High School Equivalency Exams (for those wanting only an exam, or classes preparing for an exam)
High School Equivalency
HiSET
Berkeley Adult School offers free High School Equivalency (HSE) preparation classes. Monday – Friday 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM or Tuesday and Thursday 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. See counselor to enroll.
BAS is an official test center for HiSET exams. You do not need to be a student at BAS to take the exam here. Adults can earn their High School Equivalency (HSE) certificate from the state of California by passing either of these exams. These exams are designed for people who did not graduate from high school but want a certificate that is equivalent to a high school diploma. Passing the exams shows that you have attained the academic knowledge and proficiency equivalent to those of a high school graduate. To learn more about each exam please visit ged.com and/or hiset.org.
The HiSET can help you achieve the important state-issued high school equivalency credential. They are aligned to the College and Career Readiness (CCR) Standards for Adult Education. They can help identify the areas where you are career and college ready.
The HSE diploma/certificate is accepted by employers and accredited colleges in all 50 of the United States.
HiSET TEST
AT BAS we offer computer & paper and pencil versions of the Hiset test.
The HiSET exam includes five subject tests and takes about 7 hours long with the timing for each subset as follows:
- Language Arts – Reading is 65 minutes
- Language Arts – Writing is 120 minutes
- Mathematics is 90 minutes
- Science is 80 minutes
- Social Studies is 70 minutes
Currently, the HiSET Test is given in English & Spanish.
Modifications and special accommodations for learning or physically disabled students can be provided with advance arrangements with the Educational Testing Service (hiset.ets.org) and BAS
HiSET Sign Up
This HiSET registration process can be done in two easy steps:
There you can create your account. At hiset.org you can find resources for studying, scoring, sample test questions and more.
- During BAS registration hours, bring your payment and proper Identification to the Berkeley Adult School Academic Office to sign up to take the exam.
BAS offers the HiSET test generally the 1st Friday & Saturday each month & Second Tuesday of each month. More dates may be added, contact the HS Clerk, JoAnne Rivera for updates, 510-644-8963.
You must sign up for the test at BAS a least 24 hours before the testing date.
HiSET Test Dates
Make an account at hiset.org & get your ID #, then bring your Hiset ID #, pay for and schedule your exam in the BAS high school office.
Exam Dates: Spring semester 2025
January
Saturday 1/11/25 8:00 am Start – ends mid day
Wednesday 1/15/25 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
February
Saturday 2/8/25 8:00 AM start – ends mid day
Wednesday 2/12/25 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
March
Saturday 3/8/25 8:00 AM start- ends mid day
Wednesday 3/12/25 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
April
Saturday 4/12/25 8:00 AM start – ends mid day
Wednesday 4/16/25 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
May
Saturday 5/3/25 8:00 AM start – ends mid day
Wednesday 5/14/25 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Wednesday Testing in room 118 at 2020 Bonar Street
- Saturday Testing in room B at 1939 Ward Street -entrance on Milvia
*Arrive at least 15 minutes early
*You MUST schedule and pay for your exam(s) in the high school office at least 48 hours in advance
GED Test
The GED test is a computer based test.
The GED® test covers 4 subjects. You can take all 4 together or one at a time at an official GED® test center when you’re ready. If you need a testing accommodation, you can request one prior to scheduling your test.
- Reasoning through Language Arts is 150 minutes (including a 10-minute break)
- Mathematical Reasoning is 115 minutes
- Science is 75 minutes
- Social Studies is 90 minutes
Currently, GED tests can be taken in English & Spanish.
GED Sign Up
Students register online for the GED test using the MyGED™ Portal at https://ged.com.
Students are required to sign up for a MyGED™ account at https://ged.com/ and then they are able to access the dashboard full of information about studying, test day, scheduling, scoring, and college and career opportunities. When students are eligible to schedule, they can log in 24/7 at https://ged.com/ click “Start Scheduling” on the dashboard, complete the demographic questions, schedule one or multiple tests at a time, and pay for their appointment.
BAS offers the GED test generally the 1st Saturday of the month at 8:00 am and one Thursday & Friday of each month. See the dates available at ged.com. You must sign up for the test online (ged.com) at least 24 hours prior to the testing date.
GED Testing Fees
Go to ged.com to schedule and pay for your exams, $41/subject.
