Massachusetts GED and HiSET Requirements
- Resident: You must be a resident of Massachusetts.
- Age: In Massachusetts, you must be 18 years old to take the GED or HiSET. If you are 16-17, you must meet specific requirements.
- Enrolled: You cannot be enrolled in an accredited high school or be a high school graduate.
- Online Testing: Yes, the HiSET is available for online testing in Massachusetts. However, the Massachusetts GED cannot be taken online.
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Cost:
- GED Cost at a Test Center: Free.
- GED Cost Online: This state does not offer online GED testing.
Voucher codes: First test in a subject: MAFREEGED1, Retake in a subject: MARETAKE, Second retake in a subject: MAFREEGED1.
- HiSET Cost at a Test Center: Free.
- HiSET Cost Online: Free.
Note: Effective February 6, 2023, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will pay 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.
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Score:
- GED: A minimum score of 145 is required on each subject to pass.
- HiSET: A minimum score of 8 is required on each subtest, with a combined score of 45. The Language Arts, Writing essay requires a minimum score of 2.
- Accommodations: You must apply for disability accommodations through the GED Testing Service website or fill out a HiSET Accommodations Request Form on the HiSET website.
- Diploma: After passing the test, the State of Massachusetts will award you a high school equivalency certificate, showing that you have achieved the same level of knowledge as a high school graduate. You must take action and register at DiplomaSender.com to receive your free documents.
Online GED and HiSET Classes in Massachusetts
Need help studying? GED & HiSET Academy will help you get your Massachusetts GED or HiSET fast and easy. Join over 4.5 million users who took our online classes to prepare for the GED & HiSET test!
Below you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about how to obtain your GED or HiSET in Massachusetts.
GED: 145 minimum per subject
HiSET: 8 minimum per subtest, combined minimum of 45, 2 minimum on the essay
Yes, you must be a resident of Massachusetts to take the GED and HiSET.
You must be 18 years old to take the GED and HiSET in Massachusetts.
Yes, 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.
GED: The Massachusetts GED tests you on Language Arts (Reading and Writing), Math, Science, and Social Studies.
HiSET: The Massachusetts HiSET tests you on Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
GED Test:
Subject |
Time |
---|---|
Language Arts | 150 minutes |
Math | 115 minutes |
Science | 90 minutes |
Social Studies | 90 minutes |
Total | 7 hours, 41 minutes |
HiSET Exam:
Subject |
Time |
---|---|
Reading | 60 minutes |
Writing | 120 minutes |
Math | 90 minutes |
Science | 80 minutes |
Social Studies | 70 minutes |
Total | 7 hours |
GED Test:
Subject |
# of Questions |
---|---|
Language Arts | 46 |
Math | 46 |
Science | 34 |
Social Studies | 35 |
HiSET Exam:
Subject |
# of Questions |
---|---|
Reading | 40-50 |
Writing | 40-50 + essay |
Math | 40-50 |
Science | 40-50 |
Social Studies | 40-50 |
GED:
- In-person at a Testing Center: In Massachusetts, there is no waiting period if you do not pass a subject area test the first time. After taking a test subject three times, you’ll have to wait 60 days before retesting. There’s no limit to how many times you can test in a year.
HiSET: HiSET test takers may take each subtest a maximum of three times in a calendar year.
GED: No, the GED can only be taken at an official testing center.
HiSET: Yes, you can take the HiSET exam either at an official testing center or online.
You can find the nearest testing center to you using our list of authorized testing centers in Massachusetts.
GED: You must apply for disability accommodations through the GED Testing Service website.
HiSET: Find out about disability accommodations and complete a HiSET Accommodations Request Form.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has partnered with DiplomaSender to fulfill requests for High School Equivalency transcripts and certificates.
After passing the GED test or HiSET exam, you will need to purchase your certificate and transcript, which are $15 each. To purchase them, you must take action and register at DiplomaSender.com.
If you're like many Americans, you're probably wondering: How can I get my GED fast? Well, the good news is that earning your GED certificate is easier than you think. The sooner you start, the sooner you can meet your goals.
Take the steps one at a time.
- Check Your Eligibility: Every state has its own HSE test eligibility requirements. You can find Massachusetts's requirements here.
- Learn the Material: Study for the test. You can study on your own, in a local GED-prep classroom, or online.
- Practice the Material: Establish a quiet study space. Focus your study with a guides or online classes. Check your learning with practice tests.
- Register: When you're ready, schedule your test online.
- Take the Test: On test day, bring a non-expired, government-issued photo ID. All personal items must remain outside of the testing area.
After you pass the test, the State of Massachusetts will award you a GED certificate that will show you have achieved the same level of knowledge as a high school graduate.
How long does it take to go through GED classes?
It varies by student, but here at GED Academy most students complete their coursework in about three months.
I didn't pass. How many times can you take the GED?
Some states have individual policies about retaking the test, but generally you can take the test about three times a year. Don't worry, you won't have to retake any subjects you passed previously.
What you should know:
- You should be familiar with math concepts, measurements, equations, and applying math concepts to solve real-life problems.
- You don’t have to memorize formulas and will be given a formula sheet in the test center as well as on the screen in the test.
- Essential Education offers a free practice test for math that will help you assess your readiness for the test.
- GED Academy gives you all the math you need to study at one affordable price.
Yes, in Massachusetts, both the GED and HiSET exams are available in Spanish.
For Spanish-speaking learners, GED Academy and HiSET Academy provide mobile-friendly, online courses designed to fully align with test standards. These programs cover all test subjects with engaging, expert-designed lessons, helping you confidently prepare to take the exam in English or Spanish.
GED:
- In-person at a Testing Center: Yes, in Massachusetts you can take all GED test subjects in one day, provided you find a testing center with available hours that can accommodate this.
HiSET: You can choose to take each subtest individually, but if you prefer, you may also take multiple subtests in a single day, subject to availability at your testing center and your personal preference.
In Massachusetts, you can earn a high school equivalency certificate by taking the GED test or HiSET exam. Employers and 98% of colleges accept a GED or HiSET certificate.
Yes, in fact, GED Academy and HiSET Academy are fully aligned with GED test and HiSET exam standards and recognized by the testing services. That’s why over 4.5 million people have used these programs to earn their credentials. It's fast, easy, and simple.
- GED Cost at a Test Center: Free.
- GED Cost Online: This state does not offer online GED testing.
Voucher codes: First test in a subject: MAFREEGED1, Retake in a subject: MARETAKE, Second retake in a subject: MAFREEGED1.
HiSET Cost at a Test Center: Free. HiSET Cost Online: Free.Note: Effective February 6, 2023, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will pay 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.
The GED Testing Service offers an official GED practice test for $7.99 per subject. The HiSET also offers practice tests. Additionally, Essential Education provides a free GED practice test and a free HiSET practice test. You can choose to practice one subject, multiple subjects, or all subjects.
If you are 16 or 17 years old, you will need to complete an official Letter of Withdrawal form which must be approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. View the Under-18 Special Requirements to see if you qualify.
Over 20 Million Adults
That's how many have successfully passed the GED Test. So why wait?
Sign Up Now"I was born very poor to a single parent house hold in the black ghetto section of Boston, Massachusetts, and was raised on welfare. It was very difficult growing up under these conditions and I even took to a brief life of crime... it lead me to my first positive male role model in the form of a corrections officer. On his positive influence, I took and passed the GED exam and was on my way to a four-year college by the age of 20. I did indeed graduate from college and attained a Master’s degree by the year 2000 in Political Science."