This is one of the most common questions that test takers ask after completing their High School Equivalency Test. If you’ve just finished your exam, you’re probably eager to know your HiSET scores and move forward with your plans.
The good news is that HiSET online results are typically available much faster than you might expect. Most test takers can access their HiSET exam results within 24 to 48 hours when testing online. However, the timeline varies depending on whether you took a computer-based or paper test. Additionally, receiving your physical diploma in the mail takes considerably longer.
Understanding how long does it take to get HiSET scores online and through other methods will help you plan your next steps with confidence.
At Prepsaret, we provide comprehensive HiSET study materials to help you prepare thoroughly and achieve the scores you need.
HiSET Testing Process
Before discussing timelines, it’s important to understand the HiSET testing process itself. The High School Equivalency Test results depend on how the exam is administered and scored. The HiSET exam consists of five subtests covering:
- Language Arts – Reading
- Language Arts – Writing
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
Each section is scored separately, and your performance across all five areas determines whether you’ve earned your high school equivalency credential.
The HiSET exam grading system uses both raw scores (the number of questions you answered correctly) and scaled scores (a converted score that allows for fair comparison across different test versions).
After you complete your exam, your answer sheet goes through a detailed review process. For computer-based tests, most sections are scored automatically by the system. However, the essay portion of the writing test requires human evaluation, which adds time to the process.
This is why HiSET score verification takes slightly longer for the writing component compared to other subjects.
The testing center submits your responses to the scoring system, where they’re reviewed and processed.
Once complete, your scores become available through your online account. Understanding this HiSET testing process helps explain why different delivery methods have different timelines.
Try Out: Free HiSET Practice Questions
How Long Does It Take to Get HiSET Results?
Now let’s answer the central question: how long does it take to get HiSET results? The answer depends primarily on how you took the test.
HiSET Computer-Based Testing Timeline
If you completed your HiSET exam on a computer, the HiSET test score timeline is remarkably quick. Most test takers receive their results within:
- 24 to 48 hours for multiple-choice sections (Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies)
- 5 to 10 business days for the essay portion of the Writing test
The HiSET result waiting period is shorter for computer tests because the system can grade multiple-choice questions immediately. Your essay, however, needs to be reviewed by trained evaluators, which extends the HiSET test score release for that particular section.
HiSET Paper-Based Testing Timeline
If you took the paper version of the HiSET exam, expect a longer wait. The HiSET results processing time for test takers who choose paper tests typically ranges from:
- 10 to 15 business days for all sections, including the essay
Paper tests require physical answer sheets to be collected, transported, and processed. This naturally extends the timeline compared to digital testing.
What Affects Processing Speed?
Several factors influence when will I receive my HiSET exam results:
- Test format: Computer tests are processed faster than paper tests
- Test volume: High-traffic testing periods may cause slight delays
- Essay scoring: The writing component always takes longer due to human evaluation
- State processing: Some states have additional verification steps
- Weekend and holiday timing: Results aren’t typically released on non-business days
It’s important to note that all five sections must be completed and scored before you receive your official credential. You can view individual HiSET exam results as they become available, but your diploma won’t be issued until all subjects are passed.
HiSET Score Chart
Understanding your scores requires familiarity with the HiSET score chart. Unlike traditional school grades, the HiSET uses a scaled scoring system designed to ensure fairness across different test versions.
How HiSET Scoring Works
Here’s what you need to know about HiSET scores:
- Scaled scores range from 1 to 20 for each subtest
- Minimum passing score is 8 out of 20 on each individual subtest
- Total score requirement: You must achieve at least 45 points across all five subtests combined
- No single score can be below 8, even if your total exceeds 45
For example, if you score 10 on four tests but only 7 on one test, you won’t pass—even though your total (47) exceeds the requirement. Each subtest matters individually.
What Is the Average HiSET Score?
Most successful candidates score between 8 and 15 on individual subtests. Scoring above 15 is considered excellent performance and demonstrates college-ready skills in that subject area.
HiSET Official Score Report
Your HiSET official score report provides detailed information, including:
- Individual scaled scores for each of the five subtests
- Your total combined score
- Performance indicators showing strengths and areas for improvement
- Essay score (reported separately as part of the Writing subtest)
The HiSET score report helps you understand not just whether you passed, but how well you performed in each area. This information is particularly valuable if you’re planning to pursue higher education, as many colleges look at individual subject scores when making admissions decisions.
HiSET Scores for College Admissions
Many students wonder how HiSET scores for college applications are viewed. Most community colleges and many four-year institutions accept HiSET credentials as equivalent to a traditional high school diploma.
Some competitive programs may look at your individual subtest scores, particularly in areas related to your intended major.
Scoring in the higher ranges (15-20) can strengthen your college application and may even qualify you for placement into college-level courses without remediation.
How to Check Your HiSET Test Scores
Accessing your scores is straightforward once they’re ready. Here’s how to check your HiSET online results:
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit the official HiSET website and navigate to the candidate portal
- Log into your account using the username and password you created during registration
- Click on “My Scores” or “View Test Results” in your dashboard
- Review your available scores as they’re posted
Your HiSET exam results appear in your account as soon as they’re processed. Multiple-choice sections typically show up first, followed by your essay score several days later.
Understanding Score Updates
Sometimes scores undergo HiSET score verification, which means the testing service reviews results for accuracy. This process is routine and helps ensure the integrity of your credential. If your scores are being verified, you’ll see a notification in your account.
Verification rarely changes scores, but it may delay their official release by a few days.
