What Is the HiSET?
The HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) is a high school equivalency exam originally developed by Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization behind the GRE and TOEFL. Since 2022 the HiSET program has been run by PSI Services, which ETS acquired in 2024. Passing the HiSET earns you a state-issued high school equivalency diploma that is recognized by employers and colleges across the United States.
The HiSET was introduced in 2014 as an affordable, accessible alternative to the GED. It covers five subject areas — Language Arts Reading, Language Arts Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies — and is available in both computer-based and paper-based formats.
One of the HiSET's key advantages is its availability in English and Spanish, making it accessible to a wider range of test-takers. Fees are set by each state. In California, for example, each subtest costs $34 at a test center (your first subtest also carries a one-time $20 state fee), and $43 when taken online at home.
The Five HiSET Subject Tests
The HiSET is divided into five independently scored subtests. You must pass each one to earn your high school equivalency diploma.
Language Arts — Reading
Time: 65 minutes
Questions: 50 multiple choice
Tests your ability to comprehend, interpret, and analyze a variety of literary and informational texts. Passages include fiction, poetry, drama, memoirs, essays, editorials, and workplace documents. Questions focus on comprehension, inference, analysis, and synthesis.
Language Arts — Writing
Time: 120 minutes (multiple choice + essay)
Questions: 60 multiple choice + 1 essay
Part 1 tests grammar, usage, sentence structure, organization, and mechanics through multiple-choice questions. Part 2 requires you to write a well-organized essay in response to two passages presenting different viewpoints. The essay is scored on a scale of 1 to 6, and you must score at least a 2 to pass the Writing subtest.
Mathematics
Time: 90 minutes
Questions: 55 multiple choice
Covers numbers and operations, measurement and geometry, data analysis, probability and statistics, and algebraic concepts. A calculator is allowed on the math test, and the questions are multiple choice. Algebra is the biggest challenge for many students.
Science
Time: 80 minutes
Questions: 60 multiple choice
Assesses knowledge in life science, physical science, and earth science, along with the principles of scientific inquiry. Questions are based on passages, diagrams, graphs, and experimental data. You must demonstrate the ability to interpret scientific information, understand experimental design, evaluate hypotheses, and apply scientific reasoning to real-world scenarios.
Social Studies
Time: 70 minutes
Questions: 60 multiple choice
Covers history, civics and government, economics, and geography, plus topics from psychology, sociology, and anthropology. Questions are based on primary and secondary sources, including historical documents, maps, political cartoons, charts, and informational passages. You must analyze information, draw conclusions, and evaluate arguments.
How Is the HiSET Scored?
The HiSET uses a straightforward scoring system. Understanding the requirements will help you plan your preparation and know exactly what you need to achieve.
Score Scale & Passing Requirements
Each of the five HiSET subtests is scored on a scale of 1 to 20. To pass the HiSET, you must meet two requirements simultaneously:
- Individual subtest minimum: Score at least 8 out of 20 on each of the five subtests
- Combined total minimum: Achieve a combined total of at least 45 out of 100 across all five subtests
This dual requirement means that even if you score 8 on every subtest (totaling 40), you would not pass because the combined total falls below 45. You would need to score higher on at least one subtest to push your total over the threshold.
For example, scoring 8, 8, 9, 10, and 10 gives a total of 45, which meets both the per-subtest minimum and the total minimum. Scoring 7, 10, 10, 10, and 10 gives a total of 47, but you still fail because one subtest is below 8.
Essay Scoring
The Language Arts Writing essay is scored separately on a scale of 1 to 6 by trained human raters. You must earn at least a 2 out of 6 on the essay to pass the Writing subtest overall. A score of 1 means automatic failure of the entire Writing subtest regardless of your multiple-choice score.
The essay is evaluated on these criteria:
- Development of a central idea with supporting evidence and reasoning
- Organization with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion
- Language facility including sentence variety and appropriate word choice
- Writing conventions including grammar, spelling, and punctuation
The essay prompt presents two passages with opposing viewpoints. You must take a position and support it with evidence from both passages and your own reasoning. Dr. Donnelly provides targeted essay coaching to help you develop a reliable essay-writing framework.
Computer-Based vs. Paper-Based HiSET
Computer-Based Testing (CBT)
The computer-based HiSET is delivered on PSI's testing platform at authorized test centers, and in many states you can also take it online at home with a live remote proctor. The interface is clean and intuitive — you select answers by clicking, navigate between questions freely, and can flag questions for review. An on-screen calculator is provided for the Math subtest.
You can view your scores online through your HiSET account at hiset.org. Essay scores take longer than multiple-choice scores, so check hiset.org for current score-reporting times.
Paper-Based Testing (PBT)
The HiSET remains available in paper-and-pencil format in many states and testing locations. This option is particularly valuable for test-takers who prefer working with physical materials or who have limited experience with computers.
The paper-based version covers identical content with the same time limits. A physical calculator is provided for the Math subtest. Paper-based scores take longer to process than computer-based scores.
Which States Use the HiSET?
The HiSET is accepted as a high school equivalency pathway in many states across the country. In most of these states it is offered alongside the GED; Iowa and Maine do not offer the GED, so the HiSET is the only option there.
- California
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Source: hiset.org state requirements list (October 2026), which also includes several U.S. territories. State offerings change, so check hiset.org or your state's education department before you register.
HiSET vs. GED: Key Differences
Proven HiSET Preparation Strategies
1. Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with the free HiSET practice tests available at hiset.org. These mirror the actual exam format and will reveal your baseline scores in each subject, allowing you to allocate study time where it matters most.
2. Focus on Algebra
Algebraic concepts are a major part of the HiSET Math subtest. If math is not your strongest subject, invest significant time mastering linear equations, inequalities, functions, and graphing. These topics have the highest payoff in terms of score improvement.
3. Practice the Essay
Write practice essays under timed conditions (45 minutes). Use a clear structure: state your position, support it with evidence from both passages, address the counterargument, and conclude. Even a modest essay score of 3 or 4 can boost your overall Writing subtest result.
4. Read Widely
The Reading and Social Studies subtests both demand strong comprehension skills. Read newspaper articles, magazine features, opinion pieces, and historical documents regularly. Practice summarizing what you read in one or two sentences to sharpen your comprehension.
5. Study Science Visuals
Many HiSET Science questions are based on diagrams, graphs, and data tables rather than raw knowledge. Practice interpreting scientific visuals: identify variables, read axes, spot trends, and distinguish correlation from causation.
6. Work with an Expert
Dr. Donnelly's private tutoring targets your exact weaknesses with a personalized study plan. His 20+ years of experience preparing students for high school equivalency exams means you get proven strategies, not generic advice.