The HiSET Exam
HiSET is a comprehensive set of five separate subtests that assess your academic skills and abilities according to the standards and expectations set for high school graduates. Louisiana offers both a paper and computer version of HiSET, and the following subtests can be taken all in one day if scheduling allows, or individually, in any order:
- Language Arts - Reading tests you ability to understand, interpret and analyze a variety of literary and informational texts. The 65-minute test has 40 multiple-choice questions that ask you to summarize and synthesize ideas and information, draw conclusions, make inferences and analyze other aspects of the reading selections.
- Language Arts - Writing - assesses your writing skills and your ability to express thoughts and ideas in clear and concise language. Part 1 of the writing subtest has 50 multiple-choice questions that ask you to organize and revise sections of reports, essays, letters and other texts. For Part 2, you will have 45 minutes to draft and write an essay.
- Mathematics - evaluates your problem-solving skills and your ability to use numerical operations, estimates, measurements and mathematical concepts. The test has 50 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as proportions, percents, exponents, linear functions and inequalities, algebraic expressions and the area and volume of geometric figures. The test is 90 minutes, and you can use a calculator if you choose.
- Science gauges your ability to read, understand and analyze technical and science-related texts and information. The 80-minute test has 50 multiple-choice questions that cover topics in health, botany, zoology, chemistry, physics and astronomy.
- Social Studies - is a 70-minute subtest that measures your ability to read, understand and interpret different types of social studies-related information. The test uses charts, graphs, maps, cartoons and texts as the basis for 50 multiple-choice questions that cover content in history, geography, political science, anthropology and sociology.
HiSET Eligibility Requirements in Louisiana
In Louisiana, you can take the HiSET Exam beginning at age 16 if you fulfill certain requirements. Test takers who are 16-18 must have an official withdrawal from school form, authorization from a Workready U literacy program and proof that they participated in a HiSET Exam preparation program and passed a HiSET practice test. Anyone under 18 must also provide an age waiver form from the Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges System.
Test takers 19 and older do not have to participate in a preparation course prior to the test. Louisiana does not require test takers to be residents of the state.
HiSET Scores and Retesting
To pass the HiSET Exam, you must earn at least 8 points on each of the subtests, and score 2 out of 6 possible points on the essay section of the writing subtest.
If you score below an 8, you can retake the test after 30 days. You can retake a subtest up to three times in one year.
Louisiana requires test takers 18 and under to receive additional instruction before retesting. They must also have a recommendation from a Workready U literacy program stating that they are ready to retest.
HiSET Registration and Fees
You can register for the HiSET Exam on the HiSET website, hiset.ets.org. You can also use the website's Test Center Search tool to find a testing center located near you.
The total cost of the Louisiana HiSET Exam is $90 which includes a $30 test center fee and a $10 administrative fee.
Preparing for the HiSET Exam
Louisiana has instructional centers throughout the state to help you prepare for the HiSET Exam. You can find a center through the Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges System website at www.lctcs.edu.
The HiSET website also offers free and low-cost practice tests and study materials to help you prepare for the exam.
