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Congratulations on pursuing your high school equivalency certificate (HSE)! Earning your HSE is an important milestone. Here you can find information on adult education classes that will help you prepare to take the exam, how to register to take the exam, and how to get copies of your credential for future reference.
Congratulations on pursuing your high school equivalency certificate (HSE)! Earning your HSE is an important milestone. Here you can find information on adult education classes that will help you prepare to take the exam, how to register to take the exam, and how to get copies of your credential for future reference.
HSE Testing Information
HSE Testing Information
HiSET & GED testing in the community is not the same as while incarcerated. Some correctional programs require that you take and pass a practice examination while others only offer testing at predetermined dates. These practice tests are not a requirement to take the high school equivalency exam in the community. However, it is recommended that you do take a practice exam to assess your test readiness. Practice exams and other study guides can be found online through a quick Google search. Additionally, you can register to take the exam at any time even if you are not in an adult education program, although adult education classes will help prepare you for the exam.
You have the option of taking the exam on the computer (CBT) or on paper (PBT). Not all centers offer both computer and paper based testing so check to see if the test center has the option you want. It is important to note that HiSET offers both computer and paper test options but GED only offers computer based testing. You will need basic keyboarding skills for either computer based test as you will be expected to type your essay response in a fixed amount of time. If you are not familiar with typing then the HiSET might be a better option for you.
Currently, test fees for both the HiSET and GED are paid for by the Commonwealth so there is no expense to you!
High School Equivalency testing is done across the Commonwealth so finding a test site near you should be relatively easy. If you have questions about registration, you should contact the test center directly.
The HiSET and General Equivalency Diploma (GED) are the only two high school equivalency tests certified by the MA Department of Education (DESE). Successfully completing either the HiSET or GED exams will earn you a high school equivalency certificate. You can learn more about the similarities and differences of HiSET and GED exams and how to schedule an exam here.
There are a number of adult education programs across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Adult education programs include classes to help prepare students to take the HiSET or GED exam and classes that teach English as a Second Language.
Community based programs may have enrollment periods for when new students can start classes. If you are interested in enrolling, you should reach out to the program and find out its policies and procedures. You will most likely be added to a waitlist and will be contacted when they begin enrolling new students.
Find an adult education program by clicking here.
You can register to take the HiSET or GED exams at any time even if you are not in an adult education program. There are many test centers all of Massachusetts so you should be able to find one close to you.
NEVER give out your original certificate. The Massachusetts Department of Education (DESE) only issues one original high school equivalency (HSE) credential. However, you may find that you need an official copy for an employer. To get an official certified copy of your HSE, you need to go through DiplomaSender. You can request a copy online or by calling 1-855-313-5799. Please note that there is a fee to request a copy of your HSE.
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