HiSET Testing

The HISET® exam can help you achieve this important state-issued high school equivalency credential. You can find more information at http://hiset.org.

The HiSET test will measure your knowledge in five core areas:

The Language Arts–Reading test provides evidence of a candidate’s ability to understand, comprehend, interpret, and analyze a variety of reading material. The texts generally range in length from approximately 400 to 600 words. This test may contain some questions that will not count toward your score.

Time: 65 minutes
Format: 50 multiple-choice questions

The Language Arts – Writing test provides information about a candidate’s skill in recognizing and producing effective standard American written English. The Multiple-choice questions measure a candidate’s ability to edit and revise written text.

The essay question measures a candidate’s ability to generate and organize ideas in writing. It also measures proficiency in the generation and organization of ideas through a direct assessment of evidence-based writing. Candidates read a pair of texts and then create written responses. Responses are evaluated on the candidates’ abilities to develop positions or claims supported by evidence from the materials provided as well as their own experiences.

Time:  120 minutes
Number of Questions:  61
Format:
Part 1, 60 questions, multiple choice
Part 2, 1 essay question

The Mathematics test assesses mathematical knowledge and competencies. You are asked to solve quantitative problems using fundamental concepts and reasoning skills. The questions present practical problems that require numerical operations, measurement, estimation, data interpretation and logical thinking. The exam bases problems on realistic situations and may test abstract concepts such as algebraic patterns, precision in measurement and probability. The mathematics test is calculator neutral. A calculator is not required, but if a test taker requests a calculator, the test center is required to provide access to one of the following: four-function or scientific calculator. A test taker may not bring his or her own calculator to the testing center for use on the HiSET exam.

Some test questions require the use of formulas. The formulas needed to answer certain questions will be provided via a formula sheet. Test takers should know some formulas prior to testing. Some of these include: distance-rate-time, Pythagorean Theorem, and quadratic formula.

Time: 90 minutes
Format: 55 multiple-choice questions

The Science test provides evidence of a candidate’s ability to use science content knowledge, apply principles of scientific inquiry, and interpret and evaluate scientific information. Most of the questions in the test are associated with stimulus materials that provide descriptions of scientific investigations and their results. Scientific information is based on reports that might be found in scientific journals. Graphs, tables, and charts are used to present information and results.

The science situations use material from a variety of content areas such as: physics, chemistry, botany, zoology, health, and astronomy. The questions may ask candidates to identity the research question of interest, select the best design for a specific research question, and recognize conclusions that can be drawn from results. Candidates also may be asked to evaluate the adequacy of procedures and distinguish among hypotheses, assumptions, and observations. This test may contain some questions that will not count toward your score.

Time: 80 minutes
Format: 60 multiple-choice questions

The Social Studies subtest measures your ability to analyze and evaluate various kinds of social studies information. The subtest uses materials from a variety of content areas, including history, political science, psychology, sociology, anthropology, geography and economics. Primary documents, posters, cartoons, timelines, maps, graphs, tables, charts and reading passages may be used to present information. The test may ask you to distinguish statements of fact from opinion, recognize the limitations of procedures and methods and make judgments about the reliability of sources, the validity of inferences and conclusions, and the adequacy of information for drawing conclusions.

Time: 70 minutes
Format: 60 multiple-choice questions

The Testing Services office at Ozarks Technical Community College conducts the HiSET Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

They are located on the Springfield campus in the Information Commons East (ICE) building, Room 123A.

You must register for your HiSET Account and Exam at http://hiset.org/test_takers/.

Creating a HiSET® account gives you quick, easy access to all of your HiSET exam information. With a HiSET account, you can:

  • Schedule and pay for a test (in some states)
  • View your appointment confirmation
  • Reschedule or cancel a test (in some states)
  • View your account history
  • View your scores
  • Update your profile information

Note: When you create your HiSET account, the name you use to register must exactly match the name printed on your identification documents (excluding accents) that you will present on the day of your test at the test center. See Identification Requirements for more information at http://hiset.org/take/schedule/id/.

To take the HiSET exam in the state of Missouri, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Age:

You must be at least 16 years of age and out of high school to take the HiSET exam. If you are 16 years of age, you must also have completed at least 16 units toward high school graduation. For more on documentation required, exceptions to this policy and homeschooler information, review the Additional Policies section below.

Residency:

You must be a resident of Missouri to take the HiSET exam.

Test Preparation or Instruction:

Missouri does not have any test preparation or instruction requirements to take the initial test. However, they do encourage instruction before retesting. See the additional policies section below for more information.

Practice Test:

Missouri does not require you to take a practice test to qualify for the HiSET exam.

Identification:

You must present identification on test day at the HiSET test center. A valid permanent or temporary Missouri license (driver, nondriver, intermediate, commercial or instruction (learners) permit), U.S. passport, or U.S. military ID. Outdated or expired identification will not be accepted.

