Is an equivalent the same thing as a GED?

An equivalency diploma, also known as a General Educational Development (GED) credential, is a certification that an individual has met the academic requirements of a high school diploma. The GED is a series of tests that measure academic skills in the areas of reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. Individuals who pass the GED tests are awarded an equivalency diploma, which is recognized as a high school diploma by most educational institutions, employers, and government agencies.