HiSET Diploma: Complete Guide to the High School Equivalency

The HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) is one of three nationally recognised high school equivalency assessments in the United States, alongside the GED and TASC. Developed by Educational Testing Service (ETS) and launched in 2014, the HiSET provides adults who did not complete a traditional high school programme with a pathway to earn an equivalency diploma recognised by employers, colleges, and military branches throughout the country.

Earning a HiSET diploma opens access to opportunities that require a high school credential. Most entry-level positions requiring a high school diploma or equivalent will accept a HiSET, and all accredited colleges and universities in states where HiSET is recognised accept HiSET diplomas for admission purposes. Military branches including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard accept HiSET credentials under their enlisted educational qualification policies, though candidates with traditional diplomas may receive preference for certain programmes.

The HiSET consists of five separate subject-area tests that can be taken individually on different days or in combination on a single day, depending on the test-taker schedule and state policies. This modular structure is one of the most appreciated features of the HiSET — candidates who pass some subtests but not others can retake only the failed subtests rather than repeating the entire examination.

Each subtest must be passed with a minimum scaled score of 8 out of 20, and the five subtest scores combined must total at least 45. The essay component of the Language Arts Writing test must receive a minimum score of 2 out of 6.

The five subject areas tested on the HiSET cover the same core academic domains assessed in any high school curriculum. Language Arts Reading assesses the ability to read and interpret various types of prose — literary texts, informational texts, and practical documents. Language Arts Writing combines a multiple-choice grammar and usage component with a scored extended-response essay requiring the test-taker to analyse source materials and write a coherent, evidence-based argument.

Mathematics covers number operations, algebra, geometry, data analysis, and probability. Science covers life science, physical science, and earth and space science using passage-based questions that assess scientific reasoning alongside content knowledge. Social Studies covers US history, world history, civics and government, geography, and economics.

The HiSET vs GED question is frequently asked by adults pursuing a high school equivalency diploma. The most important practical difference is availability: the GED is available in all 50 states, while the HiSET is available in approximately 25 states. If you live in a state where both are available, both credentials are equally recognised by employers and colleges.

If cost is a concern, HiSET is often slightly less expensive per subtest than the GED in states where both are available. The GED uses a computer-based format exclusively, while HiSET offers both paper-based and computer-based testing, making it accessible to candidates who are less comfortable with computers.

The HiSET passing score structure differs from the GED in important ways. The GED uses a single 100-200 point scale per subject and requires at least 145 to pass. The HiSET uses a 1-20 scale per subtest with a minimum of 8 and a combined total minimum of 45 across five subtests.

This means a HiSET candidate who scores 8, 8, 8, 8, 13 (total 45) passes, while a candidate who scores 9, 9, 9, 9, 7 (total 43) fails despite strong performance on four of five subtests. Understanding this dual-requirement structure is essential for interpreting score reports and planning retakes.

HiSET testing is administered at PSI testing centres located throughout states where the programme is offered. Some states use HiSET exclusively (the GED is not available there), some offer a choice between HiSET and GED, and some have contracted with the GED programme exclusively. States that exclusively use HiSET include Maine, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Iowa, among others. Check the ETS HiSET website or your state department of education to confirm which credential is available and accepted in your state before registering.

The cost of the HiSET is partially determined by state policy and whether your state subsidises testing fees for adults who meet income requirements or who are enrolled in adult education programmes. In many states, adults enrolled in a state-funded adult education or workforce development programme may qualify for reduced-cost or free testing. The HiSET Ready assessment is a shorter, low-cost diagnostic tool that ETS offers through test centres and adult education programmes to help candidates assess their readiness before registering for the official HiSET — this is not the official credential exam but is a useful preparation tool.

Score validity and retake policies vary by state but generally follow ETS guidelines. Scores are valid for the life of the testing programme in states that recognise HiSET. Candidates who fail a subtest may retake it after a specified waiting period, typically one day after the first failure, one week after the second failure, and 60 days after three or more failures. Some states impose additional retake restrictions. Candidates should consult the HiSET testing policies for their specific state before scheduling retakes to avoid unexpected delays.

Adults who are considering both the HiSET and GED should also investigate the TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion), which was previously offered in several states. As of 2022, the TASC programme has been discontinued, and states that previously offered it have transitioned their test-takers to either HiSET or GED programmes. If you previously held a TASC credential, it remains valid — you do not need to retest. However, if you did not complete the TASC process before the programme ended, you will need to pursue your equivalency through HiSET or GED depending on your state.

Some states offer financial assistance or fee waivers for adults pursuing the HiSET through adult education and literacy programmes. Eligible participants in state-funded adult education programmes administered under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) may have testing fees fully or partially covered by programme funds. Contact your local adult education provider — typically housed at a community college, adult literacy organisation, or workforce development centre — to inquire about testing fee assistance before paying out-of-pocket. Income-qualified candidates who are not enrolled in an adult education programme may also qualify for state-administered fee waivers in certain states.

The HiSET credential does not expire once issued. A diploma earned through the HiSET programme in any year remains valid and recognised for employment, college admission, and other purposes indefinitely. Unlike professional licences or certifications that require periodic renewal, a high school equivalency diploma represents a permanent academic credential. However, some time-sensitive applications — such as military enlistment — may have their own documentation requirements or windows; always check with the specific institution or programme about their specific policies regarding equivalency credentials.

Adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, or other qualifying conditions may request testing accommodations for the HiSET through ETS. Accommodations may include extended time, a separate testing room, large-print materials, screen magnification software, or other adjustments based on documented need. Accommodation requests must be submitted before registering for the exam and require documentation from a qualified professional. Contact ETS Disability Services through the HiSET website to initiate the accommodation request process well in advance of your planned test date.

Preparing for the HiSET effectively requires understanding both what is tested and how each subtest is scored. Because each subtest score must meet a minimum of 8 and the combined total must reach 45, candidates who are strong in some subjects but weak in others need a targeted study strategy that addresses weak areas aggressively rather than simply reviewing material across the board.

Diagnostic pre-tests are the most efficient starting point for HiSET preparation. ETS offers official HiSET Free Practice Tests through the HiSET website, covering all five subject areas. Take all five practice tests before beginning structured study, and review your results to identify which subtests you are likely to pass and which require the most preparation. Candidates who score well above 8 on the practice test for a given subject can spend less time on that subject and redirect their energy to areas where they score below 10 on the practice.

The Language Arts Writing essay is a unique challenge that requires specific preparation beyond knowledge review. The essay prompt asks you to read one or more short passages and write an extended response that develops an argument using evidence from the sources. Responses are scored on a 6-point rubric assessing development of ideas, organisation, language facility, and writing conventions. Practice writing timed responses to published HiSET essay prompts and have a knowledgeable reader evaluate them against the scoring rubric. A score of 2 is the minimum required, but aiming for 3 or above provides a meaningful safety margin.

Mathematics preparation is critical because math is the subject that most frequently causes test-takers to fail the HiSET. The math subtest is divided into two parts: Part 1 does not allow a calculator, and Part 2 permits the use of a scientific calculator. Emphasis topics include algebraic equations and functions, geometric reasoning, and data interpretation — all of which require both conceptual understanding and procedural fluency.

Adults who left school before completing algebra are strongly advised to complete a structured algebra review using free resources such as Khan Academy before attempting the math subtest. Rushing the preparation phase of math because the deadline feels urgent is one of the most common mistakes made by HiSET candidates.

Science and Social Studies on the HiSET are primarily reading comprehension tests in disguise. The questions are presented alongside source materials — charts, graphs, passages, maps, and political cartoons — and the answers can almost always be derived from the materials provided rather than requiring deep prior knowledge of the subject matter.

This means that strong reading comprehension is one of the most transferable skills across the HiSET exam. Candidates who invest heavily in improving their ability to read complex passages, interpret graphs and data, and identify the main claim of an argument will see improvements across multiple subject areas simultaneously.

Official HiSET preparation resources available through ETS include free practice tests, a test-at-a-glance document for each subtest, and sample test questions with explanations. Many public libraries and adult education centres offer free access to HiSET preparation programmes including Aztec Learning Systems, Essential Education, and GED Academy (which also covers HiSET content). States with robust adult education programmes may offer free tutoring and instruction through community colleges, workforce development agencies, and literacy councils — check with your state department of education or local community college to identify free resources in your area.

Study schedules vary by individual, but most adults need 3-6 months of consistent preparation before they are ready to sit for all five HiSET subtests with confidence. Candidates who are strong readers and have retained algebra fundamentals may be ready in 2-3 months.

Adults who have been out of school for many years or who struggled with academics during school should plan for 6-12 months of preparation, particularly for the mathematics and language arts writing subtests. Setting realistic goals and building in practice test checkpoints every 4-6 weeks allows candidates to track progress and adjust study plans based on actual performance improvement.

Registration for the HiSET is completed through the PSI testing website or through your state adult education programme. You will need to create an account, verify your identity, and select your state before accessing HiSET registration. Bring valid government-issued photo identification to the testing centre — the name on your ID must match your registration exactly. Arrive 15-30 minutes before your scheduled test time. Late arrivals may be turned away and required to reschedule, forfeiting their testing fee.

After passing all five subtests and meeting all score requirements, your HiSET diploma is issued by your state rather than by ETS. The time from completing the final subtest to receiving your diploma varies by state — typically 4-8 weeks. Most states issue both a digital credential and a physical paper diploma. Contact your state department of education for specific diploma issuance procedures, verification processes for employers or colleges, and how to request official score transcripts for applications that require them.

The importance of reading comprehension in HiSET preparation extends to the science and social studies subject tests in ways that are often underestimated. Both tests present source materials — passages, diagrams, charts, graphs, maps — alongside each question, meaning that a well-prepared reader can answer many questions correctly even without specialised background knowledge in chemistry, biology, US history, or economics. Practising active reading strategies such as identifying the main claim, recognising evidence, evaluating author bias, and interpreting data visualisations directly translates into improved performance across multiple HiSET subtests simultaneously.

Vocabulary development is another high-return investment for HiSET preparation. The Language Arts Reading and Social Studies subtests in particular use elevated academic vocabulary throughout the source passages and questions. Candidates who regularly encounter unfamiliar words during practice reading should adopt a systematic approach to vocabulary building — creating flashcards, using context clue strategies, and prioritising academic word list vocabulary that appears across disciplines. A stronger vocabulary reduces the cognitive load of reading complex passages under timed conditions and contributes meaningfully to reading comprehension scores.

Request your official HiSET score transcript from ETS when applying to colleges, jobs, or programmes that require verification. Score transcripts can be ordered through the HiSET website and are delivered electronically to the requesting institution or mailed directly to you. Keep a copy of your score report for your records alongside your diploma certificate.