The HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) is not inherently “easy,” but its difficulty is relative to your preparation, prior education, and test-taking skills. It’s designed to measure knowledge equivalent to a high school graduate, so for someone who recently left high school or has strong self-study habits, it can feel manageable. For others—especially adults who’ve been out of school for years—it can be challenging.
The HiSET has five subtests:
- Language Arts – Reading (65 minutes, 40 questions)
- Language Arts – Writing (120 minutes, including an essay)
- Mathematics (90 minutes, 55 questions; calculator allowed)
- Science (80 minutes, 60 questions)
- Social Studies (70 minutes, 60 questions)
You need a passing score of 8 out of 15 on each subtest, plus at least 2 out of 6 on the essay, and a total score of 45 across all five.
What makes it “easier” than the GED?
- More flexible scheduling (paper or computer-based).
- Lower passing threshold in some states.
- Shorter testing time overall.
- More lenient essay scoring (focuses on clarity, not perfection).
What makes it hard?
- The math section includes algebra, geometry, and data interpretation—topics many adults haven’t touched in years.
- The essay requires structured argument writing under time pressure.
- Science and Social Studies demand reading graphs, maps, and dense passages quickly.
Is it easy for you? It depends:
- Yes, if you’ve completed 10th–12th grade, read regularly, and practice with official HiSET materials.
- No, if you struggle with timed tests, have weak foundational skills, or skip preparation.
Bottom line: The HiSET is achievable with 2–6 months of consistent study using free resources like HiSET practice tests, Khan Academy, or local adult education programs. Over 70% of test-takers pass on their first attempt with preparation. It’s not a trick—it’s a fair benchmark. Treat it seriously, and it’s very passable.