The Benefits of Earning a High School Diploma or GED

It’s tough to build a successful career and reach ambitious goals without a high school diploma or GED. If you’re one of the nearly 40 million Americans who never graduated from high school, you owe it to yourself to explore your many options for earning your high school equivalency (HSE) diploma. You’ll find it much easier to get good jobs and win promotions once you have this important credential.

There are several options for earning your HSE diploma. The GED test, HiSET exam, and TASC test are all valid ways to meet the goal. These tests are four or five-part exams that cover reading, writing, science, social studies, and math. They measure basic skills and your ability to apply them. There are quite a few good ways to prepare for these exams, including a variety of online classes. You can also find free online practice tests that allow you to prepare with certain topics and question types in mind.

The career benefits of having your GED or HSE diploma are tough to overstate. Research has shown that people with high school-level credentials make nearly $400,000 more over the course of their lives than those who don’t have a diploma. The key skills you gain through earning your HSE diploma will also make you a more valuable employee. Your communication and critical thinking abilities will be much sharper once you’ve completed a GED program and passed an HSE exam.

Just as importantly, earning your HSE diploma will open doors to all kinds of advanced education and training options. Most specialized training programs at trade and career schools will require a state-issued high school equivalency. Whatever you want to achieve in your professional present or future, getting your HSE diploma will help you get there.

It’s also important to note the self-esteem boost that comes along with completing a GED or HSE diploma program. Not only will you be better positioned to provide for the ones you love, you’ll serve as an inspiration for friends and family members who haven’t completed their own secondary education.

Earning your HSE diploma doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. Think about the many benefits to your career and family and start doing some research on your options. The sense of accomplishment and brighter future that will come with the HSE milestone are definitely worth your time and effort.