HiSET Reading
HiSET
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ExploreAbout this exam
The HiSET® program is a route to a high school equivalency (HSE) credential - a way for adults who did not finish high school to show they have the knowledge and skills of a high school graduate. The official HiSET site describes itself as the gateway to that credential and stresses that, wherever you are in life, it is never too late to earn your high school diploma. HiSET is aimed at adult learners who want to move ahead in a career or in further education, and it is offered through participating states, each of which sets its own requirements and fees.
Getting started is mostly an administrative process. Candidates check their state's requirements and fees, create a myHiSET account, and schedule a test appointment at a test center or as an online proctored test. Test takers with disabilities can request testing accommodations. Preparation is supported with practice tests, a resource library, and prep providers, including HiSET Academy by Essential Education. This page summarizes publicly available information from the official HiSET materials; it is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the HiSET program, ETS, or PSI.
What you'll study
About HiSET Reading preparation
Who is the HiSET exam for?
It is for adults who want to earn a high school equivalency credential instead of a traditional diploma. The official site frames it as a path for people at any stage of life, whether they are just starting to consider the credential or are ready to schedule a test appointment.
How do I find out what my state requires and what it costs?
Requirements and fees are set at the state level rather than by a single national rule. The official site directs test takers to a State Requirements page, where you look up your state's rules and fees, then log in to your HiSET account from that same page.
How do I register and schedule a test?
Create a myHiSET account first, then schedule a HiSET test appointment. Before registering, confirm your state's requirements and fees, since eligibility rules differ by state. You can also use the site to locate an adult education program or a test center near you.
Can I take the HiSET exam from home?
Online proctored testing is listed among the official testing options, so a remote appointment is one possibility. Availability can depend on your state's rules and on meeting the technical requirements for proctored delivery, so check your state's information and the online proctored test guidance before scheduling.
What testing accommodations are available?
The official site maintains a dedicated section on testing accommodations for test takers with disabilities. It does not list specific accommodations in the material summarized here. If you need an accommodation, review that section and follow its process before you schedule, so your appointment is set up correctly from the start.
How should I prepare for the exam?
Use the official preparation resources: practice tests, the resource library toolkits, and approved prep providers. The site specifically names HiSET Academy by Essential Education among test preparation options. Taking a practice test early helps you see which areas need the most work so you can plan study time around them.
How many questions are on the test, and how long does it take?
Those specifics are not given in the official material summarized here, and they can change between revisions of the exam. Rather than rely on a remembered figure, check the official HiSET site and your state's requirements page for the current structure and timing before test day.
What happens if I do not pass a section? Can I retake it?
Retake rules, waiting periods, and any fees are governed by state policy, and the summarized official material does not state a general retake policy. Check the State Requirements page for your state and the official Test Taker FAQ, which is the page built to answer exactly these policy questions.
Where do I go for scores and credentials?
The official site has a Get Your Scores and Credentials section reached through your myHiSET account. Use that area to review results and next steps after testing. Because score reporting and credential issuance can vary by state, also review your state's requirements information if anything is unclear.