HiSET Testing Near Me: Find a Test Center & Prep Guide
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Finding HiSET Testing Near You
Looking for HiSET testing near you? It's not as straightforward as it should be — testing availability depends heavily on which state you're in, and not all states offer the HiSET. Let's sort through the details so you can find your testing location and know what to expect.
The HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) is one of three main high school equivalency exams in the US, alongside the GED and TASC. It's administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service) and accepted in roughly half of US states plus several US territories. If you're in a state that recognizes HiSET, you can use it to earn your high school equivalency diploma.
The HiSET covers five subtests: Language Arts – Reading, Language Arts – Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. You can take the subtests separately or together. You don't have to pass all five on the same day.
Which States Offer HiSET?
HiSET is available in more than 20 US states and territories. Some states that currently use HiSET include Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Tennessee, and others. The list changes — states can add or remove testing options.
Before you do anything else, check the official ETS HiSET website to confirm your state accepts HiSET and to find authorized testing locations. The site has a state-by-state list of where to test and what your specific state requires. Some states have additional requirements beyond passing the HiSET — minimum age, residency requirements, or documentation needed.
If your state doesn't offer HiSET, you'll need to consider the GED instead. The two tests cover similar content and both lead to a high school equivalency credential.
How to Find a HiSET Testing Center
ETS operates the HiSET testing center locator at hiset.ets.org. Here's how to use it:
- Go to the ETS HiSET website
- Select your state from the dropdown
- Choose in-person or online testing (if your state offers both)
- Browse available testing centers near your zip code
Testing centers include adult education centers, community colleges, libraries, and some workforce development organizations. Availability varies significantly by region — rural areas often have fewer options and longer waits for open seats.
Call ahead. Testing schedules fill up, especially for popular subtests like math. Don't assume you can walk in or schedule last-minute. In some areas, you'll need to book 2–4 weeks in advance.
Key Takeaway: HiSET certification demonstrates expertise in this field. Most candidates spend 4-8 weeks preparing with practice tests before taking the exam.
Online HiSET Testing Options
Yes — the HiSET can be taken online in many states. ETS launched online proctored testing that lets you take the HiSET from home or any computer with a reliable internet connection. This has been a game-changer for people with transportation barriers or limited access to physical testing centers.
Online testing has the same fees and the same exam content as in-person testing. You'll need a computer (not a tablet or phone), a webcam, a microphone, and a quiet private space. The remote proctor will observe your session through your webcam.
Not every state allows online HiSET testing — check your state's specific rules. Some states require in-person testing for all subtests or for the writing essay component specifically. Confirm before you register for online delivery.
HiSET Registration: Step by Step
Here's how to register for the HiSET in most states:
- Create an ETS account — Go to hiset.ets.org and create a free account. You'll use this account to register, schedule, and receive scores.
- Check your state's requirements — Age minimum (usually 17–18), residency documentation, and any waiting periods if you've tested before.
- Choose your subtests — You can register for one, some, or all five subtests at once. If you're unsure where you stand, take practice tests first.
- Select your testing site and date — Choose in-person or online. Confirm seat availability.
- Pay the fee — Fees vary by state. Some states subsidize HiSET fees for residents — check with your state adult education office.
ETS also has a fee waiver program. If you qualify (income-based eligibility), you can take the HiSET at reduced or no cost. Contact your local adult education center for details.
What to Bring to HiSET Testing
For in-person testing, you'll need:
- Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Your ETS registration confirmation
- The approved calculator (a Casio fx-260 Solar is provided by most testing centers for the math subtest — you typically can't bring your own)
Leave your phone, smart devices, and study materials at home. Testing centers enforce strict security. Arrive early — if you miss your start time, you may forfeit your registration fee.
Preparing for the HiSET
Finding a testing location is only half the challenge. The other half is showing up ready to pass.
The HiSET isn't an easy test — it measures high school-level knowledge across five subject areas. Most test-takers need several weeks to several months of focused preparation depending on their starting knowledge level. Don't book your test date before you've taken a diagnostic practice test and assessed where you stand.
The HiSET study materials guide covers the best books and free resources for each subtest. For a complete picture of what the exam looks like, the HiSET exam prep guide walks through format, scoring, and how to approach each section. And if you want to benchmark your current skills, start with the HiSET practice tests — they cover all five subtests with explanations for every answer.
Free prep resources make a real difference. The guide to passing the HiSET covers a full prep timeline and what it actually takes to hit the passing mark across all five subtests.
HiSET: Pros and Cons
- +hiset — structured HiSET training builds a solid foundation of skills
- +Multiple training formats available: online, in-person, and hybrid
- +Hands-on practice prepares you for real-world job scenarios
- +Training programs often include job placement assistance
- +Continuing education keeps your skills current with industry changes
- −Training programs can be time-intensive (weeks to months)
- −Quality varies significantly between training providers
- −Costs for comprehensive programs can be substantial
- −Hands-on components may require travel or in-person attendance
- −Self-paced learning requires strong discipline and motivation
Practice Before You Test
Don't show up to a HiSET testing center without knowing where your knowledge stands. A practice test — taken cold, timed, before any significant studying — tells you more about your readiness than weeks of unfocused review.
Our free HiSET practice tests cover all five subtests with questions that match the style and difficulty of the real exam. Take one now, see your scores by section, and use that to decide how much time you need before booking your actual test date.
Earning your high school equivalency diploma changes things — it opens the door to jobs that require a diploma, college enrollment, and military service. The HiSET is a path to that. Start preparing today so you're ready to pass when you show up at that testing center.
About the Author
Attorney & Bar Exam Preparation Specialist
Yale Law SchoolJames R. Hargrove is a practicing attorney and legal educator with a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School and an LLM in Constitutional Law. With over a decade of experience coaching bar exam candidates across multiple jurisdictions, he specializes in MBE strategy, state-specific essay preparation, and multistate performance test techniques.