The HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) is designed to measure your knowledge and skills equivalent to a U.S. high school education. It consists of five main subject areas, each testing specific skills needed for academic and everyday life success. Understanding what subjects are included helps you focus your study efforts effectively.
- Language Arts – Reading: This section evaluates your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze written texts. You will encounter passages from various genres, including fiction, nonfiction, and workplace documents, and answer questions about main ideas, details, inferences, and vocabulary in context.
- Language Arts – Writing: This area measures your writing skills and ability to organize ideas clearly. It includes two components: multiple-choice questions focusing on grammar, sentence structure, and editing, and an essay portion where you must develop a well-structured essay that expresses your ideas effectively.
- Mathematics: The math section assesses your understanding of basic and advanced math concepts. It covers two main domains: quantitative problem-solving (algebra, data analysis, geometry, and number operations) and practical math applications. A calculator is allowed for some portions, but not all, so knowing when and how to use it is crucial.
- Science: This section tests your ability to understand, interpret, and apply scientific concepts. Topics include life science, physical science, earth and space science, and human health. You will analyze graphs, charts, and experiments, and demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Social Studies: The social studies section evaluates your understanding of history, civics, economics, and geography. You will be asked to interpret maps, charts, and primary documents, and apply knowledge to analyze events and trends in U.S. and world history.
Each HiSET subject is designed to reflect skills necessary for academic, career, and everyday life success. Familiarity with the subjects and practicing sample questions can greatly improve your confidence and performance on test day.