California HiSET Proficiency Requirements
If you’re a high school student looking to begin your higher education or career journey, the HiSET Proficiency is a great option to help you achieve your goals.
The HiSET Proficiency allows students to take the HiSET Reading, Writing, and Math subtests, which assess their proficiency in the standards taught up to the 12th grade level. After passing all three subtests, you’ll earn a California Certificate of Proficiency, which is equivalent to a California high school diploma.
The California Certificate of Proficiency is widely accepted at all California Junior Colleges, State Universities, and Universities of California. It is also recognized by California employers as the equivalent of a high school diploma. Students planning to take the HiSET Proficiency exam should verify with their intended college or university that the California Certificate of Proficiency meets its admission requirements and confirm that they have completed all required coursework for enrollment.
After earning a California Certificate of Proficiency and officially exiting high school, individuals are eligible to take the remaining two HiSET subtests, Science and Social Studies, to qualify for a California High School Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is recognized throughout the U.S. and internationally and may provide broader educational and employment opportunities than the California Certificate of Proficiency alone. See the California Proficiency Program for more information.
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Resident: There is no residency requirement for the California Proficiency Program. Students must meet one of the following requirements:
- 16 years of age or older, OR
- Enrolled in grade 10 for one school year or longer, OR
- Will complete one school year of enrollment in grade 10 at the end of the semester during which the next regular examination will be conducted
- Students must also be currently subject to California’s compulsory education laws pursuant to EC Section 48200, which may be evidenced by one of the following:
- Current enrollment in a California K-12 public high school; OR
- Current enrollment in a private school (registered by filing a private school affidavit with the California Department of Education pursuant to EC Section 33190, including homeschooling under EC Section 48222); OR
- Current work permit issued by the Department of Industrial Relations Division, with tutoring (EC Section 48224) or enrollment in an independent study program (EC Section 51745).
- Online Testing: Yes, you can take the California HiSET Proficiency online.
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Cost:
- HiSET Proficiency Cost at a Test Center: $158 per subtest or $474 for all subtests.
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HiSET Proficiency Cost Online: $167 per subtest or $501 for all subtests.
Note: California HiSET Proficiency requires a $34 state administration fee for each scheduled exam.
- Subjects: Reading, Writing, and Math.
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Score:
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HiSET Proficiency: Passing scores for the California Proficiency Program differ from the high school equivalency. To pass, you must:
- Score at least 15 out of 20 on each subtest (Reading, Writing, and Math).
- Score at least 4 out of 6 on the Writing essay.
- Achieve a total scaled score of at least 45 out of 60.
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HiSET Proficiency: Passing scores for the California Proficiency Program differ from the high school equivalency. To pass, you must:
- Accommodations: You must submit a PSI Accommodations Request Form.
- Diploma: After passing the test, the State of California will award you a California Certificate of Proficiency, demonstrating achievement equivalent to a high school graduate.
Aligned with HiSET Test Standards
HiSET Academy courses are aligned with the HiSET exam, as recognized by PSI Services.
Online HiSET Proficiency Classes in California
Need help studying? HiSET Academy will help you get your California HiSET Proficiency fast and easy. Join over 4.5 million adults who took our online classes to prepare for the HiSET exam!
Below you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about how to obtain your California Certificate of Proficiency.
To get a copy of your California Certificate of Proficiency, you can request it through the HiSET.
HiSET Proficiency: A minimum score of 15 out of 20 is required on each of the three subtests (Reading, Writing, and Math). Score at least 4 out of 6 on the Writing subtest essay. Achieve a total scaled score on all three HiSET subtests of at least 45 out of 60. You can view your results in your HiSET account after you have completed each subtest.
Students must meet one of the following requirements:
- 16 years of age or older, OR
- Enrolled in grade 10 for one school year or longer, OR
- Will complete one school year of enrollment in grade 10 at the end of the semester during which the next regular examination will be conducted.
HiSET Proficiency: Find out about disability accommodations and complete a HiSET Accommodations Request Form.
