100+ Free HSPT Practice Questions
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Key Facts: HSPT Exam
298
Total questions across 5 subtests
Scholastic Testing Service (STS)
2 hrs 21 min
Standard testing time (not including breaks)
STS ststesting.com
200–800
Standard score scale (mean = 500)
STS HSPT scoring guide
5
Core subtests: Verbal, Quantitative, Reading, Mathematics, Language
STS ststesting.com
8th grade
Typical grade level of test-takers
STS ststesting.com
NJ COOP
Also used by New Jersey's Cooperative Admissions Examination Program
STS ststesting.com
The HSPT® is the most widely used Catholic high school entrance examination in the United States, developed by Scholastic Testing Service (STS). The test contains 298 multiple-choice questions divided into five subtests completed in 2 hours and 21 minutes. Students are scored on a 200–800 standard score scale with a national mean of 500, and results are reported as both standard scores and percentile ranks. The exam assesses cognitive skills (Verbal and Quantitative) and basic academic skills (Reading, Mathematics, and Language). It is also used by the New Jersey COOP (Cooperative Admissions Examination Program) for Catholic high school admissions. (Source: STS ststesting.com)
Sample HSPT Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your HSPT exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1BENEVOLENT most nearly means
2TRANQUIL most nearly means
3OBSTINATE most nearly means
4MELANCHOLY is the opposite of
5FRUGAL is the opposite of
6BOOK is to LIBRARY as PAINTING is to
7SURGEON is to SCALPEL as CARPENTER is to
8WORD is to SENTENCE as BRICK is to
9All mammals are warm-blooded. All whales are mammals. Which of the following is definitely true?
10No reptiles are mammals. All snakes are reptiles. Which conclusion is definitely true?
About the HSPT Exam
The HSPT® is a standardized 298-question multiple-choice test administered by Scholastic Testing Service (STS) and used by Catholic high schools nationwide for admissions and placement. It assesses 8th-grade students across five subtests: Verbal Skills, Quantitative Skills, Reading, Mathematics, and Language. Results are reported as standard scores (200–800) and national percentiles.
Questions
100 scored questions
Time Limit
2 hours 21 minutes (298 questions; our practice bank: 100 questions)
Passing Score
Standard scores range 200–800 (mean 500); admission cutoffs vary by school
Exam Fee
Typically $25–$50, set by individual administering schools (Scholastic Testing Service (STS), Bensenville, Illinois)
HSPT Exam Content Outline
Verbal Skills
Synonyms, antonyms, analogies, logic, and verbal classification — tests vocabulary and linguistic reasoning.
Quantitative Skills
Number series, geometric and non-geometric comparisons, and number manipulation — tests mathematical reasoning.
Reading
Comprehension of short passages (main idea, inference, recall) plus vocabulary in context.
Mathematics
Concepts and problem solving: arithmetic, fractions, algebra, geometry, probability, and statistics. No calculator.
Language
Grammar, punctuation, capitalization, usage, spelling, and composition/paragraph organization.
How to Pass the HSPT Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Standard scores range 200–800 (mean 500); admission cutoffs vary by school
- Exam length: 100 questions
- Time limit: 2 hours 21 minutes (298 questions; our practice bank: 100 questions)
- Exam fee: Typically $25–$50, set by individual administering schools
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
HSPT Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HSPT and who takes it?
The HSPT® (High School Placement Test) is a standardized entrance exam developed by Scholastic Testing Service (STS). It is primarily taken by 8th-grade students applying to Catholic high schools across the United States. It is also used by New Jersey's COOP program. The test is used for both admissions decisions and course placement once a student enrolls.
How many questions are on the HSPT?
The HSPT has 298 multiple-choice questions across five subtests: Verbal Skills (60), Quantitative Skills (52), Reading (62), Mathematics (64), and Language (60). The total testing time is 2 hours and 21 minutes, not including breaks.
How is the HSPT scored?
Each subtest is converted to a standard score on a 200–800 scale (national mean of 500). Cognitive Skills scores (Verbal + Quantitative) and Basic Skills scores (Reading + Math + Language) are calculated separately, along with a Battery Composite score. Results are also reported as national and local percentile ranks.
Can I use a calculator on the HSPT?
No. The HSPT Mathematics subtest does not permit the use of a calculator. Students must be able to perform arithmetic, fraction, percentage, and algebraic computations by hand.
What is the difference between the Cognitive Skills and Basic Skills sections?
The Verbal and Quantitative subtests are Cognitive Skills sections — they test reasoning ability and are less dependent on memorized content. The Reading, Mathematics, and Language subtests are Basic Skills sections — they assess learned academic knowledge and skills.
Is there an optional section on the HSPT?
Yes. Schools may request an optional Science or Catholic Religion subtest be added to the standard five-subtest battery. These optional sections are not included in every administration and depend on the individual school's request to STS.