difference is that you can take the HiSET® on paper, which many people prefer. The HiSET® has five sections: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
At the York Literacy Institute (YLI), you can take the HiSET® as a paper-and-pencil test on various days and times each month. YLI does not offer GED® testing.
Even though the exams are different, both will earn you a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma. Remember, “GED®” is the name of the test, not the diploma. If you pass either the GED® or the HiSET®, you get an HSE diploma that is accepted by all states, the U.S. Department of Education, the military, and federal programs.
At the York Literacy Institute, we are committed to helping adults achieve their educational goals. As an official HiSET® testing center, we offer convenient paper-based HiSET® testing. We also provide free classes to help you prepare for both the HiSET® and the GED® exams, even though we do not offer GED® testing at our location.
To register for the HiSET® exam, visit www.hiset.org. To sign up for YLI’s free HSE prep classes, go to https://www.yorkliteracyinstitute.org/adult-education/
May 20, 2026
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