The High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) can be taken by students seeking an Adult Diploma rather than a Nevada Certificate of High School Equivalency in order to waive some of the course requirements for the Adult Diploma.  Specifically, an individual may waive up to ten credits for English, Mathematics, Science and electives. High scores on the HiSET may save a person from taking a number of adult education classes. Earning specific scores on the test can do this. Below, you will find how scores on the HiSET translate into credits, along with some guidelines regarding the use the HiSET results in the adult diploma program.
TEST CREDITS EARNED THROUGH THE HiSET

HiSET Subject                                   For a score of 10-11                          For a score of 12 & above       

Language Arts  (Reading and Writing)        2 credits                                              4 credits

Mathematics                                                1 credit                                                3 credits

Science                                                        1 credit                                                2 credits

Social Studies                                              1 credit                                                2 credits

Guidelines and restrictions

  1. It is important to note that waived credits can occur only when you have not earned credits previous to the HiSET. For example, if you earned two credits in English from your previous education and scored above a 12 on your HiSET English and Literacy tests, then only two English credits would be waived, not
    four.
  2. Social studies credits on this apply only to electives and not U.S. History and Government.
  3. Individuals who have passed the HiSET may retake the test to improve their scores and therefore the number of credits waived. It is important to waive as many credits as possible, so pre-testing and study in the appropriate HiSET areas is vital before you take the actual test.
  4. An individual who fails the HiSET may retake it as many as three times in a given year. You are only required to take the subtests if you fail.
  5. If you are 18 years or older, there are no additional requirements to take the exam. If you are 16 or 17 years old,  a parental permission form and approval from the Douglas County School Board is required. Remember that the student must continue to attend high school full time (either in day or night school) until they have taken the HiSET.
  6. Adult diploma candidates who plan on graduating during June and need credits waived must take the HiSET no later than the middle of May. The HiSET is sent out of state for scoring and this can take as long as two weeks.