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Key Facts: HiSET Science Exam
60 questions
HiSET Science subtest question count
HiSET (hiset.org)
80 minutes
Time allowed for HiSET Science subtest
HiSET (hiset.org)
8 out of 20
Minimum passing score on HiSET Science
HiSET (hiset.org)
~49%
Life Science share of HiSET Science questions
HiSET Test at a Glance (hiset.org)
~28%
Physical Science share of HiSET Science questions
HiSET Test at a Glance (hiset.org)
~23%
Earth Science share of HiSET Science questions
HiSET Test at a Glance (hiset.org)
The HiSET Science exam is a 60-question, 80-minute multiple-choice test administered by PSI Services LLC as part of the five-subtest HiSET battery for high school equivalency certification. It tests knowledge across three domains: Life Science (about 29 questions, 49%), Physical Science (about 17 questions, 28%), and Earth Science (about 14 questions, 23%). A passing score is 8 out of a possible 20 on the scaled scoring range. Most questions are stimulus-based, requiring test-takers to interpret graphs, data tables, diagrams, or experimental descriptions — not just recall facts. (Source: HiSET, hiset.org)
Sample HiSET Science Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to review concepts for the HiSET Science exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 122+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1A student examines a diagram showing a cell with a nucleus, mitochondria, and a cell wall. Which type of cell is most likely being shown? Use the following information: The diagram labels a large central vacuole and chloroplasts in addition to a nucleus and cell wall.
2The following table shows the results of a controlled experiment on plant growth: | Group | Light | Water | Height after 4 weeks | |-------|-------|-------|---------------------| | A | Full sun | Normal | 28 cm | | B | No light | Normal | 6 cm | | C | Full sun | No water | 3 cm | | D | No light | No water | 2 cm | Which conclusion is best supported by these data?
3Which process converts glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water, and energy in living cells?
4A food web shows: grass → rabbit → fox → eagle. If a disease kills most of the rabbit population, which outcome is most likely?
5DNA is made of repeating units called nucleotides. Each nucleotide contains a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. Which base always pairs with adenine (A) in a DNA double helix?
6A scientist studies two populations of birds on separate islands. Over thousands of years, the populations develop different beak shapes suited to different food sources. This process, where one species evolves into two or more species due to geographic isolation, is called:
7Look at the following pedigree chart: - Generation I: An unaffected father and unaffected mother have children. - Generation II: Two sons are affected; one daughter is unaffected. If the trait is autosomal recessive, what must be true about both parents in Generation I?
8Which human body system is primarily responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body's cells?
9The graph below shows the population of deer and wolves in a forest over 20 years. [Graph description: Wolf populations peak about 2 years after deer populations peak; when wolves are high, deer decline; when deer are low, wolves decline.] What type of relationship do wolves and deer most likely have?
10During mitosis, a parent cell with 46 chromosomes divides. How many chromosomes will each daughter cell contain?
About the HiSET Science Exam
The HiSET Science subtest is one of five subtests required for high school equivalency (HSE) certification. Administered by PSI Services LLC, it consists of 60 multiple-choice questions completed in 80 minutes. The test covers Life Science (~49%), Physical Science (~28%), and Earth Science (~23%), emphasizing scientific reasoning skills such as interpreting data from charts and graphs, designing investigations, and drawing conclusions from experimental results.
Exam sponsor: PSI Services LLC. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Questions
60 questions
Time Limit
80 minutes
Passing Score
8 out of 20 (scaled score)
Exam / Certification Fees
Varies by state; roughly $23–$43 per subtest once the state test fee and test-center or remote-proctoring fee are combined (for example, up to $23 in Montana and $34–$43 in California)
Exam sponsor websiteFees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.
Our practice resources: topics covered
We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.
Life Science
Cell structure and function, genetics and DNA, evolution, ecology and food webs, body systems, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, classification, population biology, and biodiversity.
Physical Science
Physical properties of matter, atomic structure and the periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical reactions and conservation of mass, states of matter and phase changes, Newton's laws of motion, work and energy conservation, heat transfer, light and the electromagnetic spectrum, electricity and magnetism, and acids, bases and pH.
Earth Science
Earth's internal structure and layers, plate tectonics and geological processes, rock cycle, earthquakes, water cycle and groundwater, weather systems, climate and climate change, solar system astronomy, and natural resources.
Preparing for the HiSET Science Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 8 out of 20 (scaled score)
- Exam length: 60 questions
- Time limit: 80 minutes
- Exam / certification fees: Varies by state; roughly $23–$43 per subtest once the state test fee and test-center or remote-proctoring fee are combined (for example, up to $23 in Montana and $34–$43 in California) Official sources
Using Our Practice Resources
- Work through all 122 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
HiSET Science: Suggested Study Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the HiSET Science subtest?
The HiSET Science subtest has 60 multiple-choice questions. You have 80 minutes to complete them, which works out to about 1 minute 20 seconds per question.
What score do I need to pass the HiSET Science test?
To pass the HiSET Science subtest, you need a scaled score of at least 8 out of a possible 20. To earn the HiSET credential you must also reach a total scaled score of at least 45 across all five subtests, score at least 8 on every individual subtest, and score at least 2 out of 6 on the Language Arts — Writing essay.
What topics are covered on the HiSET Science test?
The HiSET Science test covers three content categories from the official Test at a Glance: Life Science (49% of the questions, including cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology and human body systems), Physical Science (28%, including atomic structure, chemical reactions, motion, energy, heat, light, electricity and magnetism), and Earth Science (23%, including Earth materials, geologic processes, weather, climate, and Earth's position among the Sun, stars and solar system).
What kinds of questions appear on the HiSET Science test?
Most HiSET Science questions are stimulus-based — they require you to read and interpret a chart, graph, data table, diagram, or passage describing an experiment, then answer a question. The test emphasizes scientific reasoning skills (applying knowledge, interpreting data, drawing conclusions) over memorized facts.
How does the HiSET Science compare to the GED Science test?
Both tests cover similar science content and emphasize data interpretation and scientific reasoning. The HiSET Science subtest has 60 multiple-choice questions in 80 minutes, while the GED Science test runs 90 minutes with roughly 34 items and includes technology-enhanced formats such as fill-in-the-blank and drag-and-drop alongside multiple choice. Both are accepted as evidence of high school equivalency.
Is the HiSET Science test hard?
The test is considered moderately difficult. It requires both science content knowledge and the ability to read and interpret data — you cannot pass just by memorizing facts, because most questions are built on a graph, table, diagram or description of an investigation. HiSET does not publish a raw-score-to-scaled-score conversion table, so there is no fixed number of correct answers that guarantees the scaled score of 8 needed to pass. Most test takers who work through practice tests and review all three content categories are well prepared.