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North Carolina HiSET® Requirements

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

See the North Carolina Community Colleges Adult Secondary Education page for more information.

North Carolina Eligibility Requirements

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

  • Residency: You do not have to be a resident of North Carolina to take the HiSET exam.
  • Test Preparation or Instruction: Test preparation or instruction is encouraged but not mandatory.
  • Practice Test: You are not required to take a practice test before taking the official exam.
  • Identification: You must present a valid photo ID on your test day when you arrive at the test center. Outdated or expired identification is not accepted.  If your license has expired, North Carolina does not accept it as a valid form of ID even when accompanied by the Department of Motor Vehicles renewal certificate. Acceptable forms of identification include:
    • driver’s license
    • passport
    • military ID
    • other form of government-issued (national or foreign) ID that shows name, address, date of birth, signature and photograph

North Carolina 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)

  • Includes two (2) re-tests per subtest *
  • 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:

$ 0 .00

per subtest

Test at Home Fee:

$ 17 .50

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.