Is a GED the same as a high school diploma? Explain.

In the USA, a GED functions exactly the same way as a high school diploma.

A proficiency certificate also allows minors to be employed without a work permit or other restrictions.

A GED or similar is not sufficient to be accepted to university alone, but most tertiary education institutions require a diploma or equivalent. To get into any place of prestige you'll need a competitive GPA at a community college or high school, extracurriculars, good SAT/ACT, the works. Same as anyone else.

GED stands for:General Education Development

You receive a high school diploma when you finish your 4th year of high school, or when you finish your senior year. Or, get your GED (General Educational Development) if you don't finish all four years, but you pass the GED test that essentially states that you are generally "smart enough" to be done with your education. However, getting a high school diploma is usually more respected than getting a GED because of the stigma around being called a "high school drop out." So, no, a high school diploma is not the same as a GED, but both are evidence that you have completed and/or have an adequate education.