{"id":5841,"date":"2026-03-27T23:15:14","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T23:15:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prepsaret.com\/hiset\/?p=5841"},"modified":"2026-03-27T23:15:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T23:15:45","slug":"alabama-hiset-alternative","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prepsaret.com\/hiset\/alabama-hiset-alternative","title":{"rendered":"Alabama HiSET Alternative: GED Options & Requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"

Is the HiSET Available in Alabama? <\/span>No. Alabama does not offer the HiSET exam. The GED is the only state-approved high school equivalency test in Alabama. All employers, colleges, training programs, and the military in Alabama recognize the GED as the official path to a high school equivalency diploma.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While states like Georgia, California (for adult learners through HiSET HSE), and approximately 20 other states still offer the HiSET as an option, Alabama has standardized exclusively on the GED. This is administered at the state level by the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) through the Alabama Adult Education (AAESAP) program.<\/span><\/p>\n

The official credential you earn in Alabama is called the State of Alabama High School Equivalency Diploma, issued upon passing all four GED subject tests.<\/span><\/p>\n

Which States Still Offer HiSET?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Understanding which states offer HiSET vs. GED helps if you have relocated or are considering testing in another state. Key points:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
State<\/b><\/td>\nAvailable Exam(s)<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Alabama<\/span><\/td>\nGED only \u2014 HiSET not available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Georgia<\/span><\/td>\nGED only \u2014 HiSET not available in GA either (commonly searched: HiSET vs GED Georgia)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
California<\/span><\/td>\nBoth GED and HiSET are available for adult HSE learners; HiSET Proficiency is available for current HS students<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Maine, New Hampshire, Iowa, Wyoming<\/span><\/td>\nHiSET available as primary or alternative option<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Texas, Florida, New York<\/span><\/td>\nGED only<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Massachusetts<\/span><\/td>\nHiSET is the primary exam (GED not offered)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you move to a state that offers HiSET, any GED subjects you have already passed in Alabama cannot be combined with HiSET results. You would need to start that state’s designated exam from the beginning.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is the Alabama GED?<\/b><\/h1>\n

The GED (General Educational Development) test is a four-subject high school equivalency examination developed by GED Testing Service LLC. It measures the academic skills required by high schools and requested by employers and colleges.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In Alabama, it is administered through the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Adult Education Division, overseen by State Director Kimberly Gaines.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The GED has been continuously updated \u2014 the current version, introduced in 2014, places a significant emphasis on critical thinking, data analysis, and real-world application of knowledge rather than rote memorization.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This makes it slightly more challenging than older versions and more advanced than the HiSET in certain areas, particularly mathematics.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alabama GED At-a-Glance<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Fact<\/b><\/td>\nDetail<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Official name of credential<\/span><\/td>\nState of Alabama High School Equivalency Diploma<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Administered by<\/span><\/td>\nAlabama Community College System (ACCS) \/ Alabama Adult Education (AAESAP)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
State GED Administrator<\/span><\/td>\nKimberly Gaines, Director \u2014 kimberly.gaines@accs.edu | (334) 293-4567<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Number of subjects<\/span><\/td>\n4<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Total test time<\/span><\/td>\nApproximately 7 hours (split across sessions)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Passing score per subject<\/span><\/td>\n145 out of 200<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Score results<\/span><\/td>\nAvailable same day within 3 hours of completing a subject<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Available languages<\/span><\/td>\nEnglish and Spanish; you may combine languages to earn your credential<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cost per subject<\/span><\/td>\n$36 (both in-person and online)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Total cost (all 4 subjects)<\/span><\/td>\n$144<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Alabama GED Eligibility Requirements (2026)<\/b><\/h2>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Eligibility rules in Alabama differ based on age. All requirements come directly from the official Alabama GED policies at ged.com and the Alabama Community College System.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adults 18 and Older<\/b><\/h3>\n

If you are 18 or older, the requirements are straightforward:<\/span><\/p>\n