HiSET Practice and Resources

Options Academy has adopted the HiSET test to provide students with an alternate path to a DMPS diploma. The HiSET is a set of five achievement tests that cover each of the core areas of a high school education:

  • Reading and Writing (two separate tests cover English)
  • Math
  • Science
  • Social Studies

Students deficient in one or more of these high school credit areas can either:

  • take the necessary classes to complete the credits or
  • show that they achieved a high-school level of skill and knowledge through a HiSET subject test

Options Academy has teachers who specialize in each of these subjects. They will work with students to improve skills and prepare for the tests. Students will be allowed to take official HiSET subject tests once they have shown that they are prepared.

How the official HiSET scoring system works:

  • The highest score students can earn on each exam is a 20.
  • Des Moines Public Schools students must score a minimum of 8 or higher on each of the subject area exams they take and a minimum of 2 or higher on the essay portion of the Writing exam.
  • Students who so score a 15 or higher are considered College and Career Ready for post-secondary institutions in that subject. (Students who score 15 or higher on all five tests can use those scores for state university admissions.)

If you are wondering if you or your student are a strong candidate for Options Academy, or you are looking for some HiSET Practice and Resources, we have provided links below.

How the HiSET score works:

  • The highest score students can earn on each exam is a 20.
  • Des Moines Public Schools students must score a minimum of 8 or higher on each of the subject area exams they take and a minimum of 2 or higher on the essay found in the Writing Exam.
  • Students who so score a 15 or higher are considered College and Career Ready for post-secondary institutions.

Quick Overview of the HiSET:

Read more about the HiSET Exam here,

Prepare for a HiSET Exam:

Access HiSET preparation materials here.

Take a practice HiSET Exam:

Test your skills by taking unofficial practice HiSET Exams here.