Massachusetts | The HiSET Exam

Massachusetts HiSET^® Requirements

The following policies apply to anyone taking the HiSET^® exam in Massachusetts.

When you schedule an appointment, you will need to confirm that you have read and understand these policies. See the Massachusetts high school equivalency testing program website for more information.

Massachusetts Eligibility Requirements

To take the HiSET exam in Massachusetts, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Age: You must be 18 years or older to be eligible to take the HiSET® exam in Massachusetts.

If you are 16 or 17, you can take the exam, but there are additional requirements you need to follow. Candidates, who are 16 or 17 years of age, cannot schedule any tests until an official Letter of Withdrawal from the last school attended has been approved by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Please see Under-18 Special Requirements – High School Equivalency (HSE) Testing Program (mass.edu) on the State website for this process.

School Enrollment Status: You must NOT be enrolled in any secondary school program and must not have received a high school diploma or high school equivalency credential.

Residency: You must be a resident of Massachusetts, living at a Massachusetts address. Note: The scheduling system will not allow you to register with an address from another state or jurisdiction.

Test Preparation or Instruction: Massachusetts does not have any test preparation or practice test requirement before testing. Learn more about HSE Preparation Options – High School Equivalency (HSE) Testing Program (mass.edu) on the state website.

Identification: You must present proper identification at the test center for each test session. Outdated or expired identification will not be accepted. Failure to provide documentation will prohibit you from taking the test.

Important: The name on your ID must match the name on your registration exactly. Use all capital letters in your name when registering. Example: KEVIN HERTA

The approved identification documents include:

A valid passport from any country
A valid driver’s license from any state
A state-issued ID card (a temporary license, learners permit or school ID with signature is acceptable)
National ID card
Military ID card

Combining GED® and HiSET® subtest scores: Effective November 23, 2022, Massachusetts High School Equivalency candidates may combine GED® and HiSET® subtest scores to complete the requirements of their High School Equivalency Credential. More information is available on the state website: High School Equivalency (HSE) Testing Program – Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Requesting a credential and transcript: To request a credential and an official transcript, visit DiplomaSender.com.

HiSET Massachusetts English Language Learner Test Accommodations Request Process: If you are a HiSET MA test taker and English is not your primary language, you may qualify for test accommodations. Click here for more information on the request process.

Access your myHiSET account on PSIExams.com

Massachusetts myHiSET Login

HiSET Massachusetts Testing Options and Fees

Effective February 6, 2023, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts pays for a candidate’s first HiSET® test in each subject plus two retakes per subject. When scheduling any HiSET subtest at an official test center or at home enter the promo code MAHISET during checkout.

You are encouraged to schedule all five tests at the time of registration; however, you have the option to schedule from one to five tests at one time.

You will receive two retests per subtest and you can take up to two retests per subtest in a calendar year (January – December).

Please log in to your HiSET account for more information.

Retesting

What to know: HiSET test takers may take each subtest a maximum of three (3) times in a calendar year.

How it works: If you take your first official HiSET subtest in the month of January and then take two retakes at a test center in the months of February and March, you would not be permitted to take that subtest again until the next calendar year starting in January.

What it costs: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts pays for a candidate’s first HiSET® test in each subject plus two retakes per subject. When scheduling your HiSET subtests at an official test center or at home enter the promo code MAHISET during the checkout.