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Illinois HiSET® Requirements

The following policies apply to anyone taking the HiSET® exam in Illinois. When you schedule an appointment, you will need to confirm that you have read and understand these policies.

See the Illinois Community College Board website  for more information.

Eligibility Requirements

To take the HiSET exam in Illinois, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Age: You must be 17 years of age or older and not required to be enrolled in high school under Illinois state law in order to take the HiSET exam in Illinois. If you are under 18 years of age, you must also meet the following requirements:
    • 17 years old — you must present proof of withdrawal from the last school enrolled in before taking the HiSET exam. If homeschooled, you must provide a signed letter from the person responsible for your homeschooling (e.g., parent, guardian, instructor, etc.) stating that you are no longer in the program and are not currently enrolled in any other secondary school. You can find the complete withdrawal documentation requirements on the Illinois Community College Board website. Email your proof of withdrawal to [email protected] or fax it to 1-217-558-6700. When you submit your documentation, you must also provide your PSI Identification Number so that the age-related hold can be removed from your HiSET account. Your PSI ID was provided to you by email when you created your HiSET account.
    • 16 years old — you may register for the HiSET exam only if you are currently enrolled in the Illinois National Guard’s Lincoln’s Challenge Program or a qualified Alternative Learning Opportunity Program through your Regional Office of Education
  • Residency:
    • You must be a resident of Illinois for 30 days or more prior to taking the HiSET exam. You will be required to show proof of residency at the testing center prior to taking your exam. On the day of your test, if you do not bring valid proof of residency, you will not be allowed to test. Individuals not allowed to test for this reason are considered no-shows to the exam and are not eligible for a refund of fees
  • Test Preparation or Instruction: Illinois does not require you to prepare for the HiSET exam in an adult education classroom, but it is recommended. Find an Adult Education Program near you.
  • Practice Test: Illinois does not require you to take a practice test before testing.
  • Constitution Test: In Illinois, prior to receiving a high school equivalency certificate, you are required to pass an approved high school-level U.S. Constitution, Illinois Constitution and Flag Test. You may take this exam before or after you take your HiSET exam. To learn more about this requirement, please visit the Illinois Community College Board website. To schedule a testing time, contact your local Regional Office of Education.
  • Identification: You must provide a valid government-issued photo ID. The identification must display your full name (matching the name used for exam registration), address, date of birth, signature and photograph. On the day of your test, if you do not bring a valid government-issued ID, you will not be allowed to test. Individuals not allowed to test for this reason are considered no-shows to the exam, and are not eligible for a refund of fees. Acceptable forms of photo ID include:
    • valid driver’s license
    • valid State ID
    • valid passport
    • military ID
    • any other form of government-issued ID (national or foreign), including Matricula Consular

However, if your primary photo ID does not have a current Illinois address, you must also provide proof of Illinois residency. The following documents are acceptable as additional documentation to prove Illinois residency if they are 1) in your name and 2) dated at least 30 days prior to the test date.

  • wage and tax statements (IRS Form W2)
  • Illinois auto registration card
  • Illinois Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL)
  • bank statement
  • canceled check
  • deed/title, mortgage, rental/lease agreement
  • insurance policy (homeowner’s or renter’s)
  • official mail received from a state, county, city or federal government agency such as:
    • Homestead Exemption receipt
    • jury duty notice
    • Selective Service card
    • Social Security annual statement
    • Social Security disability insurance statement
    • voter registration card
  • pay stub or electronic deposit receipt
  • pension or retirement statement
  • utility bill (electric, water, refuse, telephone land/cell, cable or gas)
  • statement of benefits from the Illinois Department of Employment Security or the Social Security Administration
  • Illinois property tax bill

If you do not bring the appropriate documentation, you will not be allowed to test. If you cannot test for this reason, you are considered a no-show, and you won’t be eligible for a refund.

Illinois HiSET Testing Fees

Paper-based Test

Perfect for test takers who love the scratch of pencil on paper and the feeling they’re in high school all over again.

$ 15 .00

per subtest, plus test administration fee
(see below)

  • You will receive two retakes per subtest; however you must pay the test center fee each time.*
  • Paper-based tests may only be taken at a designated test center and are not available for Test at Home.

Computer-based Test

Ideal for test takers who are more comfortable clicking a mouse. Plus, it costs less.

$ 10 .75

per subtest, plus test administration fee
(see below)

Test Administration Fees

Test Center Fee:

$ 8 .00

per subtest

Test at Home Fee:

$ 8 .00

per subtest

State Admin Fee:

$ 0 .00

per subtest

* A test center administration fee is required for each re-test. Test center administration fees by modality are outlined above.

*Test takers can receive up to $20 off each subject by entering the promo code ILSAVE20 when you schedule and pay for your HiSET subtests. When scheduling enter the promotional code, ILSAVE20 on the payment screen within the voucher field.