{"id":5869,"date":"2026-03-30T17:56:59","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T17:56:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prepsaret.com\/hiset\/?p=5869"},"modified":"2026-03-30T17:56:59","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T17:56:59","slug":"hawaii-hiset-alternative","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prepsaret.com\/hiset\/hawaii-hiset-alternative","title":{"rendered":"Hawaii HiSET Alternative: GED Your Best Option"},"content":{"rendered":"

Is the HiSET Available in Hawaii? Yes \u2014 unlike most states, Hawaii offers BOTH the GED and the HiSET exam. Adults in Hawaii can choose either test to earn the Hawaii High School Equivalency Credential. However, you cannot mix scores from the two tests. You must pass all subjects on one exam only. Neither the GED nor the HiSET can be taken online in Hawaii \u2014 all testing is in person at approved centers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hawaii is one of a smaller group of states that offers test-takers a genuine choice between two nationally recognized high school equivalency exams. Both the GED and HiSET are accepted by Hawaii employers, colleges, and the military, and both lead to the same official state credential: the Hawaii High School Equivalency Credential.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both exams are administered through Hawaii’s Department of Education (HIDOE) Community Schools for Adults (CSA) network \u2014 ten sites across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island (Hawaii Island). The two primary hubs are McKinley Community School for Adults (MCSA) in Honolulu and Waipahu Community School for Adults (WCSA), which operates five campuses across Oahu and Hawaii Island.<\/span><\/p>\n

HIDOE’s Community Schools for Adults are fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Their programs are aligned to national Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS).<\/span><\/p>\n

Which States Offer HiSET vs. GED?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Understanding the broader landscape helps if you travel for work, relocate, or want context for why Hawaii’s dual-exam system is unusual:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
State \/ Territory<\/b><\/td>\nAvailable Exam(s)<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hawaii<\/b><\/td>\nBoth GED and HiSET \u2014 one of the few states offering a true choice<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
California<\/span><\/td>\nBoth GED and HiSET available for adult HSE learners<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Massachusetts<\/span><\/td>\nHiSET is the primary exam; GED not offered for state HSE<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Maine, New Hampshire, Iowa<\/span><\/td>\nHiSET available as primary option<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Florida, Texas, Alabama, New York<\/span><\/td>\nGED only \u2014 HiSET not available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tennessee, Wyoming, Missouri<\/span><\/td>\nHiSET available alongside or instead of GED<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Important: if you move from Hawaii to a GED-only state, your HiSET results will not be accepted there for HSE credentialing purposes. Likewise, GED scores cannot be carried to a HiSET-only state. You would need to start that state’s designated exam from the beginning.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hawaii’s Official HiSET Credential<\/b><\/h2>\n

Regardless of whether you choose the GED or HiSET, the credential you earn in Hawaii is the same: the Hawaii High School Equivalency Credential. This document is issued by the State of Hawaii Department of Education and is legally equivalent to a traditional Hawaii high school diploma.<\/span><\/p>\n

After passing either exam, you may also qualify for the Hawaii Adult Community School Diploma \u2014 a distinct, higher-level credential issued directly by your local Community School for Adults. This diploma requires additional prerequisites beyond simply passing the GED or HiSET.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hawaii HiSET At-a-Glance<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Fact<\/b><\/td>\nGED<\/b><\/td>\nHiSET<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Official credential earned<\/b><\/td>\nHawaii High School Equivalency Credential<\/span><\/td>\nHawaii High School Equivalency Credential<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Administered by<\/b><\/td>\nGED Testing Service \/ Hawaii DOE (HIDOE)<\/span><\/td>\nPSI Services \/ Hawaii DOE (HIDOE)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hawaii GED Administrator<\/b><\/td>\nRyan Mandado, EdD \u2014 Educational Specialist \/ Program Manager, Adult Education | doeinfo@k12.hi.us | 808-784-6200<\/span><\/td>\nContact McKinley or Waipahu CSA directly<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Number of subjects<\/b><\/td>\n4<\/span><\/td>\n5<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Total test time<\/b><\/td>\n7.5 hours<\/span><\/td>\n7\u20138 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cost (full battery)<\/b><\/td>\n$174 ($43.50 per subject)<\/span><\/td>\n$125 ($25 per subtest)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Online testing available?<\/b><\/td>\nNO \u2014 not available in Hawaii<\/span><\/td>\nNO \u2014 not available in Hawaii<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
60-hour adult ed required?<\/b><\/td>\nYES \u2014 required before sitting for GED<\/span><\/td>\nStrongly recommended via CSA enrollment<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Can scores be combined?<\/b><\/td>\nNo \u2014 must pass all subjects on one exam<\/span><\/td>\nNo \u2014 must pass all subjects on one exam<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Hawaii’s Unique 60-Hour Adult Education Requirement<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Critical Hawaii-Specific Rule<\/b><\/p>\n

Unlike most other states, Hawaii requires test-takers to complete at least 60 hours of adult education BEFORE they are eligible to sit for the GED exam. This requirement is enforced through the Community Schools for Adults (CSA) network. It does not apply to the HiSET in the same way, but enrolling in CSA classes is the standard preparation pathway for both tests and is strongly advised.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The 60-hour prerequisite for GED testing in Hawaii is one of the most important and least widely known differences between Hawaii and other states. Here is what it means in practice:<\/span><\/p>\n