In Pennsylvania, you can earn a high school equivalency certificate by taking the GED test or HiSET exam. The credential is called the Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma. Employers and 98% of colleges accept a GED or HiSET certificate.

Here is a list of Pennsylvania GED or HiSET testing centers.

If you're like many, you're probably wondering: How can I get my GED or HiSET fast? Well, the good news is that earning your GED or HiSET certificate is easier than you think. The sooner you start, the sooner you can meet your goals.

Steps to Get the GED or HiSET Test in Pennsylvania

1. Check Your Eligibility in Pennsylvania: Every state has its own GED and HiSET test eligibility requirements. For Pennsylvania, you can find the list of requirements at the top of this page.
2. Study for the Test: Preparing for the GED or HiSET test is key to success. Choose from various study options, including using a GED or HiSET Pennsylvania study guide, attending local GED or HiSET prep classes, or studying online. Find the method that works best for you.
3. Practice the Material: Create a quiet and focused study environment. Use GED or HiSET study guides or online classes to help structure your learning.
4. Take GED or HiSET Practice Tests: Practice tests are a great way to track your progress and identify areas for improvement. If you choose to take the GED test online, you're required to take the GED Ready® practice test and achieve a "green" score within the last 60 days before scheduling the official online exam.
5. Register for the Test: When you're ready, schedule your GED test or HiSET exam.
6. Take the Test: On test day, bring a valid, non-expired, government-issued photo ID. Personal items are not allowed in the testing area.
7. Get Your Transcript and Diploma: After passing the GED test or HiSET exam, the State of Pennsylvania will award you a high school equivalency certificate, showing that you have achieved the same level of knowledge as a high school graduate.

The GED Testing Service offers an official GED practice test for $7.99 per subject. The HiSET also offers practice tests. Additionally, you can take a free GED practice test or a free HiSET practice test through Essential Education, with the option to focus on one or multiple subjects.

The Pennsylvania GED test and HiSET exam are the same as in every other state since they are national exams. While it may seem challenging, preparation is key, and online classes can help you get ready. For more on how hard the GED test is, read our article How Hard Is the GED in 2025?

GED: A passing score on the Pennsylvania GED test is 145 points (45% correct) in each of the four subjects. You can check your results in your MyGED account after you have completed the test.

HiSET: A passing score on the Pennsylvania HiSET exam is 8 per subtest, a combined minimum of 45, and 2 minimum on the essay. You can view your results in your HiSET account after you have completed each subtest.

In Pennsylvania, you can request your official transcript through DiplomaSender.com.

Yes, you must be a resident of Pennsylvania to take the GED test or HiSET exam.

You must be 18 years old to take the GED test or HiSET exam in Pennsylvania.

In Pennsylvania, you can take the GED test or HiSET exam if you are 16-17 years old and have an approved Age Waiver Form from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and a written request from either an employer, college admissions office, military recruiting office, or director of a state institution indicating that a GED or HiSET is required.

Test takers who pass a high school equivalency test before turning 18 will be issued a transcript. The Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma will be issued on their 18th birthday.

GED: You must apply for disability accommodations through the GED Testing Service website.

HiSET: Find out about disability accommodations and complete a HiSET Accommodations Request Form.

• GED Cost at a Test Center: Free.
• GED Cost Online: Free.

  Note: The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will cover the cost of up to 4 subtests. When signing up for the test, use code PAFreeGED during checkout in the voucher/promotion code field. The discount is available for the test at the test center and for the online proctored test. You can’t use the promo code for retakes.

• HiSET Cost at a Test Center: $23 per subtest or $115 for all subtests.
• HiSET Cost Online: $32.50 per subtest or $162.50 for all subtests.

  Note: The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will cover the cost of up to 5 subtests. When signing up for the test, enter promo code PAFreeHiSET in the voucher/promotion code field. The discount is available for the paper-based test at the test center, the computer-based test, and the online proctored test. You can’t use the promo code for retakes.

GED:

• In-person at a Testing Center: GED Testing Service waives its $26 testing fee, but there is a $10 test center fee. You will receive one discounted retake for every GED test subject you purchase but don’t pass. You have 365 days after your full-price test to use this discounted retake. This retake offer (1 full price:1 discount) repeats until you pass the test.
• Online Testing: The Online Proctored Exam costs $36 for a retake in Pennsylvania. Discounted retakes are not offered on the Online Proctored Exam.

HiSET: You may retake each subtest two times over the 12 months following your first attempt by paying only the test center fee of $15 or the online proctor fee of $17.50 for each subtest. You will be charged the full amount, including the test fee, when scheduling your fourth attempt within the 12 months following your first attempt.

GED: The Pennsylvania GED tests you on Language Arts (Reading and Writing), Math, Science, and Social Studies.

HiSET: The Pennsylvania HiSET tests you on Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

GED Test:

HiSET Exam:

GED Test:

HiSET Exam:

GED: 145 minimum per subject

HiSET: 8 minimum per subtest, combined minimum of 45, 2 minimum on the essay

GED:

• In-person at a Testing Center: In Pennsylvania, there is no waiting period for your first two retakes. After taking a test subject three times, you’ll have to wait 60 days before retesting. There’s no limit to how many times you can test in a year.
• Online Testing: The Online Proctored Exam allows for one retake before a 60-day waiting period. After taking a test subject two times online, you’ll have to wait 60 days before retesting.

HiSET: You can take each subtest a maximum of 6 times in a calendar year.

Yes, in Pennsylvania, you can take the GED or HiSET exams either at an official testing center or online. For the GED, if you choose the online option, you're required to take the GED Ready® practice test and achieve a "green" score within the last 60 days before scheduling the official online exam.

Use our list of authorized test centers in Pennsylvania to find a location near you.

What you should know:

• You should be familiar with math concepts, measurements, equations, and applying math concepts to solve real-life problems.
• You don’t have to memorize formulas. You will be given a formula sheet in the test center and on the screen during the test.
• Essential Education offers a free practice test for math that will help you assess your readiness for the test.
• GED Academy gives you all the math you need to study at one affordable price.

GED:

• In-person at a Testing Center: Yes, in Pennsylvania, you can take all GED test subjects in one day, provided you find a testing center with available hours that can accommodate this.
• Online Testing: No, each subject must be scheduled separately, one at a time. After completing one online exam, you can schedule the next, depending on available appointment times.

HiSET: You can choose to take each subtest individually, but if you prefer, you may also take multiple subtests in a single day, subject to availability at your testing center and your personal preference.

Yes, in Pennsylvania, you can test in English or Spanish, and you can combine tests from different languages to earn your credential.

For Spanish speakers, GED Academy and HiSET Academy provide mobile-friendly, online courses designed to fully align with test standards. These programs cover all test subjects with engaging, expert-designed lessons, helping you confidently prepare to take the exam in English or Spanish.