HiSET Scores 2026: 8 a Subtest, 45 Total, When Results Come

When do HiSET scores come out?

Test	Multiple choice	Writing essay
Computer	3 business days	5 business days
Paper	3 to 5 business days	6 to 10 business days

On a computer you see an unofficial score as soon as you finish. Paper results can take longer if the test center is slow to send the answer sheets.

What do HiSET scores mean?

HiSET’s own measure of how hard the test is: if a random sample of high school seniors took it, an estimated 60% would pass on the first attempt.

A 15 or higher on a subtest, with at least 4 on the essay for Writing, is a college and career readiness score. HiSET says it means you scored the same as or higher than 75% of graduating high school students and are likely ready for college credit courses.

Writing has two parts that must pass on the same day: 8 or more overall and 2 or more on the essay. A good multiple-choice score can’t rescue an essay scored 1.

HiSET essay examples and rubric →

Your two HiSET score reports

Comprehensive Score Report: one report with your best score on each subtest and whether you’ve passed. Schools and employers may ask for it.
Individual Test Report: one for each attempt, with your results by content category and whether you reached college and career readiness.

Your scores go to your test center and your state automatically. To send them to a college or employer, contact PSI or your test center. Your state issues the official transcript.

HiSET diploma and transcripts →

If you don’t pass a subtest

You only retake that subtest, and your fee includes two retakes within 12 months, though you may still pay the test center or proctor fee each time. How many tries you get depends on your state: up to six a calendar year in places like Louisiana and Ohio, three a year in Iowa, and three in each half of the year in Tennessee. The state requirements page lists every state.

Wyoming also makes you wait at least 7 days before a retest. If you think a score is wrong, an essay rescore or a hand score of a paper multiple-choice test costs $25, refunded if your score changes.

Sources: HiSET and 8 more. Checked October 2026.