Test Overview
The standard HSPT lasts approximately two and a half hours and contains 298 multiple-choice questions divided into five sections—Verbal, Quantitative, Reading, Mathematic, and Language Skills. The Scholastic Testing Service also provides a choice of one optional test in Mechanical Aptitude, Science, or Catholic Religion, but many schools do not administer these tests, and these test results are not included in the percentile ranking.
Verbal
| Time: | 16 minutes |
| Format: | 60 multiple-choice questions |
| Topics Tested: | Synonyms and antonyms, analogies, logic, and verbal classifications |
Quantitative
| Time: | 30 minutes |
| Format: | 52 multiple-choice questions |
| Topics Tested: | Series, geometric and non-geometric comparisons, and number manipulations |
Reading
| Time: | 25 minutes |
| Format: | 62 multiple-choice questions |
| Topics Tested: | Ability to understand central meanings and details of reading passages |
Mathematics
| Time: | 45 minutes |
| Format: | 64 multiple-choice questions |
| Topics Tested: | Mathematical concepts and problem solving, arithmetic, elementary algebra, and basic geometry |
Language Skills
| Time: | 25 minutes |
| Format: | 60 multiple-choice questions |
| Topics Tested: | Capitalization and punctuation, spelling, usage, and composition |
