GED and HiSET in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania the GED costs $144 in person or online and the HiSET costs $130, minimum age 18.

Check online testing and cost · Compare all states

How Pennsylvania compares

GED, all 4 subjects in person

At $144, Pennsylvania (GED, all 4 subjects in person) is cheaper than 14 states, the same price as 18 states and more expensive than 9 states.

That is exactly the national median. The national median is $144 (42 states with a confirmed price, range $0 to $200).

Compared with Pennsylvania, it is cheaper in New York ($0) and West Virginia ($0); the same in Delaware ($144), Maryland ($144), New Jersey ($144) and Ohio ($144).

GED, all 4 subjects online

At $144, Pennsylvania (GED, all 4 subjects online) is cheaper than 10 states, the same price as 25 states and more expensive than 1 state.

That is exactly the national median. The national median is $144 (37 states with a confirmed price, range $104 to $200).

Compared with Pennsylvania, it is the same in Delaware ($144), Maryland ($144), New Jersey ($144) and Ohio ($144).

HiSET, all 5 subtests

At $130, Pennsylvania (HiSET, all 5 subtests) is cheaper than 8 states, the same price as 3 states and more expensive than 9 states.

That is exactly the national median. The national median is $130 (21 states with a confirmed price, range $0 to $190).

Compared with Pennsylvania, it is the same in Ohio ($130).

Rankings use only prices confirmed from an official source. Neighboring states come from the US Census county adjacency file.

Which test you can take

Tests accepted: GED and HiSETPennsylvania is listed on HiSET's state page and has a GED policy page at https://www.ged.com/policies/pennsylvania.html. Source: hiset.org, checked 2026-10-10
Credential awarded: Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma (CSSD)HiSET page gives no specific credential name. Source: ged.com, checked 2026-10-10

Cost

GED, all 4 subjects in person: $144Calculated: 4 x $36; no total stated. List price before the state-funded voucher. Source: ged.com, checked 2026-10-10
GED, one subject in person: $36GED price JSON dataipprice $36.00. The Pennsylvania ged.com page does not list a standard subtest price. Free for PA residents via promo code (see reduced_cost_options). Source: ged.com, checked 2026-10-10
GED, all 4 subjects online: $144Calculated: 4 x $36; no total stated. List price before the state-funded voucher. Source: ged.com, checked 2026-10-10
GED, one subject online: $36GED price JSON dataOnlineprice $36.00; ged.com page confirms $36 for an online retake. Source: ged.com, checked 2026-10-10
HiSET, all 5 subtests: $130HiSET's estimate for 5 subtests, no retakes. At home: $205. Source: hiset.org, checked 2026-10-10
HiSET, one subtest: $26Paper or computer: $18 test fee + up to $8 center fee, $0 state fee. At home: $41. Page notes fees increased in 2026. Source: hiset.org, checked 2026-10-10
Ways to pay less: The Commonwealth covers up to four GED subtests for PA residents: enter promo code PAFreeGED at checkout (test center or online proctoring; first attempt of each subtest only, not retakes; residents only). HiSET: covers up to five subtests for residents via promo code PAFreeHiSET (needs a valid PA address, first attempt only, while funds last). In-person GED: one discounted retake per unpassed subject within 365 days ($10 PA test center fee).HiSET side: https://hiset.org/pennsylvania/ Source: ged.com, checked 2026-10-10

Online testing

GED online at home: YesRequires green GED Ready score within the last 60 days; subjects scheduled one at a time. Source: ged.com, checked 2026-10-10
HiSET at home: YesTest @ Home, remote proctored. Source: hiset.org, checked 2026-10-10

Age

Minimum age: 18HiSET page also says 18+ may test without special conditions: https://hiset.org/pennsylvania/ Source: ged.com, checked 2026-10-10
Under the minimum age: 16- and 17-year-olds need an approved age waiver from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), obtained before scheduling. GED: submit the Age Waiver Form plus a written request from an employer, college admissions office, military recruiting office or state institution director. Online testers under 18 need a parent or guardian at pre-test check-in. No one under 16 is eligible (HiSET page).HiSET side: https://hiset.org/pennsylvania/ Source: ged.com, checked 2026-10-10

Residency

Residency rule: Must be a Pennsylvania resident; proof such as a valid driver's license or other proof of residency at the test center.HiSET also requires PA residency documentation: https://hiset.org/pennsylvania/ Source: ged.com, checked 2026-10-10

Retakes

Retake policy: GED in person: no wait for the first two retakes, 60-day wait after 3 attempts at a subject; no yearly limit; one discounted retake per unpassed subject within 365 days ($10 PA test center fee). GED online: one retake before a 60-day wait; retake costs $36, no discount. HiSET: up to six attempts per subtest per calendar year; full test fee only on the 1st and 4th attempts, other retakes cost only the center fee ($23 at home).HiSET page is inconsistent on the yearly cap (six per calendar year vs five retakes in 12 months): https://hiset.org/pennsylvania/ Source: ged.com, checked 2026-10-10