Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HiSET?

The HiSET® exam is one of three tests U.S. states and territories use to measure high school equivalency skills. Adults who left high school before graduation have another way to secure a high school equivalency credential. What does that mean? It means that, through testing, you can demonstrate you have the same skills and knowledge as a high school graduate. And doing so can help you create a whole new future. Once you pass the test, you will be issued a high school equivalency certificate that shows you possess the same knowledge as someone who graduated high school. 

Who can take the HiSET?

To take the HiSET exam in the state of Maine, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Age: You must be at least 17 years of age to take the HiSET exam. For additional information and more on documentation required, review the Additional Policies section below.

• Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Maine to take the HiSET exam. However, you must take at least one of the five HiSET subtests from a Maine test center and meet all eligibility requirements for the state of Maine to be eligible to be awarded the Maine High School Equivalency Diploma. Maine residents must provide proof of Maine residency in order to take the HiSET exam for free.

• Test Preparation or Instruction: Other than the Official HiSET Practice Test (see below), Maine does not require any test preparation or instruction to take the initial test. Test takers are encouraged to prepare for the HiSET exam at a local adult education site. Maine adult education programs provide comprehensive academic services at little or no cost to the test taker and encourage instruction before retesting. See the Additional Policies section below for more information.

• Practice Test: You must first take and pass the Official HiSET Practice Test at a local adult education test center or provide similar evidence (to the satisfaction of the local Maine test center) of preparation for testing. Local test centers may impose additional requirements concerning age waivers, initial testing, and retesting through local school board policies.

• Identification: You must present identification on test day at the HiSET test center. Outdated or expired identification will not be accepted. Acceptable evidence includes:

  • valid State of Maine ID

  • driver’s license

  • passport

  • military ID

  • other form of government issued (national or foreign) identification that shows name, address, date of birth, signature and photograph

• Language Testing: In Maine, the HiSET exam is only available in English.

Where is a HiSET accepted?

Everywhere! A high school equivalency (HSE) credential is issued by the state, not by the test provider. Just as one state will honor another state’s high school diploma, they will also honor another state’s HSE credential. No matter where you take it or which test you take, your HSE credential will be accepted.

The HiSET® program has worked with government agencies to make sure HiSET test takers can use the credentials they earn to meet federal education requirements, such as qualifying for federal student aid in the form of grants, loans and work-study funds or demonstrating HSE for government programs or groups. This includes:

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)

• U.S. Military

• U.S. Department of Labor Job Corps Program

How old do you have to be to qualify for adult education services?

State law provides admission to adult education programs for students 17 and older. 

How much does it cost to receive services from adult education?

With the exception of enrichment classes, the majority of adult ed classes, testing and services are provided at no cost to the student.