Overview of the HiSET
The HiSET is a five-section test with a total timing of 7 hours and 5 minutes, not including any breaks. Each section, or subtest, is scored from 1 to 20, with the total score calculated by adding these five subtest scores (5-100). Additionally, there is a single essay on the writing subtest that is scored separately, from 1 to 6. The official passing standard set by Educational Testing Service (ETS), the administrator of the HiSET, is a total score of 45, section scores of 8 each, and an essay score of 2. Some states have established higher passing scores, but no jurisdictions accept lower benchmarks than those indicated above.
HiSET Language Arts - Reading
The Language Arts – Reading subtest of the HiSET includes 40 multiple-choice questions, for which test-takers are given 65 minutes. This subtest includes both literary and informational texts, which constitute 60% and 40% of the reading material respectively. Reading passages cover multiple subject areas and are generally 400 to 600 words in length. The four core skills evaluated (which are referred to by ETS as "process categories") are comprehension; inference and interpretation; analysis; and synthesis and generalization.
HiSET Language Arts - Writing
On the Language Arts – Writing subtest of the HiSET, students must complete 50 multiple-choice questions and one essay. Total writing subtest timing is 120 minutes. ETS uses the term "content categories" to classify test questions, and for the multiple-choice section, there are three: organization of ideas (22%), language facility (43%), and writing conventions (35%). The multiple-choice questions ask test-takers to select answer options that most effectively improve the given text. The essay question is evaluated according to the student's ability to develop a central position or claim, organize ideas, demonstrate facility with language, and show knowledge of writing conventions.
HiSET Mathematics
The HiSET Mathematics subtest, 90 minutes, features 50 multiple-choice questions. Four areas of mathematics are tested: numbers and operations on numbers (about 19% of the total number of questions), measurement/geometry (18%), data analysis/probability/statistics (18%), and algebraic concepts (45%). ETS is officially neutral on the use of a calculator, and individual states decide this issue for themselves. Test-takers must memorize a small number of formulas before taking the test, such as the Pythagorean Theorem, the distance formula, and the quadratic formula. All other formulas necessary to solve test problems will be provided.
HiSET Science
The HiSET Science subtest covers several disciplines within the broad categories of life science, physical science, and earth science (such as chemistry, physics, and zoology). Test-takers are allowed 80 minutes to complete 50 multiple-choice questions. Science subtest question material includes scientific reports, charts, tables, and graphs. Students must be able to evaluate procedures, distinguish hypotheses, identify research questions, interpret information, and recognize conclusions.
HiSET Social Studies
HiSET Social Studies is a 70-minute subtest that features 50 questions, all of which are multiple choice. The questions are devoted to the social science disciplines of history (35% of the total), civics/government (35%), economics (20%), and geography (10%). The questions may concern primary source documents, maps, graphs, charts, or reading passages. To succeed on this subtest, students should be able to separate fact from opinion, evaluate the credibility of sources, assess the validity of conclusions, and understand methods and procedures.