HiSET Practice Questions

HiSET Practice Questions

HiSET (High School Equivalency Test)Practice with free HiSET practice test questions covering all five subtests - Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Each question includes a detailed explanation so you actually understand the material, not just memorize answers.

230
Total Questions
Varies by subtest (about 7 hours total)
Time Limit
8 out of 20 on each subtest (minimum), plus essay score of 2+
Passing Score
$10-$25 per subtest (varies by state)
Registration Fee

Free Sample Questions

Here are 5 free sample questions from our full bank of 200+ HiSET practice questions. Try them out below — click "Show Answer" to reveal the correct response and explanation.

1

Read the following passage: 'The factory had been idle for years, its windows shattered and walls crumbling. Yet the town council voted to preserve the building, calling it a landmark that told the story of the community's industrial past.' Based on the passage, why did the town council want to preserve the factory?

AA) They planned to reopen the factory for manufacturing
BB) They believed the building had historical significance to the community
CC) They wanted to use the building as a new town hall
DD) They were required by state law to preserve old buildings
2

A store is offering a 20% discount on a jacket that originally costs $85. If sales tax is 6%, what is the total cost of the jacket after the discount and tax?

AA) $68.00
BB) $72.08
CC) $71.40
DD) $67.15
3

A student is studying a food web in a forest ecosystem. If the population of foxes (a secondary consumer) suddenly decreased, what would most likely happen in the short term?

AA) The population of plants would immediately decline
BB) The population of rabbits (a primary consumer) would likely increase
CC) The population of eagles (a tertiary consumer) would increase
DD) The population of decomposers would decrease
4

Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery throughout the United States?

AA) The 12th Amendment
BB) The 13th Amendment
CC) The 14th Amendment
DD) The 15th Amendment
5

Read the following sentence: 'The committee have decided that the annual fundraiser, which was held last year in the gymnasium, are going to be moved to the auditorium.' Which revision corrects the errors in this sentence?

AA) The committee has decided that the annual fundraiser, which was held last year in the gymnasium, is going to be moved to the auditorium.
BB) The committee have decided that the annual fundraiser, which was held last year in the gymnasium, is going to be moved to the auditorium.
CC) The committee has decided that the annual fundraiser, which was held last year in the gymnasium, are going to be moved to the auditorium.
DD) The committee have decided that the annual fundraisers, which was held last year in the gymnasium, are going to be moved to the auditorium.

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About the HiSET

Format & Structure

Total Questions
230
Time Limit
Varies by subtest (about 7 hours total)
Format
Multiple choice (4 subtests) + Essay (Writing)

Scoring & Cost

Passing Score
8 out of 20 on each subtest (minimum), plus essay score of 2+
Registration Fee
$10-$25 per subtest (varies by state)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HiSET exam?

The HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) is a standardized assessment that lets adults earn a high school equivalency credential. It's developed by ETS and accepted in many states as an alternative to the GED. The HiSET covers five subject areas: Language Arts - Reading, Language Arts - Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.

How many questions are on the HiSET?

The HiSET has approximately 230 questions spread across its five subtests. Language Arts - Reading has about 40 questions, Math has 50, Science has 50, Social Studies has 50, and Language Arts - Writing has 40 multiple-choice questions plus an essay prompt. You don't have to take all subtests on the same day, which is honestly one of the nicer things about the HiSET format.

What score do I need to pass the HiSET?

You need to score at least 8 out of 20 on each of the five subtests to pass. For the Writing subtest, you also need an essay score of at least 2 out of 6. Some states set higher minimum scores, so it's worth checking your state's specific requirements. Your scores are scaled, meaning the raw number of correct answers gets converted to the 1-20 scale.

How much does the HiSET cost?

The cost varies by state, but each subtest typically runs between $10 and $25. Since there are five subtests, you could spend anywhere from $50 to $125 for the full battery. Some states and testing centers offer fee waivers or reduced pricing for eligible candidates, so definitely ask about that before you register.

Is the HiSET easier than the GED?

Many test-takers find the HiSET somewhat easier than the GED, though it really depends on your strengths. The HiSET uses mostly multiple-choice questions with four answer options, while the GED includes drag-and-drop, fill-in-the-blank, and other technology-enhanced question types. The HiSET also lets you take subtests one at a time, which can make studying more manageable. That said, both credentials are equally valid - neither is 'better' than the other.

How should I study for the HiSET?

Start with a practice test to figure out which subtests need the most work - there's no point spending hours on a subject you're already strong in. Focus on one or two subtests at a time rather than trying to study everything at once. For Math, brush up on algebra, fractions, and word problems. For Reading and Writing, practice identifying main ideas and reviewing grammar rules. Give yourself at least 4-6 weeks of consistent study time before your first subtest.

Can I take the HiSET online?

Yes, in many states you can take the HiSET online from home through ETS's remote proctoring option. You'll need a computer with a webcam, a stable internet connection, and a quiet private room. Not all states offer the online option though, so check with your local testing center or visit the ETS website to see what's available in your area. Some people prefer the in-person experience because they find it less stressful than worrying about tech issues at home.

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