HiSET Exam

What Is the HiSET Exam

The HiSET exam (High School Equivalency Test) lets adults who did not finish high school earn a state-issued high school equivalency credential. Passing all five subtests shows you have the reading, writing, math, science and social studies skills of a high school graduate, and the credential is accepted by employers, colleges and training programs.

The HiSET test is offered in a number of states, sometimes as the only option and sometimes alongside the GED. Each state sets its own eligibility rules, such as minimum age, residency and fees, and some states set passing requirements above the national standard.

HiSET Practice Test vs GED Preparation

HiSET and GED preparation overlap heavily: both cover reading, writing, math, science and social studies at a high school level. The main differences are structure and scoring. HiSET has five subtests scored 1–20 with mostly multiple-choice questions, while the GED test has four subjects scored 100–200 with more varied question types.

If your state offers both, compare them in our high school equivalency test overview. Studying with a free GED practice test still helps for HiSET math and reading, but take a HiSET-specific practice test before you book.

HiSET Exam Format

The HiSET exam has five subtests with 285 multiple-choice questions and one essay in total. You can take the subtests separately, in any order, and the total testing time in English is 425 minutes.

Language Arts Reading

The Reading subtest asks you to read literary and informational texts, such as short stories, poems, essays and articles, and answer questions on comprehension, inference, interpretation and analysis. In the Spanish version, the Reading subtest lasts 80 minutes instead of 65.

Language Arts Writing

The Writing subtest has two parts. In the multiple-choice part you edit and revise passages for organization, sentence structure, usage and mechanics. In the essay part you read two short passages on an issue and write an argument for your own position, supported by evidence. The essay is scored from 1 to 6.

Mathematics (Calculator Allowed)

The Mathematics subtest covers numbers and operations, measurement and geometry, data analysis, probability and statistics, and algebraic concepts. A calculator is allowed, so most questions test whether you can set up a problem correctly. Check your test provider’s calculator policy before test day.

Science

The Science subtest covers life science, physical science, and Earth and space science. Many questions are built around graphs, tables and descriptions of experiments, so a HiSET practice test for science should train you to read data and evaluate investigations.

Social Studies

The Social Studies subtest covers history, civics and government, economics and geography. Expect primary sources, maps and charts. A HiSET practice test for social studies should mix document-based questions with core civics knowledge.

Computer-Based and Paper Formats

The HiSET is offered as a computer-based test, at a test center or online at home, and in many states also on paper at a test center. The content and scoring are the same in both formats. A HiSET computer based practice test helps you get used to reading passages on screen and moving between questions.

HiSET Scoring and Passing Requirements

Each HiSET subtest is scored from 1 to 20, and the essay is scored from 1 to 6. To pass under the national requirements you need all three of the following:

• At least 8 on each of the five subtests.
• At least 2 out of 6 on the essay.
• A total of at least 45 across all five subtests.

The total rule matters: five scores of 8 add up to only 40, so you need higher scores on some subtests. Some states set stricter requirements, so check your state’s HiSET scoring guide before you plan your retakes.

HiSET also reports a college and career readiness benchmark: a score of at least 15 out of 20 on a subtest and at least 4 out of 6 on the essay.

Registration and Fees in HiSET States

You register for the HiSET through the official HiSET website, where you create an account, choose your state and schedule each subtest at a test center or online. Fees are set by each state and can differ for computer-based, paper and at-home testing, so the price you see depends on where you live.

Missouri is one of the states that uses the HiSET as its high school equivalency exam, and searches for an MO HiSET practice test are common for that reason. Adult education centers in HiSET states often offer free classes and sometimes help with fees.

Louisiana HiSET Fees and Rules

Louisiana sets its own HiSET fees, eligibility rules and retest policy through its state adult education program. Before you register, check the current Louisiana price per subtest, the minimum age, and whether you need to complete a readiness test or adult education class first.

How to Pass the HiSET Test

The surest way to pass the HiSET test is to find your weakest subtests early, study them first and use practice tests to confirm you are ready. Because you can take subtests one at a time, a step-by-step plan works well:

1. Take a HiSET practice test in all five areas to see your starting point.
2. Book the subtest you are closest to passing first.
3. Study one or two subtests at a time, with short practice sessions most days.
4. Practise the essay at least once a week with a timer.
5. Aim for scores comfortably above 8 so you reach the 45-point total.

Plan the weeks in the study planner, count down to each test date with the exam countdown and read our guide on how to pass an exam for general strategies.

Math Practice That Overlaps With the GED

HiSET and GED math cover much of the same ground: percentages, ratios, equations, geometry formulas and reading graphs. That means HiSET GED math practice is interchangeable for building core skills. Use HiSET-style questions for timing and question format, and any high-quality GED math practice for extra repetition.

Make a deck of formulas and key terms to make flashcards online and review it daily.

Free HiSET Practice Test With Answers

Our free HiSET practice test with answers covers all five subtests with original questions. Every question includes the correct answer and an explanation, and results show your score by subtest. Use it alongside the official HiSET practice tests published by the exam provider.

Test Day Checklist: Test Center or Online at Home

You can take the HiSET test online at home in many states, or at a test center. Either way, get ready the day before:

• Bring or have ready a valid government-issued photo ID that matches your registration.
• Confirm your subtest, time and location, or the start time of your online session.
• For at-home testing, check your computer, webcam and internet connection in advance and prepare a quiet private room with a clear desk.
• Expect a proctor to check your room and watch you during an at-home test; phones and notes are not allowed.
• Check the calculator policy for the Mathematics subtest.
• Arrive early at a test center, as late arrivals may not be admitted.
• Plan your time on the Writing subtest so you leave enough for the essay.

HiSET vs GED: What Is the Difference?

The HiSET and the GED both lead to a state high school equivalency credential, but the HiSET has five subtests scored 1–20 while the GED has four subjects scored 100–200. Which one you can take depends on your state.

Read our GED test guide for the GED subjects and scoring in detail.

HiSET Exam FAQ

How Many Questions Are on the HiSET Test?

The full HiSET has 285 multiple-choice questions plus one essay across the five subtests: 50 in Reading, 60 plus the essay in Writing, 55 in Mathematics, 60 in Science and 60 in Social Studies. All five subtests together take 425 minutes in the English version.

How Hard Is the HiSET Test?

The HiSET is designed to measure the skills of a typical high school graduate, so it is challenging but very achievable with preparation. Many candidates find Mathematics and the essay the hardest parts. The scoring helps: you need only 8 out of 20 on each subtest, as long as your five scores add up to at least 45.

How Many Times Can You Take the HiSET Test?

You can retake any HiSET subtest you do not pass, and you only retake the subtests you need. Retest limits, waiting periods and whether retests are included in your fee are set by each state, so check the rules for your state on hiset.org before you register.

Can You Take the HiSET Test Online?

Yes, in many states you can take the HiSET online at home with a remote proctor watching through your webcam. Availability depends on your state, and you need a suitable computer, a reliable internet connection and a quiet private room. You can also test at an approved test center.

What Is a HiSET Practice Test?

A HiSET practice test is a set of questions in the style of the real subtests that shows how ready you are. The official HiSET practice tests are published by the exam provider, and free online practice tests like ours let you practise often, see a score by subtest and read an explanation for each answer.

How Many Questions Are on the HiSET Math Test?

The HiSET Mathematics subtest has 55 multiple-choice questions and a time limit of 90 minutes. It covers numbers and operations, measurement and geometry, data analysis and probability, and algebraic concepts. A calculator is allowed, so the focus is on reasoning through word problems rather than long hand calculations.