In January 2014, Maine changed its approved high school equivalency test from the GED to the HiSET.
HiSET Orientation & Pre-testing
Find out if you are ready to pass the HiSET! All HiSET orientation & pre-testing sessions are free and so is getting your high school credential!
Registration is by appointment only. Please call our Saco Learning Center at (207) 282-3846 (in summer pls call (207) 934-7922) to set up a meeting and complete the student intake process.
Completing the HiSET Orientation is required before beginning official HiSET testing. Click Course Offerings to view courses that support the passing of the actual HiSET exam. Your orientation will help to assess if you need further course work, what kind of course work and set you up with a plan for successful completion. Let’s get started!
HiSET Official Testing
Schedule your session with Liis Nigol, our Official HiSET Examiner. Call the Saco Learning Center and get started! (207) 282-3846
Complete high school by passing the HiSET. The HiSET is a series of five tests, held in Old Orchard Beach on the first 3 Tuesdays of every month. Pass and get your high school credential – all at no cost to you!
Sept – December TBA
Testers must arrive 15 minutes early – before their first appointment- with a VALID PHOTO ID.
Click to view supporting courses for the HiSET Course Offerings
Missed the start date? No problem! Most classes enroll well after the start date as programs are tailored to the student.
Our HiSET Math and Reading classes outlined below cover the material in the 5 subject areas that you will be tested in.
HiSET Math
Target those math skills and test taking strategies needed to pass the HiSET! Every class introduces a new concept with an activity and skills practice. Included in this review are fractions, decimals, percents, algebra and basic geometry. Time is also given for individualized instruction.
HiSET Reading
Learn strategies for reading comprehension and interpretation of a variety of genres: nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and journalism. This workshop is appropriate for those students who need to enhance their skills in reading, social studies and/or science to complete the HiSET test successfully.
FREE HiSET test review: http://www.mometrix.com/academy/hiset-test/ Over 7 hrs of free video tutorials and practice questions for the HiSET.
Frequently Asked Questions about the HiSET
What is the HiSET?
The HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) is a test of general educational development, which covers reading, writing, math, social studies and science. Upon successful completion of testing, a student is awarded a Maine high school equivalency diploma.
How old do you have to be to take the HiSET?
Those eligible for receiving a Maine High School Equivalency Diploma through the HiSET are 17 years of age or older and can pass the five tests with the required scores. Those younger than 17 years of age are not generally eligible to take the HiSET but can begin preparing for testing.
How do I get started if I want to take the HiSET?
Attend one of our free HiSET Orientation Sessions and take the pretests to find out if you can pass the official HiSET tests. The orientations start the first week of each month. Call to register at our Academic division (207) 282-3846 or our Admin offices (207) 934-7922 in summer. If you need additional course work you can enroll in one of our HiSET evening classes which are also free.
Getting your Maine High School Equivalency Diploma with the HiSET – at NO COST to you!
There are many resources available to help you study for the HiSET. The tests cover reading, writing, social studies, science, and mathematics. The tests also measure communication, information processing, problem solving and critical thinking skills.
Is the HiSET recognized as a high school credential?
Yes!
HiSET will be Maine’s officially endorsed high school equivalency exam. The HiSET is produced through ETS, a leader in test development and creator of nationally recognized exams such as the GRE and Praxis series of assessments. ETS is a nonprofit organization advancing quality and equity in education, administering 50 million exams every year.
Do employers and colleges recognize the HiSET?
Yes!
The HiSET covers the academic knowledge and skills learned in four years of high school: reading, writing, social studies, science, and mathematics. HiSET equivalency diploma recipients demonstrate the skills of communication, information processing, problem solving, and critical thinking. The Fact Is: The HiSET exams measure many of the US Labor Department’s necessary workplace skills that are valued by employers.
How will getting the HiSET help me?
Passing the HiSET can mean big benefits for the individual, for business and for society. For many, these tests are the first steps toward better jobs, further training or higher education.
How long does it take to finish the HiSET?
There are five tests: language arts, social studies, science, reading and mathematics. The test series takes several sessions totaling about 7 hours. Everyone must first take our HiSET Orientation and pretest before taking the official HiSET. Depending on your pretest scores, you may need to take classes to improve your skills. There is no one answer to how long it will take as each person has an individual plan tailored to their needs.
Assistance for People with Disabilities
If you believe you have a disability keeping you from taking the HiSET tests as they are usually given, you might be entitled to receive reasonable testing accommodations. Accommodations are available for people with psychological, physical and/or learning disabilities such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD).
When are the HiSET Orientation sessions held and where?
(These days/times/locations may change during the pandemic)
The HiSET orientation sessions are on the first three Wednesdays of each month, starting the first Wednesday of the month from September through May. Students need to attend all three sessions.
Call (207) 282-3846 (our Academic division, Saco Learning Center) or in summer call (207) 934-7922 (Admin office) to register. Sessions are held in the evenings at the Saco Learning Center on 80 Common Street in Saco.
What happens during the HiSET Orientation sessions?
You will get an overview of the HiSET and take the pretests. If you score above the requirements, you will be scheduled to take the official HiSET tests. Those with scores under the requirements are registered for our HiSET workshops or classes to improve their skills before taking the official HiSET.
For further information, please call the Saco Learning Center at (207) 282-3846 or our admin office in summer, (207) 934-7922.
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