Why the HiSET® Exam?
Making a difference
The HiSET® exam is offered to millions across the country. With its exceptional customer service and program support, the HiSET program is making a powerful difference in adult education by offering:
- A choice of paper or computer-delivered formats that lets candidates work in their optimal test environment
- A secure, web-based reporting portal to provide quick test results and other actionable data
- A Spanish-language version of the exam for Spanish-speaking test takers
- A cost-effective option for test takers to earn their high school equivalency
Aligned with current standards
The HiSET exam was created with input from states, educators and testing centers. These stakeholders ensured that the HiSET exam was consistent with current high school curricula and aligned to the most recent College and Career Readiness Standards for adults.
What’s on the exam?
The HiSET® exam measures proficiency in five core subject areas:
- Language Arts – Reading
- Language Arts – Writing
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
Language Arts – Reading
Multiple choice section that tests the application of concepts, analysis, synthesis and evaluation involving literary texts, and informational texts.
Test takers must draw conclusions, deduce meanings, infer relationships, make predictions, determine the main idea or theme, identify major points and make generalizations.
Time: 65 minutes (English) or 80 minutes (Spanish)
Language Arts – Writing
Multiple choice and essay section that measures proficiency in writing, as well as the analysis, synthesis and evaluation of the development of a central position or claim, organization, language facility, and conventions.
Test takers must recognize correct and effective use of standard English in written materials and are asked to make revisions. The essay question measures proficiency in the generation and organization of ideas through evidence-based writing, and are evaluated on the test taker’s ability to develop positions or claims supported by evidence.
Time: 120 minutes
Mathematics
Multiple choice section that tests on the application of concepts, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of numbers and operations on numbers, measurement and geometry, data analysis and statistics, and algebraic concepts with the use of stimulus-based materials and discrete items.
Test takers must demonstrate understanding of mathematical concepts and procedures, make inferences or predictions based on information, interpret data from a variety of sources, reason quantitatively, and evaluate reasonableness of solutions.
Time: 90 minutes
Science
Multiple choice section that tests on the application of concepts, analysis, synthesis and evaluation of science as inquiry, physical science, life science, and earth science with the use of stimulus materials, research studies, graphs, tables, and charts.
Test takers must demonstrate their ability to use science content knowledge, to apply principles of scientific inquiry, and to interpret and evaluate scientific information.
Time: 80 minutes
Social Studies
Multiple choice section that tests on the application of concepts, analysis, synthesis and evaluation of history, geography, economics, and civics and government through the use of primary source documents, timelines, maps, graphs, tables, and reading passages.
Test takers must demonstrate their ability to analyze and evaluate various kinds of social studies information.
Time: 70 minutes