Maine Homeschool GED and HiSET: Which Credential Makes Sense

Maine doesn't issue high school diplomas to homeschooled students. As the parent-administrator, you issue the diploma — but your diploma is a document you created about your own child. For some purposes, that's fully sufficient. For others, an independent certification of secondary education carries more weight. That's where the GED and HiSET come in.

Understanding when you need one of these credentials, what each test involves, and how to prepare for it is worth doing before your student's senior year rather than during it.

Why GED and HiSET Matter for Maine Homeschoolers

The General Educational Development test (GED) and the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) are standardized assessments that certify high school-level academic achievement for students who did not graduate from a traditional high school. They're most commonly associated with adults who left school early — but they're also a meaningful credential for homeschooled students in specific situations.

University of Maine system admissions. The UMaine system explicitly encourages homeschooled applicants to submit GED or HiSET results as independent certification of secondary completion. In practice, many campuses treat this as a de facto requirement. Students who apply without it may receive conditional acceptances, with final enrollment contingent on producing test results. Taking the test proactively — before application season — eliminates this complication.

Federal student aid and federal employment. Some federal financial aid programs and federal job applications accept the GED or HiSET as equivalent to a high school diploma. A parent-issued homeschool diploma may not always satisfy these requirements depending on the specific program or agency.

Employer verification. Most private employers accept parent-issued homeschool diplomas without question. Some larger employers with formal credential verification systems may flag a diploma from an institution they can't independently verify. A GED or HiSET result comes from a recognized testing program with verifiable results, which sidesteps that friction.

Military enlistment. The military has its own credentialing tiers. A homeschool diploma is generally accepted, but a GED or HiSET places recruits in a different (typically lower-priority) credential tier than a traditional diploma at some branches. If military service is a possibility, research your student's branch requirements specifically.

GED vs. HiSET: The Practical Difference

Both tests cover the same five subject areas: Reasoning Through Language Arts (reading and writing), Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies. Passing both certifies high school-level equivalency and results in a credential issued by the state.

GED. The GED is administered by Pearson VUE at designated testing centers. It's a computer-based test, and students can take individual subject tests rather than the full battery in one sitting. Maine test-takers receive a GED certificate issued through the Maine Department of Education upon passing all four subject tests.

HiSET. The HiSET is available through the Maine Community College System and some testing centers across the state. It's available in both computer-based and paper-and-pencil formats, which some students find more accessible. The HiSET has five subtests (it separates Language Arts into Reading and Writing, while the GED combines them with an extended response essay component).

For most Maine homeschool students preparing with solid academics, the tests are comparable in difficulty. The HiSET's paper format option is the most common reason families choose it over the GED. If your student has any difficulty with timed computer-based testing, the HiSET's paper option is worth considering.

Both credentials are recognized by Maine colleges, the University of Maine system, employers, and federal programs. You don't need both — pick one.

Who Should Take a GED or HiSET

Not every Maine homeschool graduate needs one. A parent-issued diploma is the standard credential and is broadly accepted.

Consider the GED or HiSET if your student:

• Plans to apply to the University of Maine system (any campus)
• Is considering federal employment or military service and wants to avoid credentialing ambiguity
• Plans to apply to institutions outside Maine that may scrutinize homeschool credentials more closely
• Wants an independent, externally verified academic credential alongside the parent-issued diploma

If your student is heading to a trade program, apprenticeship, or community college, and the institution has confirmed they accept homeschool diplomas without reservation, there's no urgent need to pursue the GED or HiSET. The extra step is worth taking when the credential matters; it's not mandatory across the board.

How to Prepare

Maine homeschoolers who have maintained serious academics throughout high school are generally well-prepared for both tests. The GED and HiSET test high school-level content, not college-level — a student who has covered algebra, basic science, essay writing, and reading comprehension has the academic foundation needed.

Specific preparation steps:

Take a diagnostic test. Both the GED and HiSET offer official practice tests. Start with a diagnostic to identify which subject areas need focused review. Most students who have done consistent math work will find that section manageable; the Language Arts extended response (GED) or essay (HiSET) is where students who haven't written regularly will need the most work.

Use official prep materials. GED.com offers official practice tests and study guides. The HiSET website provides official practice materials as well. These are calibrated to the actual tests and more reliable than generic test prep books.

Schedule strategically. For UMaine applicants, schedule the test early enough that results will be available before application deadlines — typically October through January of senior year. Testing in the spring or early summer of junior year gives the most scheduling flexibility.

Register. GED registration is through the GED Testing Service online or at a local Pearson VUE center. HiSET registration is through the ETS HiSET website, with testing available at MCCS campuses and other authorized sites. Check current Maine testing center availability before registering.

After Passing

Upon passing, your student receives an official credential from the Maine Department of Education — a Maine High School Equivalency Diploma (for GED) or the equivalent HiSET certificate. This is a state-issued document that can be submitted to colleges, employers, and federal programs as official evidence of secondary completion. It complements rather than replaces your parent-issued homeschool diploma.

If you're building a complete Maine home instruction program — from legal withdrawal through documentation and college preparation — the Maine Legal Withdrawal Blueprint covers the full regulatory framework and record-keeping system that supports a strong credential portfolio at graduation.

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