HiSET Test Online: Best Courses and Study Options for 2026

The HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) is one of three major high school equivalency assessments in the United States, alongside the GED and TASC. If you're preparing to take the HiSET, you have more online study options than ever — and more ways to waste time on unfocused preparation that doesn't move the needle.

This guide cuts through the noise and explains what the HiSET test actually tests, which online courses are genuinely worth your time, and how to structure your preparation so you pass all five subtests efficiently.

What Is the HiSET Test?

The HiSET is a five-subtest assessment that measures the knowledge and skills equivalent to those of a high school graduate. Passing all five subtests earns you a state-issued high school equivalency (HSE) diploma, which is accepted by employers, colleges, and the military just like a traditional high school diploma.

The five HiSET subtests are:

• Language Arts – Reading
• Language Arts – Writing (includes a written essay)
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies

You don't have to take all five subtests at once. Most states allow you to take them one or two at a time, which makes it easier to prepare thoroughly for each subject before testing. This is actually a significant advantage of the HiSET over some other equivalency tests — you can focus your prep and test at your own pace.

For a full breakdown of which states currently accept the HiSET and what their specific requirements are, see the HiSET state requirements guide.

HiSET Scoring: What You Need to Pass

Each HiSET subtest is scored on a scale of 1–20. You need at least 8 out of 20 on each individual subtest to pass it. Additionally, your total score across all five subtests must be at least 45 out of 100.

The essay portion of the Writing subtest is scored separately on a scale of 1–6. You need at least a 2 out of 6 to pass the Writing subtest overall.

These scoring thresholds matter for your preparation strategy. You don't need to ace every subtest — you need to clear 8/20 on each one and 45 total. If you're strong in some subjects and weaker in others, prioritize the weak subjects enough to clear the minimum, then focus remaining prep on your stronger areas to maximize your overall total.

Best Online HiSET Prep Options

Not all prep is created equal. Here's an honest assessment of the options available for online HiSET preparation.

Official ETS Practice Tests (Free)

Educational Testing Service (ETS) develops the HiSET, and they provide free official practice tests on their website. These are the single most accurate representation of actual HiSET questions. Start here before spending money on anything else. ETS also provides free study companion documents for each subtest that outline what's tested and sample questions.

The limitation of ETS's free materials: they're not interactive and don't provide explanations for wrong answers. You'll get the questions and an answer key, but you're on your own for understanding why wrong answers are wrong.

Khan Academy (Free)

Khan Academy is genuinely excellent for HiSET math and science preparation. Their instructional videos and practice problems cover the exact content areas the HiSET tests — arithmetic, algebra, geometry, life science, physical science, earth science. It's free, self-paced, and the explanations are clear.

The gap: Khan Academy isn't designed specifically for the HiSET, so you have to know which content modules are relevant. Focusing on their "Algebra 1," "Arithmetic," "Pre-Algebra," and relevant science sections covers the bulk of what the HiSET Math and Science subtests cover.

HiSET-Specific Prep Books and Online Courses

Several test prep companies offer HiSET-specific study programs. Kaplan, Peterson's, and HiSET Academy are among the more commonly used. These programs typically offer:

• Content review organized by subtest
• Practice questions with explanations
• Full-length practice tests
• Essay scoring feedback (for Writing subtest)

Paid programs typically run $30–$100 for book-based study or $20–$50/month for online subscriptions. They're worth it if you need structured guidance and explanations for wrong answers — features the free ETS materials don't provide.

Practice Tests (The Single Most Effective Prep Strategy)

Whatever other resources you use, take practice tests. Repeatedly. Under timed conditions. Then review every question you missed and understand why. This is the highest-leverage preparation activity for any standardized test, and the HiSET is no exception. The more test-format reps you have before the real thing, the calmer and faster you'll work on test day.

For subject-specific practice that mirrors the HiSET format, start with the HiSET exam prep hub, which organizes practice by subtest and provides targeted preparation for each content area.

How Long Does It Take to Prepare for the HiSET?

There's no one-size answer — it depends entirely on your current skill level. Someone who dropped out in 11th grade and was strong academically might need 4–8 weeks of focused prep. Someone who's been out of school for 20 years with weak math foundations might need 4–6 months.

The most important first step is a diagnostic. Take a complete set of official practice tests before you start studying. Your scores will tell you which subtests need the most work, and that determines how you allocate your time.

A rough framework: if you're scoring 6/20 on a subtest, you probably need 8–12 weeks of focused work on that subject. If you're scoring 9/20 (already passing), a week or two of review may be enough to solidify the score. Don't spend equal time on every subject — front-load your weakest areas.

HiSET vs. GED: Which Should You Take?

If your state offers both the HiSET and the GED, it's a legitimate question. Here's the honest comparison:

The GED has wider national name recognition. More employers and colleges are aware of it. It's available in more states. The GED also has stronger digital prep infrastructure and is more widely offered at testing centers.

The HiSET tends to be slightly less expensive per subtest in states where it's offered. It's exclusive to certain states — if you're in Louisiana, Iowa, New Hampshire, Wyoming, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Tennessee, Maine, or Mississippi (among others), HiSET may be your primary option or the default in your area.

Both credentials are legally equivalent. An employer or college financial aid office cannot prefer one over the other — federal law requires equal treatment of all state-issued high school equivalency diplomas. Choose based on what's available in your state and what prep resources are more accessible to you. See the HiSET vs. GED comparison for a full breakdown of differences.

HiSET Writing Subtest: Essay Preparation

The essay is where many test-takers feel least prepared. You're given two passages on a topic and asked to write an argumentative essay supporting one position, using evidence from the texts.

A few things that consistently separate passing essays from failing ones:

• Clear thesis in the first paragraph. State your position directly. Don't bury it.
• Evidence from the provided texts. Don't just write from opinion. Reference specific points from the passages — even brief paraphrases demonstrate engagement with the source material.
• Counterargument acknowledgment. A strong essay acknowledges the opposing view and explains why your position is stronger. This is the single most overlooked component by test-takers.
• Conclusion that goes beyond restatement. Don't just repeat your introduction. Explain the significance or implication of your argument.

Practice writing full essays in 45 minutes. Read sample scored essays at each level (ETS provides these) to calibrate what a 4 vs. a 2 actually looks like. You need a 2 to pass — but many test-takers fail the essay by submitting something too short or too disorganized, which is entirely preventable with practice.