You do not need a specific school grade to pass the HiSET. Instead, you must earn a minimum scaled score per subject and meet state-specific requirements. The HiSET exam, developed by ETS, uses a scoring system that measures high school equivalency—not traditional letter grades.
To pass the HiSET, you must:
- Score at least 8 out of 20 on each of the five subject tests
- Earn a total combined score of 45 or higher across all subjects
- Score at least 2 out of 6 on the Language Arts – Writing essay
These scores mean your performance is equivalent to that of a typical high school graduate in the U.S. There is no “C” or “B” requirement—only scaled score thresholds.
Each subject (Language Arts – Reading, Language Arts – Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies) is scored separately. If you pass the HiSET in four subjects but fall short in one, you only need to retake the failing section.
How Scoring Works
The pass the HiSET standards are set to reflect academic readiness. A score of 8 per subject does not mean you answered 80% of questions correctly—it reflects scaled performance based on difficulty and question weight.
Most test takers prepare using official HiSET practice tests from ETS.org. These help predict whether you’re on track to pass the HiSET before scheduling the real exam.
States may have additional rules. For example, some require you to be within a certain age range or complete a prep course. Always check your state’s guidelines on the official HiSET website.
Your goal is clear: meet the minimum score in each subject and reach the total threshold. With focused study, reaching the level to pass the HiSET is achievable for most adult learners.
It’s not about past grades—it’s about proving current ability.