In Missouri, the total price for the 5 subtests is $98.75 ($53.75 PSI fee, $10 Missouri State Department of Education administration fee and a $35 test center administration fee). If you need to retest on an individual test, you must pay a $7 test center retesting fee. The purchase expires after 18 months.

GED Testing

The GED® exam can help you achieve this important state-issued high school equivalency credential. You can find more information at https://ged.com/.

Test Subjects

The GED® test is made up of 4 subjects, broken into separate exams. You don’t have to take all 4 tests at once – you can space them out however it suits you and go at your own pace. Here is an overview of what is on the GED, by subject area.

  • You should be familiar with math concepts, measurements, equations, and applying math concepts to solve real-life problems.
  • You don’t have to memorize formulas and will be given a formula sheet in the test center as well as on the screen in the test.
  • Use the free Math Study Guide to start studying. It will help you understand the skills being tested. Log in to start using the study guide.
  • The GED Ready® practice test for Math can help you determine if you are ready to take the actual test. Log in to take the practice test.
  • You should be familiar with reading and writing concepts, including grammar.
  • You’ll need to read excerpts from a variety of informational and literary sources and show your understanding, draw conclusions, and write clearly.
  • Your writing will demonstrate your ability to analyze two passages, decide which argument has more convincing evidence and explain why the evidence supports your choice.
  • Use the free Language Arts Study Guide to start studying. It will help you understand the skills being tested. Log in to start using the study guide.
  • The GED Ready® practice test for RLA can help you determine if you are ready to take the actual test. Log in to give it a try.
  • Log in to learn how to write a perfect extended response with video instruction and examples.
  • You’ll need to apply social studies concepts, know how to read graphs and charts displaying social studies data, and use reasoning to interpret social studies information.
  • The social studies test is not a memorization test! For example, you won’t need to memorize the capitals of countries or dates that events occurred, but given some information about an event you might need to use that in drawing conclusions.
  • Use the free Social Studies Study Guide to start studying. It will help you understand the skills being tested. Log in to start using the study guide.
  • The GED Ready® practice test for Social Studies can help you determine if you are ready to take the actual test. Log in to give it a try.
  • You’ll need to understand science concepts, know how to read graphs and charts displaying scientific data, and use reasoning to interpret science information.
  • The science test is not a memorization test! For example, you won’t need to memorize the periodic table of elements, but you will need to recognize names and symbols of key elements in answering some questions.
  • Use the free Science Study Guide to start studying. It will help you understand the skills being tested. Log in to start using the study guide.
  • The GED Ready® practice test for Science can help you determine if you are ready to take the official GED® test. Log in to give it a try.

Price and Rules

You must be 17 years old to test in Missouri. You must have a Missouri mailing address to take the test in Missouri. You will be required to prove residency on the day of your exam. Please bring a government-issued photo ID with you when you test. For more details on acceptable forms of identification, see the Missouri Positive Identification (ID) Requirements for the HSE Examination, https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/missouri-positive-identification-id-requirements-hse-exam.

  • Official GED® test
  • Same day scoring
  • Personalized score report
  • Transcript and diploma
  • Take the test at a local test center
  • Discounted retakes*

Missouri requires a yearly $10 fee in addition to the following test cost. $33.00 per module. There are four modules to obtain a credential. You will pay for the test online with a debit or credit card when you schedule your test.

*Discounted Retakes – You will receive one discounted retake for every GED® test subject you purchase but don’t pass. You have 365 days after your full price test to use this retake. This retake offer (1 full price:1 discount) repeats until you pass the test. Discounted retake fee: GED Testing Service waives its $26 testing fee, however, there is a $7 test center fee.

  • Official GED® test
  • Same day scoring
  • Personalized score report
  • Transcript and diploma
  • Take the test online from the convenience of your home
  • Retake right away
  • The Online Proctored Exam allows for one retake before a 60 day waiting period. After taking a test subject two times online, you’ll have to wait 60 days before retesting.
  • You are required to take the GED Ready® practice test before taking the official GED® test online.

Missouri requires a yearly $10 fee in addition to the following test cost. $36.00, per module. There are four modules to obtain a credential.

Transcripts & Certificates

The Missouri High School Equivalency Program has partnered with DiplomaSender for fulfillment of requests for High School Equivalency transcripts and certificates. After passing the GED® test, you will be awarded one free certificate and one free transcript. You must take action and register at DiplomaSender.com to receive your free documents. You will need a credit or debit card to complete your online order.

The GED Administrator in Missouri:

Stephanie Scheulen, GED Administrator™

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

High School Equivalency Office

205 Jefferson Street, PO Box 480

Jefferson City, MO 65102

Phone: (573) 751-1248

hse@dese.mo.gov