HiSET exam: subtests, practice tests and preparation
The HiSET exam is a high school equivalency test, run by PSI, with five subtests: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. To pass, you need at least 8 of 20 on every subtest, at least 2 of 6 on the essay and 45 points in total. You can test at a center or, where your state allows, online.
- Subtests
- Reading, Writing (with essay), Mathematics, Science, Social Studieshiset.org, checked 19 October 2026
- Questions
- Reading 50, Writing 60 + essay, Math 55, Science 60, Social Studies 60 (multiple choice)HiSET Test Taker Bulletin 2026, checked 19 October 2026
- Testing time
- Math 90, Science 80, Social Studies 70, Reading 65, Writing 120 minuteshiset.org, checked 19 October 2026
- Passing
- 8 of 20 on each subtest, 2 of 6 on the essay, 45 in totalHiSET Test Taker Bulletin 2026, checked 19 October 2026
- Delivery
- Test center (paper or computer) or online proctoredhiset.org, checked 19 October 2026
- Languages
- English or Spanishhiset.org, checked 19 October 2026
- Cost
- Varies by state and test site; example Missouri: $120 at a center, $172.50 at home for all fiveHiSET Missouri page, checked 19 October 2026
- Free retests
- Two per subtest within 12 months of purchaseHiSET Test Taker Bulletin 2026, checked 19 October 2026
Know if you're ready for HiSET — before you book.
Certsqill measures your HiSET readiness across every official exam domain — one 0–100 score built only from first-try answers and kept deliberately conservative, so a high number has to be earned. It tells you whether to book, keep studying, or sit.
Why people switch to Certsqill
Everything you need to walk in ready
Know where you stand, understand every mistake, and study in your language — one payment, no subscription.
Your HiSET Readiness Score, not a guess
One conservative number from your first-try answers across every exam domain tells you whether to book the exam or keep studying.
Understand every HiSET mistake
When you miss a question, it explains why — using your own answer history to catch the patterns you keep repeating. Included, no subscription.
Explanations in your language, questions stay exam-accurate
Get every explanation in your language while the questions stay in exam-accurate English. Technical terms stay in English — the way the exam writes them.
Everything you need to pass
Why you can trust these HiSET questions
What is the HiSET exam?
The HiSET exam is, in PSI’s words, an official way of showing that your academic skills match those of high school graduates. States that use it award a high school equivalency diploma or certificate once you pass all five subtests and meet any extra state requirements, such as a civics exam.
What is the HiSET test like in practice? Four subtests are entirely multiple choice, and Writing adds one essay. You can take the subtests in any order and at your own pace, in English or Spanish. HiSET options vary by state, so the HiSET program in your state decides details such as age, residency, fees and whether online testing is available.
Source: HiSET (PSI) — About HiSET. Checked 19 October 2026.
HiSET test subtests, questions and time
PSI publishes the number of questions and the testing time for each subtest. Taken together in one day, the full battery is 7.5 hours of testing time.
- Language Arts, Reading: 50 multiple-choice questions, 65 minutes (80 minutes in Spanish)
- Language Arts, Writing: 60 multiple-choice questions plus 1 essay, 120 minutes
- Mathematics: 55 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes
- Science: 60 multiple-choice questions, 80 minutes
- Social Studies: 60 multiple-choice questions, 70 minutes
Source: HiSET (PSI) — Test Taker Bulletin 2026. Checked 19 October 2026.
The HiSET math test
The HiSET math test has 55 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes. hiset.org says you may use a calculator for this section and publishes a math formula sheet in English and Spanish. The Test Taker Bulletin lists handheld calculators among prohibited items, so check the calculator rules for your format and test site before test day.
Source: HiSET (PSI) — About HiSET. Checked 19 October 2026.
HiSET scores and passing
Each subtest is scored from 1 to 20. HiSET scores must meet three conditions to pass: at least 8 on each subtest, at least 2 of 6 on the essay, and a total of at least 45 across all five. A score of 15 or more on a subtest shows college and career readiness in that area; for Writing that also needs at least 4 on the essay.
Multiple-choice scores usually post within three business days, Writing in about five. Your comprehensive score report keeps your highest score per subtest, and scores stay valid if you move to another state. The HiSET certificate or diploma is sent by your state once you have met its requirements.
Source: HiSET (PSI) — Get Your Scores & Credentials. Checked 19 October 2026.
Free HiSET practice tests
PSI offers a free HiSET practice test for each subtest, in English and Spanish, each half the length of an official subtest and with an answer key. That makes the hiset.org practice test the obvious first step: a free HiSET practice test with answers, from the organization that runs the exam. If you are looking for a HiSET practice test 2026 edition, start with the current forms on hiset.org; the newest free form listed is FPT9.
PSI also offers free computer-based practice tests of 30 to 45 minutes with explanations, in English only, which work as a HiSET practice test online. Paid practice tests add rationales to the answer key, and official practice tests are given through approved adult education and literacy programs; some states require passing one before you register.
