About the HiSET
General information about the HiSET exam for test takers and their advocates.
Your High School Equivalency (HSE) and career roadmap
Here’s how a HSE credential earned by passing the HiSET aligns with job readiness, apprenticeships, and industry certifications, helping you reach your goals in life.
What is the HiSET?
The HiSET® exam is an official way of showing that your academic skills match those of high school graduates. What is on the HiSET exam?
Most of the HiSET exam questions are multiple-choice, single response. You will need to write one essay for the Language Arts – Writing subtest. Learn more about the different subtests in our HiSET Test at a Glance (TAAG) / HiSET Resumen informativo de la información general sobre el examen.
The HiSET exam includes five core subject areas – often referred to as a battery of subtests:
Mathematics
Time: 90 minutes
Format: Multiple choice
Content: This section measures mathematical knowledge and competencies. You may use a calculator for this section.
Science
Time: 80 minutes
Format: Multiple choice
Content: This section measures your ability to use science content knowledge, apply principles of scientific inquiry, and interpret and evaluate scientific information.
Social Studies
Time: 70 minutes
Format: Multiple choice
Content: This section measures your ability to analyze and evaluate information in history, political science, psychology, sociology, anthropology, geography and economics.
Language Arts – Reading
Time: 65 minutes (80 minutes for Spanish)
Format: Multiple choice
Content: This section measures your ability to understand, interpret and analyze a broad range of literary and informational texts.
Language Arts – Writing
Time: 120 minutes
Format: Multiple-choice and an essay prompt
Content: This section measures your ability to recognize and produce standard American English, edit and revise written text, and generate and organize ideas in writing.
Start the journey to High School Equivalency credential
What are my testing options?
HiSET options vary by state. You will need to check your state requirements for more info, but this can include the choice to take your HiSET:
- In person at a test center or at home / school with online proctored exams
- In a paper- or computer-based testing format
- In English or Spanish
What happens if I move to another state?
If you move to another state, your HiSET scores are still valid and can be seen in your HiSET account. Log into your HiSET account through your State Requirements page.
How do I find an adult education or job center?
Adult education programs and job centers can help you choose the best options for you, stay on track, and provide guidance in your journey to achieving your HSE. Find an adult education program near you.
Some workforce or job centers are connected to adult education programs that offer HSE preparation courses. These centers may also be an approved test center. You can inquire directly with these centers to see if they provide or can recommend educational services in addition to testing. Try this great resource: CareerOneStop.
Where can I find out more?
Our Test Taker Toolkit tells you everything you need to know about HiSET:
- Learn more about the rules and policies of taking the HiSET exam: HiSET Test Taker Bulletin
- Learn about the Benefits of Taking the HiSET/ Hágase cargo de su futuro con el examen HiSET
- Learn more about what is on the test: HiSET Test at a Glance (TAAG) / HiSET Resumen informativo de la información general sobre el examen
- Apply for testing accommodations: PSI HiSET Testing Accommodations and Request Form
- Create a study plan using the HiSET Study Companion
- Get familiar with the HiSET Math Formula Sheet / HiSET Hoja de fórmulas matemáticas
- See what test questions look like: HiSET Sample Test Questions / HiSET ejemplos de tipos de preguntas
- Learn more about how to write a successful HiSET essay:
- Free and low-cost practice tests and answer sheets
- Be sure to this document to determine if you are ready to take the HiSET: Are You Ready to Take the HiSET® Exam? /¿Está preparado para realizar el examen HiSET
- HiSET Score Reports
- Use the individual score report document to understand how to read a test taker’s score report: Individual Score Report
- View the comprehensive score report document to understand a test taker’s overall scores: Comprehensive Score Report