HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) Mock Test
Official high school equivalency credential for adult learners and secondary certification in the USA.
About the HiSET exam
Overview of the HiSET Exam
The High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) is an alternative testing pathway offered across numerous states in the United States, providing individuals who did not complete standard secondary schooling the opportunity to demonstrate equivalent academic competencies. Administered by PSI Services LLC in partnership with state departments of education, the HiSET allows candidates to earn an official, state-issued high school equivalency diploma or certificate. Recognized by postsecondary academic institutions, vocational trade academies, civil service boards, and corporate employers nationwide, the credential unlocks pathways toward college admissions, military enlistment, and skilled career advancement.
The complete battery consists of five discrete academic subtests: Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts – Reading, and Language Arts – Writing. Candidates can take individual subtests separately or sit for multiple components in scheduled sessions, available via computer-based testing at test centers, paper-based testing where authorized by jurisdiction, or remote proctoring online.
Exam Structure and Syllabus Breakdown
The HiSET comprehensive framework mirrors academic standards expected of graduating American high school seniors. Each subtest evaluates foundational literacy, quantitative reasoning, analytical thinking, and practical problem-solving:
1. Mathematics
The quantitative portion assesses foundational mathematics across core domains:
- Numbers and Operations: Fractions, decimals, ratios, percentages, exponents, scientific notation, and estimation.
- Algebra: Simplifying expressions, solving linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, coordinate graphing, and systems of equations.
- Geometry and Measurement: Perimeter, area, surface area, volume, Pythagorean theorem, angle relationships, and geometric transformations.
- Data Analysis and Probability: Interpreting charts, graphs, central tendencies (mean, median, mode), and basic theoretical/empirical probability.
2. Science
Focusing on scientific inquiry and the interpretation of investigative data, this section covers:
- Life Science: Cellular biology, human physiology, natural selection, genetics, and ecosystem interactions.
- Physical Science: Newtonian mechanics, conservation of energy, states of matter, basic chemical reactions, and electromagnetic phenomena.
- Earth and Space Science: Plate tectonics, meteorological patterns, geological timelines, and solar system dynamics.
3. Social Studies
This component challenges candidates to evaluate primary sources, historical context, and socioeconomic frameworks:
- Civics and Government: The U.S. Constitution, federal and state legislative branches, civil rights, and legal rights and responsibilities.
- History: Major eras in United States history (Colonial, Revolutionary, Civil War, Industrial Revolution, World Wars, Civil Rights Era) and foundational World History landmarks.
- Economics and Geography: Supply and demand, monetary policy, global trade, geographical resources, and human migration patterns.
4. Language Arts – Reading
Evaluates comprehension across both literary texts (memoirs, poetry, drama, fiction) and informational texts (editorials, workplace documents, expository articles). Examinees demonstrate their ability to deduce theme, tone, central arguments, vocabulary in context, and rhetorical techniques.
5. Language Arts – Writing
Divided into two distinct parts:
- Part 1 (Multiple-Choice): Editing, structural revision, usage conventions, grammatical mechanics, punctuation, and sentence economy.
- Part 2 (Essay): Evidence-based persuasive writing requiring candidates to synthesize paired source passages, construct a balanced thesis, and defend an argument under timed conditions.
Scoring Criteria and Passing Standards
The HiSET utilizes a scaled scoring system to ensure performance comparability across various test forms:
- Scaled Score per Subtest: Each of the 5 subtests is scored on a scale ranging from 1 to 20.
- Minimum Subtest Threshold: Examinees must score at least 8 out of 20 on each individual subtest.
- Composite Score Requirement: Candidates must achieve an aggregate total score of at least 45 across all 5 subtests.
- Writing Essay Requirement: In the Language Arts – Writing subtest, the essay portion is evaluated on a 1-to-6 holistic rubric; examinees must earn a minimum score of 2 out of 6 on the essay in addition to achieving the overall subtest scaled score.
- College and Career Readiness (CCR) Benchmark: Achieving a scaled score of 15 or higher on any individual subtest demonstrates academic readiness comparable to college-level introductory coursework, frequently qualifying candidates for placement exam exemptions at community colleges.
Registration, Rules, and Examination Day Policies
- Candidates must verify their state-specific residency, minimum age, and preparation program requirements before booking.
- Official government-issued photo identification (such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport) is mandatory on test day.
- All personal belongings, including cell phones, smartwatches, recording devices, notes, and backpacks, must be stored in secure lockers outside the testing station.
- For designated mathematics sections, an on-screen scientific calculator (or handheld scientific calculator compliant with PSI guidelines) and digital or physical scratch paper are provided.
- Retake policies vary by jurisdiction; typically, candidates may sit for a subtest up to three times within a calendar year.
Practical Preparation Tips for HiSET Success
- Target Core Weaknesses with Timed Practice: Take diagnostic assessments across all subjects to pinpoint gaps in algebra, writing structure, or scientific reading.
- Master Evidence-Based Essay Construction: Practice reading opposing viewpoint essays and outlining structured thesis-driven responses within 45 minutes.
- Familiarize Yourself with the Scientific Calculator: Become proficient in entering exponents, square roots, and fractions to maximize speed during the quantitative test.
- Read Complex Expository Non-Fiction: Strengthen comprehension speed by reading historical documents, scientific journal summaries, and analytical essays daily.
Test rules
- Candidates must present an unexpired, government-issued photo ID bearing their legal name and signature on exam day.
- No external study guides, personal notebooks, scratch paper, or reference sheets are permitted inside the examination room.
- Mobile phones, wearable tech, and unauthorized electronic devices must be powered off and locked away prior to entering the testing lab.
- Only test-center provided or approved on-screen scientific calculators may be used during the designated calculator math section.
- Examinees who leave the testing room during an unscheduled break are not granted additional time, and access to personal belongings during breaks is strictly prohibited.
- Candidates caught collaborating, copying, or engaging in dishonest conduct will have their test voided and may face testing bans according to state board regulations.
Score grading
Each of the five subtests is scored on a scale from 1 to 20. To pass, test-takers must achieve at least 8 out of 20 on every subtest, attain an overall cumulative score of at least 45 out of 100, and earn at least 2 out of 6 on the Language Arts – Writing essay. A score of 15+ designates College and Career Readiness.
Syllabus & chapters covered
FAQs
Both the HiSET and GED are recognized credentials certifying high school equivalency. The HiSET consists of five separate subtests (separating reading and writing into distinct units) and is offered in both computer-based and paper formats depending on state policy, whereas the GED consists of four subjects.
Yes. Candidates are not required to take all five subtests in a single sitting. You can schedule, study for, and pass individual subtests at your own pace.
To pass, you must earn at least an 8 out of 20 on each of the five subtests, achieve a combined scaled score of at least 45 out of 100, and score at least a 2 out of 6 on the essay.
Yes, a standard 4-function or scientific calculator is permitted on designated sections of the Mathematics subtest. For computer-based tests, an on-screen calculator is provided.
Yes. An equivalency diploma earned through the HiSET holds the same legal standing as a standard high school diploma or GED in participating states and is accepted by colleges, universities, branches of the military, and employers.