HiSET exam
The HiSET is a five-subtest high school equivalency exam offered by the states and territories that choose it. Pass with 8 of 20 on each subtest, 45 of 100 overall and 2 of 6 on the essay.
Subtests5
Pass45/1008 of 20 on each subtest
Essay2 of 6Minimum
FeesBy state
Made by PSI Services. Who: Adults without a high school diploma (rules set by each state). Checked on the owner's own pages, 21 Oct 2026.
Who takes it
- Each state or jurisdiction sets its own rules: some have a minimum age, residency, a prep course or an official practice test first; fees and retest rules vary.
HiSET
HiSET state requirements (states and territories that offer it)PSI Services (HiSET)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- HiSET jurisdictions listed: American Samoa, California (and California Proficiency), Colorado, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Marshall Islands, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Palau, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia, Wyoming.
HiSET
HiSET state requirements (states and territories that offer it)PSI Services (HiSET)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Format and sections
| Subtest | Time | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 90 min | Multiple choice; calculator allowed |
| Science | 80 min | Multiple choice |
| Social Studies | 70 min | Multiple choice |
| Language Arts – Reading | 65 min (80 in Spanish) | Multiple choice |
| Language Arts – Writing | 120 min | Multiple choice and one essay |
Source: HiSET
About the HiSET (five subtests, times, formats)PSI Services (HiSET)
View source
Scoring
- Pass each subtest with at least 8 out of 20, the battery with at least 45 out of 100, and the essay with at least 2 out of 6.
HiSET
HiSET: get your scores and credentials (passing rules)PSI Services (HiSET)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- College and career readiness: 15 of 20 on a subtest and at least 4 on the essay.
HiSET
HiSET: get your scores and credentials (passing rules)PSI Services (HiSET)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Scores post in about three business days (five for Writing).
HiSET
HiSET: get your scores and credentials (passing rules)PSI Services (HiSET)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Fees and fee waivers
- Fees are set by each state; see your state's requirements page.
HiSET
HiSET state requirements (states and territories that offer it)PSI Services (HiSET)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Test dates
- No national dates: you schedule each subtest yourself after reading your state's requirements page.
HiSET
HiSET state requirements (states and territories that offer it)PSI Services (HiSET)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Free official practice
- Free practice tests in English and Spanish for all five subtests (half the length of a real subtest, with answer keys), free computer-based practice tests (English, 30–45 minutes), paid practice tests, and official practice tests through adult education programs (some states require one).
HiSET
HiSET Practice Tests (free, paid, official, computer-based)PSI Services (HiSET)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Used by these careers and colleges
Careers on this site where BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry. A GED or HiSET credential counts as the equivalent.
Careers (20)
Show the 20 careers
- Farmer, Rancher & Agricultural ManagerBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- PhotographerBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Insurance Sales AgentBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Real Estate AgentBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Property ManagerBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Bank TellerBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Bill & Account CollectorBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Home Health & Personal Care AideBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Pharmacy TechnicianBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Social & Human Service AssistantBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Food Service ManagerBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Chef & Head CookBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Travel AgentBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Lodging (Hotel) ManagerBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Secretary & Administrative AssistantBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Advertising Sales AgentBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Customer Service RepresentativeBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Police Officer & DetectiveBLS entry: High school diploma to a college degree, depending on the agency
- Correctional Officer & BailiffBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Transportation & Distribution ManagerBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
Next on this site
Sources
Where these facts come from
Official and primary sources only, each checked on the date shown. Rules on testing, aid, licensing and immigration change, so confirm a detail with its source before you rely on it.
- HiSET state requirements (states and territories that offer it) · PSI Services (HiSET) checked 2026-10-21
- About the HiSET (five subtests, times, formats) · PSI Services (HiSET) checked 2026-10-21
- HiSET: get your scores and credentials (passing rules) · PSI Services (HiSET) checked 2026-10-21
- HiSET Practice Tests (free, paid, official, computer-based) · PSI Services (HiSET) checked 2026-10-21