HiSET Practice Test

Answer Some Sample Questions with Our HiSET Practice Test
If you want additional questions, take more HiSET practice exams.
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All HiSET Practice Tests

Take a HiSET practice test below. Choose which subtest you want to prepare for and start practicing. Make sure to use the answer explanations at the end of each exam.

Overview of the HiSET Exam

The HiSET is a high school equivalency exam that is similar to the GED. HiSET stands for High School Equivalency Test. This exam measures whether you have an academic level that would be the equivalent of graduating high school.

The HiSET is made up of 5 subtests:

  1. Language Arts Reading: 50 Questions. 65 Minutes.
  2. Language Arts Writing: 60 Questions and 1 Essay. 120 Minutes.
  3. Math: 55 Questions. 90 Minutes.
  4. Science: 60 Questions. 80 Minutes.
  5. Social Studies: 60 Questions. 70 Minutes.

If you want additional information, here is the official PDF.

An image showing an overview of the HiSET exam

Scoring of the HiSET

Each of the subtests (5) are scored on a scale from 1-20. To pass the HiSET, you must meet the following 3 criteria:

  1. Achieve a score of 8 or higher on each of the five subtests.
  2. Achieve a score of at least 2 out of 6 on the essay, which is located on the writing test.
  3. Achieve a total combined score of at least 45 on all five subtests.

Important Note: In your HiSET account, you will see a Comprehensive Score Report and Individual Test Reports. The Comprehensive Score Report is your official record that may be sent to schools and employers.

The Comprehensive Score Report is updated each time you take a new subtest and will only show your best score for each subtest.

If you score at least 15 out of 20 on any of the subtests, and a 4 or higher on the essay, you are considered college or career ready. This means that you scored in the 75th+ percentile.

Registering for the HiSET and Test Day

To register for the HiSET, follow these steps:

  1. See if Your State Offers the HiSET: You will need to see if your state offers the HiSET. Here is a link to do that.
  2. Create a HiSET Account: You will need to create an account on the HiSET website.
  3. Select a Test Date and Test Method: There are not specific test dates like with the ACT or SAT. You can mostly take the HiSET whenever you please. You will be able to take the exam online (proctored) or at a testing center.
  4. Schedule Your Test: Once you have finalized your test date and method, you need to schedule your exam. You can take all five subtests at once or space them out and take them different days.

The fees for the HiSET will vary depending on your state and how you choose to test. Typically, you can expect to pay $10.75 for each subtest (computer-based) or $15 for each subtest (paper-based).

Studying for the HiSET

The HiSET is an important exam, and it is important that you pass it so that you can earn your high school equivalency certificate. Here are some tips we recommend when studying for the HiSET:

  1. Take a Baseline Practice Exam: Take a baseline exam and see how you do. You may find that you are already prepared for the exam.
  2. Narrow Down Problem Areas: Try and narrow down specific subtests that you struggle with. This can help you study for the subtests that you really struggle with.
  3. Consider a Prep Course or Other External Resources: You may want to consider using an external resource or prep course to help you study. Not only will this help you learn, it will also keep you focused and determined.
  4. Process of Elimination: You can space out your subtests. Take the subtests you feel most comfortable with first. After you receive a passing score on those ones, you can forget about them and focus on the other subtests you need to take.

Benefits of Using a HiSET Practice Test

Using practice tests to prepare for your exam offers many benefits. Sample questions offer many unique benefits compared to other approaches. The advantages of using sample HiSET tests include:

  1. Becoming Comfortable with the HiSET Test Format: Every standardized test has its own unique format. As you take practice HiSET tests you will become comfortable with the format of the actual HiSET test. Once the test day arrives you will have no surprises.
  2. Focusing Your Study: As you take more and more sample tests you begin to get a feel for the topics that you know well and the areas that you are weak on. Many students waste a lot of valuable study time by reviewing material that they are good at.
  3. Improving Your Speed: The HiSET exams are all timed. Although most students who take the HiSET feel that there is sufficient time, taking the HiSET practice tests with self-imposed timers helps you budget your time effectively.
  4. Becoming a Better Problem Solver: As you practice with our sample questions, and review the provided explanations, you will increase your ability to solve problems. Solid problem-solving skills will be crucial for you to achieve a passing score on your exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are 5 subtests on the HiSET:

  1. Language Arts Reading: 50 Questions. 65 Minutes.
  2. Language Arts Writing: 60 Questions and 1 Essay. 120 Minutes.
  3. Math: 55 Questions. 90 Minutes.
  4. Science: 60 Questions. 80 Minutes.
  5. Social Studies: 60 Questions. 70 Minutes.

To pass the exam, you need to meet the following criteria:

  1. Achieve a score of 8 or higher on each of the five subtests.
  2. Achieve a score of at least 2 out of 6 on the essay, which is located on the writing test.
  3. Achieve a total combined score of at least 45 on all five subtests.

You can retake the HiSET. You will be able to take a subtest up to 3 times per calendar year.

Yes, you can use a calculator. You cannot bring your own. One will be provided for you.

Yes, the exam is offered both online and on paper. The only difference is how they are administered.

Yes, there is an online proctored version offered. You can also take the exam at a testing center.

Dave Evangelisti
Dave is our founder and CEO. He has 20+ years of experience in the testing and test prep industry.