What Is the HiSET?
The High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) is an official alternative to the traditional high school diploma for adults and out-of-school youth. Designed to measure high school-level academic skills, passing the HiSET certifies that a candidate possesses the knowledge equivalent to that of a high school graduate.
It is accepted by employers, colleges, and training programs across the country on identical terms as a standard diploma.
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What subjects are on the HiSET test?
The exam assesses core academic competencies divided into five separate subtests:
How Does the HiSET Work?
Each subject is taken as an independent subtest, meaning you can schedule and pass sections individually rather than all at once. The Language Arts Writing section includes both multiple-choice questions and an argumentative essay.
To pass the HiSET overall, you must meet three benchmarks: achieve a minimum scaled score of 8 out of 20 on each individual subtest, score at least 2 out of 6 on the writing essay, and reach a cumulative total score across all sections.
What is the difference between HiSET and GED?
The HiSET and GED are both high school equivalency pathways, but they differ in their test structure, subjects, scoring, and availability. Requirements also depend on where you live.
Compare with the GED guide if you are still choosing a path →
How to Pass the HiSET Test
Passing the HiSET comes down to three things: knowing the format, targeting your weak areas, and practicing under real conditions. Because each subtest is scored independently, a focused study plan per subject is far more effective than trying to cram everything at once.
Start by taking a practice test to find your baseline, then build a weekly schedule that prioritizes your lowest-scoring subjects while maintaining your strongest ones. Mastering the essay format and the calculator rules for math will also give you an edge on test day.
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Where Do I Start?
Use this structured roadmap to navigate directly to the specific information you need right now: