Questions and Answers

What are the four Maryland High School Assessments?

The High School Assessments (HSAs) are four state tests that students in the graduating class of 2009 (entered Grade 9 in 2005) must pass in order to graduate. The four subject areas are

• Algebra 1
• Biology
• English 10
• National, State, and Local (NSL) Government

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When do students take the HSA?

Students take each test as they complete the course. For example, the HSA for English 10 will be taken in 10th grade. Some students take Algebra 1 in middle school. In that case, they will take the HSA in middle school when they complete the course.

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Can students take the test again if they do not pass the first time?

Yes. Students should speak to their school counselors about receiving extra help. Once students have received this help, they can retake the test. The tests are given three times a year – January, May, and July. Since it takes approximately three months for students to get the results, students should make sure they have passed all tests before Grade 12.

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What scores are needed to pass the HSA?

The passing scores are:

Subject	Passing Score
Algebra 1	412
Biology	400
English 10	396
NSL Government	394

Another way for students to meet the HSA graduation requirement is to earn a minimum score on each test with a combined score of at least 1602. The minimum scores are*:

Subject	Passing Score
Algebra 1	402
Biology	391
English 10	386
NSL Government	387

Examples:

Meets Requirement			Does Not Meet Requirement
Algebra 1	405 (Minimum)		Algebra 1	409 (Minimum)
Biology	410 (pass)		Biology	405 (pass)
English 10	386 (Minimum)		English 10	396 (Pass)
NSL Government	402 (Pass)		NSL Government	390 (Minimum)
Total	1603 (Pass)		Total	1600 (Fail)*

* Even if students achieve the minimum score option, their score must total 1602 or higher.

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