How Hard Is the HiSET High School Equivalency Test

Comparing the three high school equivalency exams, the HiSET program from ETS (Educational Testing Service) is most similar to the old GED (2002) in its format and content. Like the old GED, the questions tend to be straightforward--reading passages are short, and essay prompts are open-ended. However, the HiSET is based on Common Core State Standards and test takers must have previous content knowledge to score well, just like the current GED (2014) or the TASC. The fact that the HiSET resembles the easier old GED doesn’t mean that it’s easier to pass than other high school equivalency exams. Like other high school equivalency exams, students who pass the HiSET are proving that they have academic skills that are within top 60% of recent high school graduates. To pass the HiSET, test-takers must score a minimum of 8 out of 20 on each of the five subjects  and must have a minimum combined score of 45. So you cannot pass the exam by simply scoring the minimum in each subject. Also, if you have ever wondered if you are ready for college-level courses, a score of 15 or higher in each subtest means that you have met HiSET’s College and Career Readiness Standard. You will see the marks--either yes or no--on your Individual Test Report. HiSET Study Tips There is one essay prompt for the writing section and all other questions are multiple-choice. Note that answering any question may involve content from more than one category. To get a feel for the test, take free practice tests at hiset.ets.org/prepare/overview/ The breakdown of content categories for each subject is as follows: Language Arts-Reading Duration: 65 minutes (40 multiple-choice questions) 60% literary texts, 40% informational texts.The texts generally range in length from 400 to 600 words.Questions may involve one or more of these skills: ComprehensionInference and InterpretationAnalysisSynthesis and Generalization Duration: Part 1--75 minutes (50 multiple-choice), Part 2--45 minutes (1 essay question) The essay is scored separately from the rest of the writing section. You need to score at least 8 on the multiple choice AND 2 out of 6 on the essay to pass the writing test. Part 1 measures a candidate’s ability to edit and revise the written text.Part 2 measures a candidate’s ability to generate and organize ideas in writing.The essay response is evaluated on development, organization, language facility, and writing conventions. Mathematics Duration: 90 minutes (50 multiple-choice questions) The use of a calculator is an option.Some formulas appear with the questions that need them.Content will come from these four categories in similar proportion: Numbers and Operations on NumbersMeasurement/GeometryData Analysis/Probability/StatisticsAlgebraic Concepts Science Duration: 80 minutes (50 multiple-choice questions) Life Science (50%) Organisms, Their Environments, and Their Life CyclesThe Interdependence of OrganismsThe Relationships Between Structure and Function in Living Systems Physical Science (25%) Size, Weight, Shape, Color,  and TemperatureConcepts Relating to the Position and Motion of ObjectsThe Principles of Light, Heat, Electricity, and Magnetism Earth Science (25%) Properties of Earth MaterialsGeologic Structures and TimeEarth’s Movements in the Solar Systems Social Studies Duration: 70 minutes (50 multiple-choice questions) 45% History Historical Sources and PerspectivesInterconnections Among the Past, Present, and FutureSpecific Eras in the U.S. and World History, including the people who have shaped them and the political, economic, and cultural characteristics of those eras. 30% Civics/Government Civic Ideals and Practices of Citizenship in a Democratic SocietyThe Role of the Informed Citizen and the Meaning of CitizenshipConcepts of Power and AuthorityThe Purposes and Characteristics of Various Governance Systems, with particular emphasis on the U.S. government, the relationship between individual rights and responsibilities, and the concepts of a just society. 15% Economics Principles of Supply and DemandThe Difference Between Needs and WantsThe Impact of Technology on EconomicsThe Interdependent Nature of EconomiesHow the Economy Can Be Affected by GovernmentsHow That Effect Varies Over Time 10% Geography Concepts and Terminology of Physical and Human GeographyGeographic Concepts to Analyze Spatial Phenomena and Discuss Economic, Political, and Social FactorsInterpretation of Maps and Other Visual and Technological ToolsThe Analysis of Case Studies Source http://hiset.ets.org