HSED vs GED sounds like a straightforward choice between two competing tests, but the reality is a bit more layered than that. Depending on your state, one of these might not even be a separate exam at all, but rather a broader diploma you can reach through several different paths, including the GED itself. Before deciding which route makes sense for you, it helps to understand how these two credentials actually relate to each other.
What is an HSED?
An HSED, or High School Equivalency Diploma, is a state-issued diploma most commonly associated with Wisconsin. Unlike a single standardized test, it's a credential you can earn through several different paths, including:
-
Passing the GED test, plus additional state requirements in health, civics, and employability skills
-
Completing outstanding high school credits through a local school district
-
Earning a set number of college or technical school credits
-
Holding an equivalent foreign diploma
-
Finishing an approved alternative completion program
Because the state issues it directly, an HSED is treated as an actual high school diploma rather than just a certificate proving equivalent skills.
What is a GED?
A GED, or General Educational Development credential, is a standardized test recognized nationwide as proof of high school-level academic skills. It covers four test subjects (Reasoning Through Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies), is scored on a 100 - 200 scale per subject, and requires a minimum GED passing score of 145 on each one. Unlike an HSED, a GED is a single, well-defined test rather than one option among several paths to a broader credential.
HSED vs GED: Key differences
Since an HSED isn't a standalone test the way a GED is, comparing the two comes down to how each credential is earned, issued, and recognized rather than comparing exam content directly.
|
Characteristics |
HSED |
GED |
|
Issued by |
State education agency (primarily Wisconsin) |
GED Testing Service, recognized nationwide |
|
How you earn it |
Multiple paths: GED plus extra requirements, credit completion, college credits, or an approved program |
One standardized test across four subjects |
|
Additional requirements |
Health, civics, and employability skills on top of academic content |
None beyond the four subject tests |
|
Geographic recognition |
Strongest within the issuing state; less commonly recognized outside it |
Recognized in all 50 states and by employers nationwide |
|
Classified as |
An actual high school diploma |
A high school equivalency credential |
The biggest practical difference comes down to portability. A GED travels with you no matter where you live or move to next, while an HSED's recognition can be more tied to the state that issued it.
HSED vs GED: Which one should you choose?
If you live somewhere HSED isn't an option, the decision is already made for you. For Wisconsin residents weighing both, it comes down to what you're prioritizing.
Consider the GED if…
If you're not sure whether you qualify yet, checking the GED test requirements for your state is a good place to start. From there, this path makes sense if:
-
You want a credential recognized the same way in every state, not just where you currently live
-
You'd rather complete one standardized test instead of meeting additional state-specific requirements
-
You're planning to move out of state soon after earning your credential
-
You want the option to earn a "College Ready" score that can translate into college credit
Consider an HSED if…
-
You live in Wisconsin and want a credential classified as an actual diploma rather than an equivalency certificate
-
You've already completed some high school credits and would rather finish those than start a new test from scratch
-
You're pursuing your credential through a school-based or alternative completion program rather than independent test prep
-
You don't have immediate plans to move to a state where GED recognition matters more
Neither path is objectively better, so the right choice mostly comes down to where you live and how you'd rather complete the requirement.
FAQs
1. Is an HSED better than a GED?
Neither is inherently better, since they serve different purposes depending on where you live. An HSED carries the weight of an actual diploma within the state that issues it, while a GED offers broader, nationwide recognition that travels with you regardless of where you move. The right choice depends more on your specific situation than on one credential outranking the other.
2. Is an HSED harder than a GED?
Not necessarily harder, just more involved in some cases. Earning an HSED through the GED pathway requires passing the same four subject tests, plus additional state requirements in health, civics, and employability skills. Other HSED paths, like completing outstanding high school credits, may feel more familiar than a standardized test but can take longer to finish depending on your starting point.
Conclusion
HSED vs GED ultimately isn't a straight either-or choice for most people, since one is often a broader path that includes the other. If you're in a state where HSED isn't relevant, or you're already leaning toward the GED route, working through a GED practice test is a solid way to see where you stand before committing to a study plan.