The HISET® exam, the new alternative to the GED® test, 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:
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:
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.
You must be a resident of Missouri to take the HiSET exam.
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.
Missouri does not require you to take a practice test to qualify for the HiSET exam.
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.