High School Placement Test Information - Exam Format, Scoring & Test Day Guide

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Rhys

High School Placement Test (HSPT) information outlines the exam structure, including five multiple-choice sections: verbal, quantitative, reading, mathematics, and language skills. The guide explains the overall testing time, total number of questions, and how answers should be marked. It details the scoring method based on correct responses with no penalty for incorrect answers, plus the reported score range. Test-day guidance covers required materials, identification, time management, reading directions carefully, and expectations for check-in, procedures, and school-specific policies.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

About the Exam

Exam Format

Scoring

On Test Day

What Should I Bring to the Exam?

What Should I Expect on Test Day?

Where Should I Take the Exam?

Scholarship Information

High School Placement Test Information About the Exam: The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is made up of five, multiple-choice, parts: verbal, quantitative, reading, mathematics, and language skills. The exam takes two hours to complete and contains 298 questions. The multiple-choice questions are designed to indicate how well a student performs tasks that can be expected of an average eighth grader. Exam Format: Every question uses a multiple-choice format, with three to four answer choices, lettered (A),(B),(C), or (D) . The questions are written consecutively, so make sure you mark your answer in the corresponding number on the answer sheet! Here is a break down of your time allotted and number of questions in each section of the test: | Test Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotted | | --- | --- | --- | | Verbal Skills | 60 | 16 minutes | | Quantitative Skills | 52 | 30 minutes | | Reading | 62 | 25 minutes | | Mathematics | 64 | 45 minutes | | Language Skills | 60 | 25 minutes | Scoring: Your score on the HSPT is based on the number of questions you answer correctly. NO POINTS are subtracted for incorrect answers, so answer every question even if you have to guess! Your score will be reported on a scale of 200-800, which tells you how your performance on the HSPT compares with the other 120,000 students taking the exam. On Test Day What should I bring to the exam? 1. Two or more sharpened \#2 pencils. Do not bring a mechanical pencil. 2. Identification and admission ticket (if given one) . 3. Unless you were told to bring a calculator, do not bring one to your exam. Most high school entrance exams do not allow calculators. Contact your exam site, before test day, for more information about calculators. 4. Wear a watch, this way you know how much time you have left in each section. If you have a watch with an alarm, make sure to turn it off. (Calculator watches are not allowed. ) 5. When you enter the room, find a seat and relax! You will be able to concentrate better if you can relax before the exam is given. What should I expect on test day? 1. The first step to the exam is filling out forms. You will be given detailed instruction on this procedure. Listen to the proctor, read, and follow the directions. This is not timed, so do not rush through this! 2. The exam proctor will give you instructions for taking the exam. You will be told when to start and when to stop. You will also be given instructions on procedure if you find a problem with your test, or if you have to stop for any reason. 3. Read ALL directions carefully! Directions will be similar to practice questions, but they might have changed. So read everything! 4. Read every word of every question. Be alert for little words that might have a big effect on your answer. Examples of words: not, most, all, every, and except. 5. Read all of the answer choices before you select an answer! 6. If you don’t know, guess! You have a 20-25% chance of marking the correct answer! Make a small mark you can erase next to the question number and come back to it after you have answered all other questions in that section. Where should I take the exam? Each high school has a different policy on the HSPT regarding scholarships and accepting scores from other exam sites. Below you will find brief information regarding the HSPT from the high schools we toured. For more detailed information please contact the Admissions Department for your high school of choice. Immaculate Conception: When: The HSPT is offered the first Saturday in December. On Test Day: Test takers should arrive by 8:15 a. m. , and will be dismissed by 11:30 a. m. There is a$20 .00 charge for the HSPT that can be pre-paid or paid the morning of. Checks can be made to ICCS. Students need to bring two \#2 pencils (not mechanical) . Questions: Contact Director of Admissions, Betsy Mckay, by phone (901) 435-5309 or email at [betsy.mckay@ic.cdom.org.](betsy.

FAQs

What sections are included in the HSPT and how many questions are in each?

The HSPT has five multiple-choice parts: Verbal Skills (60), Quantitative Skills (52), Reading (62), Mathematics (64), and Language Skills (60).

How is the HSPT scored?

Scores are based on the number of questions answered correctly, with no points subtracted for incorrect answers. Reported scores are on a 200–800 scale comparing results to other test-takers.

What should students bring on test day and what timing tips are recommended?

Students should bring two or more sharpened #2 pencils (no mechanical pencils). Wear a watch to track time by section, and follow proctor instructions for forms and start/stop times.

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Rhys