If you're a high school student (or meet specific eligibility criteria) looking to demonstrate proficiency and advance your education sooner, earning your California Certificate of Proficiency through the HiSET Proficiency program is a great option. The sooner you start, the sooner you can meet your goals.
Steps to Get the HiSET Proficiency in California
- Check Your Eligibility in California: Eligibility for the California Proficiency Program (using HiSET subtests) requires meeting specific criteria. You can find the list of requirements at the top of this page.
- Study for the Test: Preparing for the California HiSET Proficiency is key to success. Choose from various study options, including study guides, attending local prep classes, or studying online. Find the method that works best for you.
- Practice the Material: Create a quiet and focused study environment. Use HiSET study guides or online classes to help structure your learning.
- Take HiSET Practice Tests: Practice tests are a great way to track your progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Register for the Test: When you're ready, schedule your California HiSET Proficiency exam.
- Take the Test: On test day, bring a valid, non-expired, government-issued photo ID. Personal items are not allowed in the testing area.
- Get Your Certificate: After passing the test, the State of California will award you a California Certificate of Proficiency, showing that you have achieved the same level of knowledge as a high school graduate.
In California, you can earn a high school equivalency certificate by taking the GED test or HiSET exam. The credential is called the California High School Equivalency Certificate. A GED or HiSET certificate is accepted by most employers and 98% of colleges, making it a widely recognized and respected credential.
The HiSET offers free and paid resources. Additionally, Essential Education provides a free HiSET practice test. You can choose to practice one subject, multiple subjects, or all subjects.
Yes, in fact, the California Department of Education recommends taking HiSET test prep course before testing. HiSET Academy is fully aligned with HiSET exam standards and recognized by the HiSET testing service. That’s why over 4.5 million people have used these programs to earn their credentials. It's fast, easy, and affordable.
The California HiSET Proficiency exam only focuses on Reading, Writing, and Math. While it may seem challenging, preparation is key, and online classes can help you get ready.
- HiSET Proficiency Cost at a Test Center: $158 per subtest or $474 for all subtests.
- HiSET Proficiency Cost Online: $167 per subtest or $501 for all subtests.
Note: The state of California requires a $34 fee for each scheduled exam.
HiSET Proficiency: Full fees apply each time you attempt an exam. Fee waivers may be available for eligible homeless or foster youth under 25. Contact HiSET for more information.
HiSET Proficiency: The California HiSET Proficiency tests you on Reading, Writing, and Math.
HiSET Proficiency: Passing scores for the California Proficiency Program are different than the high school equivalency. To pass the HiSET Proficiency, you must:
- Score at least 15 out of 20 on each of the three subtests (Reading, Writing, and Math).
- Score at least 4 out of 6 on the Writing subtest essay.
- Achieve a total scaled score on all three HiSET subtests of at least 45 out of 60.
Yes, in California, you can take the HiSET Proficiency subtests at an official testing center or online.
Use our list of authorized testing centers in California to find a location near you.
HiSET Proficiency: HiSET Proficiency test takers may take each subtest a maximum of three times in a 6-month period (January 1-June 30 or July 1-December 31). This limits you to about six attempts per calendar year. Retakes are allowed without a long waiting period beyond the 6-month cap, but prepare thoroughly to avoid unnecessary attempts.
Yes, in California, the HiSET Proficiency exam is available in English or Spanish.
For Spanish speakers, HiSET Academy provides mobile-friendly, online courses designed to fully align with test standards. The program covers all test subjects with engaging, expert-designed lessons, helping you confidently prepare to take the exam in English or Spanish.
HiSET Proficiency: You can choose to take each subtest individually, but if you prefer, you may also take multiple subtests in a single day, subject to availability at your testing center and your personal preference.
HiSET Proficiency Exam:
Subject |
Time |
|---|---|
| Reading | 65 minutes (80 minutes for Spanish) |
| Writing | 120 minutes |
| Math | 90 minutes |
| Total | 4 hours, 35 minutes |
HiSET Proficiency Exam:
Subject |
# of Questions |
|---|---|
| Reading | 50 multiple-choice |
| Writing | 60 multiple-choice + one essay |
| Math | 55 multiple-choice |
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