The HiSET test in 2026: five subtests, how it is scored, and a free drill for each

The HiSET is a high school equivalency exam of five subtests: Reading, Writing (with an essay), Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, 425 minutes in all. Each subtest is scored 1 to 20. To pass you need at least 8 on every subtest, at least 2 of 6 on the essay and a total of 45. States choose whether to offer it, and set the price and retake rules.

5
subtests: 425 min
of testing in all: 8 of 20
needed on each: 45
total to pass

Last checked 20 October 2026 · Facts from the HiSET program's own documents

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By the LifeScore Editorial Team · Updated 20 October 2026 · How we check facts · How this is scored

What are the five HiSET subtests?

Language Arts – Reading, Language Arts – Writing (with an essay), Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. Each has its own time limit, and you can take them separately.

The five subtests, from the HiSET Test at a Glance, with seconds a question as our arithmetic
Subtest	Questions	Time	Even pace
Language Arts – Reading	50 multiple choice	65 min	78 s
Language Arts – Writing	60 multiple choice plus an essay	120 min	120 s
Mathematics	55 multiple choice	90 min	98 s
Science	60 multiple choice	80 min	80 s
Social Studies	60 multiple choice	70 min	70 s
All five	285 plus an essay	425 min

Language Arts – Reading
65 min
Literary and informational passages, including poems, with questions on main idea, inference, word meaning, structure and the author's purpose.
Literary texts: about 40%; Informational texts: about 60%
Language Arts – Writing
120 min
Editing questions on organization, sentence structure, usage and mechanics, and a 1 to 6 scored essay in which you take a position on an issue and support it.
Organization, sentence structure, usage and mechanics: multiple choice; Essay: scored 1 to 6
Mathematics
90 min
Algebra (the largest share), numbers and operations, measurement and geometry, and data and probability. A calculator is allowed but not needed.
Algebraic concepts: about 45%; Numbers and operations: about 19%; Measurement and geometry: about 18%; Data, probability and statistics: about 18%
Science
80 min
Life, physical and earth science, read through experiments, tables and graphs as much as recalled.
Life science: about 49%; Physical science: about 28%; Earth science: about 23%
Social Studies
70 min
History, civics and government, economics and geography, often through a source, chart or map.
History: about 35%; Civics and government: about 35%; Economics: about 20%; Geography: about 10%

Can I practise one HiSET subtest at a time?

Yes. Pick a subtest below for a free 12-question drill at about its real pace, with your score, your time per question and the question that cost you most, explained.

Free HiSET Reading drill · real section pace

12
questions
15:36
time limit
Free
instant score

Math has its own guide, with the formulas that are not on the sheet and a seven-day plan: HiSET math practice test.

What are the HiSET's rules, at a glance?

Five subtests, 425 minutes, scored 1 to 20 each, with 8 on every subtest, 2 on the essay and 45 in total to pass. Price and retakes are set by your state.

The HiSET at a glance, with where each fact comes from
Subtests	Five: Reading, Writing (with an essay), Mathematics, Science and Social StudiesPublished by the ownerHiSET, "Test at a Glance" (PDF, 2025)
Time	425 minutes in all (7 hours 5 minutes): Reading 65, Writing 120, Math 90, Science 80, Social Studies 70Published by the ownerHiSET, "Test at a Glance" (PDF, 2025)
Scores	1 to 20 for each subtest; the essay is scored 1 to 6Published by the ownerHiSET, "Get your scores"
To pass	At least 8 on every subtest, at least 2 on the essay, and a total of at least 45 across the fivePublished by the ownerHiSET, "Get your scores"
College and career ready	15 or more on a subtest, and 4 or more on the essayPublished by the ownerHiSET, "Get your scores"
Calculator	Calculator-neutral: allowed on Math but the questions do not need one; a formula sheet is given, though some formulas are not on itPublished by the ownerHiSET, free practice test 8: Mathematics (PDF, with formula sheet)
Cost and retakes	Set by each state that offers the HiSETPublished by the ownerHiSET, "Test taker bulletin" (PDF)

How is the HiSET scored?

Each subtest gets a scaled score from 1 to 20 and the essay 1 to 6. You pass with at least 8 on each subtest, at least 2 on the essay and a total of 45 or more; 15 or more on a subtest is the college and career readiness range.

Five subtests at 8 each make only 40, so a pass always needs at least five extra points somewhere. In practice that means you cannot afford to be at the line everywhere: find the subtests you are strongest in and push those above 10. HiSET passing score works through examples.

Where can I take the HiSET?

Only in states and territories that offer it. Each state decides which high school equivalency tests it offers and sets its own fees, age rules and retake policies, and the list changes.

The HiSET program's state requirements page lists the current states and their rules, and your state education department will say whether it offers the HiSET, the GED or both. If you have a choice, see HiSET vs GED.

How do I prepare for the HiSET?

Take a timed practice test across all five subtests, drill the weakest daily, and use the official free practice tests on hiset.org as a final check before you book.

Start with the free HiSET-style practice test to rank the five subtests, then use the drills above for the lowest one. Twenty to thirty minutes a day, with every miss reviewed, moves a subtest faster than occasional long sessions.

The HiSET Pass Pack adds 7 more full tests and 20 subtest drills, with an explanation for every miss.

Frequently asked questions

What is the HiSET?

A high school equivalency test, an alternative to the GED. Passing it earns your state's high school equivalency credential.

Which states offer the HiSET?

Each state decides which high school equivalency tests it offers, and the list changes. The HiSET program's state requirements page lists the current states and their rules.

Can I take the HiSET subtests separately?

Yes. You can take the subtests one at a time, in any order, and many states let you retake a subtest you did not pass.

Is the HiSET multiple choice?

Yes, except for the essay in the Writing subtest. It is offered on computer and, in many places, on paper.

How long is the HiSET?

425 minutes, or 7 hours 5 minutes, across the five subtests: Reading 65, Writing 120, Math 90, Science 80 and Social Studies 70.

Know every subtest clears 8 before you book

8 full tests and 20 subtest drills, in one payment with no subscription.

The HiSET Pass Pack gives you 8 full mocks on the real clock, 20 drills of 12 questions for the sections that cost you points, and a predictor that turns your mocks into the odds of reaching your target. One payment, no subscription, and your free score stays free.

Prep courses for these tests usually cost $19 to $129. The HiSET Pass Pack is US$39 (£29), once.

See the HiSET Pass Pack How our questions are built and checked

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topic drills: 1
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