HiSET Testing at Second Start

In 2014, the state of New Hampshire replaced the General Education Diploma (GED) with the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET). Second Start is the HiSET test administration center for the Greater Concord area. The HiSET is administered by PSI Services and includes tests of reading, writing, math, science and social studies. The test is scheduled over two days to allow time for students to complete all 5 subject tests. Appointments and credit card payment for tests are made on the PSI website. The HiSET testing fee is $125.00, students taking individual subtests pay $25.00 per subject.

Our computer based test administration schedule includes day and evening test sessions each month. Tests can be taken one by one or the full battery of 5 subject tests can be taken in a two day test session. If taking all 5 subject tests, please register for math and writing on the first day and reading, science, and social studies on the second day. Test sessions usually begin at 10 am. Please select the 10 am appointment for your first test so that all testers can enter the computer lab, receive instructions, and begin testing at once. Select 11:30 am for your second test session and 1:00 pm for your third test session. Please arrive 15 minutes in advance of the test start time and bring a government issued form of identification. Your valid government issued ID is required to enter the test center and the name on your ID must match exactly the name used to register for the exam.

Testers self-register on the PSI website and select Second Start Computer Based Test (CBT) as their test administration center. Tests sessions fill quickly, please complete registration at least 2 weeks in advance. 

1. The first step is to create a student account on the PSI website: http://hiset.org. Please note your username, password, and account number. Your HiSET scores and record of test appointments will be available on this PSI portal. 

2. The second step is to use your PSI student portal to register and pay for the tests you are ready to take. An appointment is made for each subject, for instance math at 10 am, writing at 11:30 am on day 1 and reading at 10 am, science at 11:30 am, and social studies at 1 pm on day 2. Always start with the 10 am appointment. Writing is the longest test, please schedule the writing test with just one other test. 

The minimum age to take the HiSET is 16. Students under the age of 18 must obtain permission to test from their local high school and take the HiSET official practice tests in each subject to check preparedness for the official exam.  A school district official must authorize a student to take the HiSET by signing the Request to Waive Age Requirement for High School Equivalency Exam.

If it is necessary to cancel or reschedule a HiSET due to illness or emergency, please make the change to your registration on your PSI portal before midnight on the evening prior to the test appointment. If a cancellation is necessary after midnight of the evening prior to the test appointment, please call PSI Customer Service at 1-855-MyHiSET (1-855-694-4738); if you do not contact PSI Customer Service you will forfeit your testing fees and will need to pay to reschedule your tests. Please also call Second Start at 603-228-1341 so we know you are unable to keep the appointment to test.

Second Start offers free classes in the morning and evenings to prepare for the HiSET. Please check out our HiSET Prep webpage and use the Contact Us form on that page for information about our HiSET Prep classes. PSI offers free downloadable practice tests, sample questions, scored sample writing responses, and a writing response scoring guide.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, test accommodations are available for students with physical disabilities, emotional disabilities, learning disabilities, and ADHD/ADD. Accommodations include, but are not limited to, private testing room, extended time, reader, and scribe. 

Unless under 18, Second Start does not require students to take an Official Practice Test before taking the official HiSET exam. Registration for the Official Practice Test is required.

Please contact Barb Graff or Toni Mealey using the form on this page to schedule an Official Practice Test.