Source: HiSET (PSI) — Practice Tests. Checked 19 October 2026.
HiSET practice test by subtest
Because each subtest is booked and passed on its own, HiSET practice works best one subtest at a time. Start with the free form for each, then focus on the weakest:
- Math HiSET practice test: 55 questions in 90 minutes on the real test, so practice pacing with the formula sheet
- HiSET reading practice test: 50 questions in 65 minutes
- HiSET writing practice test: 60 multiple-choice questions plus an essay scored out of 6; to see what HiSET essay topics and strong answers look like, use the official scoring guide and its scored sample essays
- HiSET science practice test: 60 questions in 80 minutes
- HiSET social studies practice test: 60 questions in 70 minutes
Source: HiSET (PSI) — Practice Tests. Checked 19 October 2026.
HiSET exam preparation: study guide, books and materials
Official HiSET study materials on hiset.org include the HiSET Study Companion for planning, the math formula sheet, sample test questions, the writing scoring guide with scored sample essays, and a readiness checklist. The official HiSET book is The Official Guide to the HiSET Exam, 2nd Edition.
A HiSET study guide is most useful when you work through it against the subtests above. For a HiSET math study guide, combine the formula sheet with timed practice; a study guide for HiSET writing should include at least one full essay scored with the official guide.
Source: HiSET (PSI) — About HiSET. Checked 19 October 2026.
HiSET classes and HiSET test prep
hiset.org points candidates to adult education programs, which prepare you for the HiSET exam for little or no cost. You can find these programs through the testing center search on hiset.org. Ask your local program whether it offers HiSET classes in person, free HiSET classes online or HiSET online classes with a schedule that fits.
Whether your HiSET training is a HiSET prep course or self-study, the goal of HiSET test prep is the same: pass every subtest with 8 or more and reach 45 in total. HiSET preparation classes through adult education can also give you access to official practice tests.
Source: HiSET (PSI) — Testing Centers. Checked 19 October 2026.
HiSET test centers, online testing and test dates
You can take the HiSET at a test center, on paper or computer, or online with a remote proctor at home or at school. Use the search on hiset.org to find HiSET test centers. For the HiSET test online you need a desktop or laptop with webcam and microphone, a smartphone, and a quiet private room; tablets and phones cannot be used for the test itself, and PSI and each state set their own eligibility rules for online testing.
There is no national calendar of HiSET test dates on the pages we checked. To schedule a HiSET test, log in to your myHiSET account and select View Available Tests; the HiSET test schedule you see depends on your test site, and remote appointments must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
Source: HiSET (PSI) — Online Proctored Tests. Checked 19 October 2026.
HiSET exam cost and retakes
There is no single national HiSET price: PSI says HiSET costs vary by state and test site. Example Missouri: $22 per paper or computer subtest and $32.50 per at-home subtest, plus a $10 state fee once every 12 months, which makes $120 for all five at a center or $172.50 at home without retakes.
Each subtest purchase includes two free retests within 12 months, and you must wait at least 24 hours after an unsuccessful attempt. Test center or remote proctor fees can still apply to a retest, as the Missouri page shows.
Source: HiSET (PSI) — Missouri state page. Checked 19 October 2026.
HiSET practice questions
Certsqill’s HiSET practice questions are expert-developed and organized by the five HiSET subtests, from Reading to Social Studies.
Every question comes with an explanation for each answer option, and your results build a readiness score per subtest, so you can see which subtest is ready to book and which needs more work. A 7-day money-back guarantee applies.
HiSET questions people ask
What is the HiSET exam?
A high school equivalency test run by PSI with five subtests: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. Source: hiset.org, checked 19 October 2026.
Where is a free HiSET practice test?
On hiset.org: free practice tests for every subtest in English and Spanish, half the length of the real subtest, with an answer key. Checked 19 October 2026.
Is there a HiSET exam free practice test online?
Yes. PSI offers free computer-based practice tests of 30 to 45 minutes with explanations, in English only. Source: hiset.org, checked 19 October 2026.
What is a sample HiSET test like?
The free forms mirror the official subtests at half length. hiset.org also publishes sample test questions in English and Spanish. Checked 19 October 2026.
What score do I need to pass the HiSET?
At least 8 of 20 on each subtest, 2 of 6 on the essay and 45 in total. Source: HiSET Test Taker Bulletin 2026, checked 19 October 2026.
Is the HiSET proficiency exam the same as a diploma?
Passing it earns a high school equivalency diploma or certificate issued by your state, once you meet any extra state requirements. Source: hiset.org, checked 19 October 2026.
Can I take the HiSET test online?
Yes, where your state allows it, with a remote proctor. You need a computer with webcam and microphone and a smartphone. Source: hiset.org, checked 19 October 2026.
How much does the HiSET cost?
It varies by state and test site. In Missouri, all five subtests cost $120 at a center or $172.50 at home, without retakes. Source: hiset.org Missouri page, checked 19 October 2026.
