The High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) is an option for people who didn't finish high school to earn a diploma and get on track for college or a career. Test takers can choose to take the exam using a computer, or with pencil and paper. The exam has five parts: Math, Science, English, Social Studies, and Writing. HiSET is an alternative to the GED.
HiSET FAQs What is the HiSET? The HiSET (otherwise known as the ETS High School Equivalency Test) is a standardized test released in the year 2014. It was created by the ITP (Iowa Testing Programs) and ETS (Educational Testing Service). The HiSET originally started as a response to the GED. The HiSET was created alongside another test, the TASC, as a substitute for the GED. Like the GED, the HiSET is meant to help people who failed to graduate from high school and would like to earn their diploma. What are the benefits to Taking the HiSET? There are some benefits to taking the HiSET as opposed to other similar exams like the GED: More Flexible. The HiSET exam is offered in English or Spanish and can be taken on a computer at home with live online proctoring or in a physical testing facility. There is also a paper-based option available for people who require accommodations. For test takers with special needs related to their health or disabilities, the program provides additional accommodations. More Accessible. You may take the HiSET examination at any of your state’s or jurisdiction’s existing test centers or at home via the Internet. Test takers are free to select the testing method that best suits their needs. More Affordable. The HiSET costs less than other tests, and you can take it twice within a year of when you bought the first sub-test.
Eligibility Each state has their own specific rules and requirements, so check with your state for details. Regardless of which state you take the exam in, only individuals who are at least 16 years old are eligible to take the HiSET exam, and you must have a state-approved adult education program enrollment and test authorization. These are the U.S. states and jurisdictions that currently offer the HiSET: California Coloradio Georgia Hawaii Illinois Indiana Iowa Louisiana Maine Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico North Carolina Ohio Oklahoma Pennsylvania Tennessee West Virginia Wyoming American Samoa Marshall Islands Northern Mariana Islands Palau What’s on the HiSET? The test contains a total of 285 multiple-choice questions and one essay question. These questions are split into five sections, and you must pass all five sections to pass the HiSET. You don’t have to take each section of the test all at once or in any particular order. 1. Language Arts – Reading (50 questions) This section measures your ability to understand, comprehend, interpret, and analyze a variety of reading material. The questions in this section are split into two categories: Literary Texts (40%) Informational Texts (60%) You will be given 65 minutes to finish the English version of this section, or you will be given 80 minutes to finish the Spanish version. 2. Language Arts – Writing (61 questions) This section measures your ability to edit and revise written text and to generate and organize ideas in writing. The questions in this section are all multiple-choice with the exception of one essay question. The multiple-choice questions are split into three categories: Organization of Ideas (22%) Language Facility (43%) Writing Conventions (35%) The essay question will cover the same categories as the multiple-choice questions and will also assess your ability to develop a central position or claim. You will be given 2 hours to finish this section. 3. Mathematics (55 questions) This section assesses your ability to solve quantitative problems using fundamental concepts and reasoning skills. The questions in this section are split into four categories: Numbers and Operations (19%) Measurement/Geometry (18%) Data Analysis, Probability, and Statistics (18%) Algebraic Concepts (45%) You will be given 1.5 hours to finish this section. 4. Science (60 questions) This section measures your ability to use science content knowledge, apply principles of scientific inquiry, and interpret and evaluate scientific information. The questions in this section are split into three categories: Life Science (49%) Physical Science (28%) Earth Science (23%) You will be given 80 minutes to finish this section. 5. Social Studies (60 questions) This section measures your ability to analyze and evaluate various kinds of social studies information. The questions in this section are split into four categories: History (35%) Civics/Government (35%) Economics (20%) Geography (10%) You will be given 70 minutes to finish this section.
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