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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 with no qualifications. If you are 16 or 17, you can take the exam, but there are additional requirements you need to follow.  If you are 16 or 17, you cannot schedule your HiSET exam until the Massachusetts High School Equivalency Office approves an official Letter of Withdrawal from the last school you attended. Before submitting the letter, first create a HiSET account. Once you have created your account, submit your Letter of Withdrawal. Make sure it meets these criteria
    • is on school letterhead, including the address and phone number
    • includes your last date of attendance and your date of withdrawal
    • comes from the office of the Principal/Headmaster or the Head of Guidance
    • is signed by the Principal/Headmaster or the Head of Guidance
  • 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.

When you submit your letter, be sure to provide your PSI ID number (emailed to you after you create your HiSET account), your phone number and your email address. Email this information along with your letter in a PDF File to [email protected].

 Note: No faxed letters will be accepted. Please allow seven days for U.S. mail to reach us.

The HSE Office will contact you by email within three business days of the receipt of your document and required ETS ID number. Once you receive email approval of your Letter of Withdrawal, you can log into your HiSET account and schedule your HiSET exam.

  • Residency: You must be a resident of Massachusetts, living at a Massachusetts address. You will be required to sign an eligibility form verifying your address. The eligibility form will be provided to you by the test center on your test day.
  • Test Preparation or Instruction: Massachusetts does not have any test preparation or instruction requirements to take the HiSET exam. However, instruction is encouraged before testing.
  • Practice Test: Massachusetts does not require you to take practice tests prior to taking the HiSET exam.
  • 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 exam. Important: The name on your ID must match the name on your registration exactly. Use all capital letters in your name when registering. The approved identification documents include:
    • valid passport
    • valid driver’s license from any state
    • state-issued ID card ( a temporary license, learners permit or school ID with signature is acceptable)
    • national ID card
    • military ID card
  • Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination: You must produce proof of vaccination for COVID-19 before you will be allowed on campus to take the HiSET exam at the following centers::
    • Holyoke Community College
  • Requesting a credential and transcript: To request a credential and an official transcript, go to www.diiplomasender.com

    Massachusetts HiSET Testing Fees

    Paper-based Test

    Perfect for test takers who love the scratch of pencil on paper and the feeling they’re in high school all over again.

    $ 0 .00

    per subtest, plus test administration fee
    (see below)

    • Includes two (2) re-tests per subtest *
    • Paper-based tests may only be taken at a designated test center and are not available for Test at Home.

    Computer-based Test

    Ideal for test takers who are more comfortable clicking a mouse. Plus, it costs less.

    $ 0 .00

    per subtest, plus test administration fee
    (see below)

    Test Administration Fees

    Test Center Fee:

    $ 0 .00

    per subtest

    Test at Home Fee:

    $ 0 .00

    per subtest

    State Admin Fee:

    $ 0 .00

    per subtest

    * 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 your HiSET® test at an official test center or at home enter a promo code MAHISET during the checkout.

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

    *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.