How to Access Your Complete HiSET Score Report
Once all five subtests are scored and you’ve met the passing requirements, you can:
- Download your complete HiSET official score report
- Request official transcripts be sent to colleges or employers
- Print unofficial copies for your personal records
- Order additional copies if needed for multiple applications
Your HiSET online results remain accessible in your account indefinitely, so you can return to view them whenever necessary. However, institutions typically require official score reports sent directly from the testing service rather than copies you provide yourself.
If you’re having difficulty viewing your scores:
- Verify you’re logging into the correct account
- Clear your browser cache and try again
- Check that all five subtests are registered to the same account
- Contact HiSET customer service for technical support
Most access issues are quickly resolved, and the support team can help ensure you receive your HiSET exam results without unnecessary delays.
Do HiSET Scores Expire? What Happens Next?
HiSET exam results do not expire. Once you’ve earned your high school equivalency credential, it remains valid indefinitely. Your achievement is permanent, just like a traditional high school diploma. You earned it, and no one can take it away due to the passage of time.
Your scores remain in the HiSET system permanently, which means:
- You can request official transcripts years after testing
- There’s no deadline to use your credential
- Colleges and employers can verify your results at any time
- You maintain access to your HiSET official score report through your online account
This permanent storage is particularly beneficial if you take time off between earning your credential and pursuing further education or career opportunities.
When you authorize your HiSET scores for college admissions or employment verification, institutions receive:
- Your official score report showing all five subtest scores
- Your completion date
- Verification that you met all requirements for the credential
- Any relevant performance indicators
Most colleges treat HiSET scores for college admissions the same way they treat traditional high school transcripts. Your HiSET official score report demonstrates that you’ve mastered high school-level content and are prepared for the next step in your educational or career journey.
What to do with HiSET Credential
Once you’ve received your HiSET exam results and confirmed that you’ve passed all requirements, you can immediately:
- Apply to colleges and universities
- Submit job applications requiring a high school equivalency
- Pursue vocational training programs
- Apply for military service
- Seek employment opportunities previously unavailable to you
Your credential opens doors that may have been closed before, and the best part is that it never expires. Whether you use it immediately or years down the road, your achievement remains valid and valuable.
How Long Does It Take to Get Your HiSET Diploma in the Mail?
While you can view your scores online relatively quickly, receiving the physical diploma takes considerably longer. Understanding this timeline helps you plan accordingly, especially if you need the document for upcoming applications or deadlines.
HiSET Diploma Processing Timeline
After you’ve passed all five HiSET subtests and your High School Equivalency Test results are finalized, the diploma issuance process begins. In most states, you can expect:
- 4 to 8 weeks from the date all scores are posted until your diploma arrives by mail
- Some states process faster, while others may take up to 10 weeks
- The timeline varies by state because each state’s Department of Education handles diploma printing and distribution
Why the Delay?
Several steps occur between passing your test and receiving your physical diploma:
- Score verification: Your state reviews all results to confirm you’ve met requirements
- Credential processing: The Department of Education generates your official diploma
- Printing and certification: Your diploma is printed, signed, and sealed
- Mailing: The document is sent via standard postal service
Each of these steps takes time, which is why the physical diploma arrives much later than your online scores.
State-Specific Variations
The exact timeline depends on your state’s procedures. Some states offer:
- Expedited processing for an additional fee
- In-person pickup at designated locations
- Electronic credentials in addition to physical diplomas
- Multiple certified copies upon request
Check with your state’s HiSET coordinator to understand the specific timeline and options available to you. This information is typically available on your state’s Department of Education website.
What to Do While Waiting
While waiting for your physical diploma, you can:
- Use your official online score report for applications that accept electronic documentation
- Request official transcripts be sent directly to institutions
- Obtain a letter of completion from your testing center if needed urgently
- Verify your mailing address is correct in the system to avoid delivery issues
If your diploma hasn’t arrived within the expected timeframe, contact your state’s HiSET office. They can track your document and ensure it was sent to the correct address. Occasionally, diplomas are delayed due to postal issues or address errors, and the office can often resolve these problems quickly.
Continue Reading: Can you go to college without a high school diploma or GED
How Long Does it Take to Get HiSET Results: FAQs
What’s A Good Score On The HiSET?
A passing score on each HiSET subtest is 8 out of 20, with a combined minimum score of 45 out of 100 across all five subtests. The essay portion requires at least a 2 out of 6 to pass. Meeting these thresholds indicates readiness for a high school equivalency credential.
What Happens After You Pass Your HiSET Test?
After passing, you receive a high school equivalency credential recognized like a high school diploma. You may request official transcripts or score reports to share with employers, colleges, or training programs. This credential opens pathways for further education and career opportunities.
How Long Does It Take To Get Your GED Test Score Back?
GED test scores are generally available within 24 hours for most sections, except the essay which can take 2-3 business days. Official scores are posted online, allowing quick access to results for test takers.
Is The HiSET Harder Than The GED?
Difficulty varies by individual, but both exams test similar academic skills. Some find HiSET easier due to flexibility in testing format and retake policies, while others prefer GED’s fully computer-based format. Proper preparation is key for success on either test.
How Long Does it Take to get HiSET Results: Conclusion
So, how long does it take to get HiSET results? For most test takers, computer-based multiple-choice sections are available within 24 to 48 hours, while complete HiSET exam results, including the essay, arrive in 5 to 10 business days. Paper tests take 10 to 15 business days, and physical diplomas may take 4 to 8 weeks by mail. Understanding how long it takes to get HiSET results helps you plan confidently for college, jobs, or personal goals. Prepare effectively with Prepsaret’s comprehensive HiSET study materials and practice tests today!