Questions? Call: (800) 460-8150

Questions? Call: (800) 460-8150
Essential Education

GED® Test and HiSET® Exam in Massachusetts

Explore Massachusetts testing centers

You can study for the Massachusetts test online without having to attend class.

STUDY ONLINE TODAY
Allston

Boston Centers for Youth & Families
Jackson Mann Community Center
500 Cambridge Street
Allston, MA 02134
617-635-4920 x2202

Attleboro

Bristol Community College
11 Field Road
Attleboro, MA 02703
774-357-3978

Ayer

Devens FBOP
42 Patton Road
Ayer, MA 01432
978-796-1000

Boston

Boston Centers for Youth & Families
1483 Tremont Street, 3rd Floor
Boston, MA 02120
617-635-4920 x2540

View website

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Curtis Hall Community Center
20 South Street
Boston, MA 02130
617-635-5193

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Department of Youth Services
Springfield Residential Treatment
280 Tinkham Road
Boston, MA 01129
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Roxbury Community College
Testing Department Lab Bldg. 3
1234 Columbs Avenue, Room 217
Boston, MA 02120
617-708-3628

Brockton

Massasoit Community College
Student Center Bldg.
One Massasoit Blvd., Room 139
Brockton, MA 02302
508-588-9100

View website
Canton

Massasoit Community College
Academci Bldg.
900 Randolph Street, Room 435
Canton, MA 02021
781-821-2222 x2135

Charlestown

Charlestown Adult Educational Program
76 Monument Street
Charlestown, MA 02129
617-635-4920

Charlton

Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School
57 Old Muggett Hill Road
Charlton, MA 01507
508-248-5971 x1714

Clinton

Clinton MA Adult Learning Center
150 School Street
Clinton, MA 01510
978-365-4226

Concord

Massachusetts Correctional Institution - MCI
965 Elm Street
Concord, MA 01742
 

Danvers

North Shore Community College
Danvers Campus Testing Center - DB213
1 Ferncroft Road
Danvers, MA 01923
978-739-5409

View website
Devens

Mount Wachusett Community College
One Jackson Place
27 Jackson Ave, Room 125 & 127
Devens, MA 04134
978-630-9574

Dorchester

Boston Centers for Youth & Families
Perkins Community Center
155 Talbort Avenue
Dorchester, MA 02124
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Department of Youth Services 
Commonwealth Secure Detention - CBT
425 Harvard Street
Dorchester, MA 02124

East Boston

Boston Centers for Youth & Families
Paris Street Community Center
112 Paris Street
East Boston, MA 02128
617-635-4920 x2202
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Harborside Community Ctr
312 Border Street
East Boston, MA 02129
617-635-4920

Edgartown

Dukes County Sheriffs Office - CBT
149 Main Street
Edgartown, MA 02539

Fall River

Bristol Community College
Building G
77 Elsbree Street, Room 218
Fall River, MA 02720
774-357-3978

Gardner

Mt Wachusett Community College
444 Green Street
Check-in: Room W-12
Testing: Room W-13
Gardner, MA 01440
978-630-9173
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North Central Correctional Center - CBT
500 Old Colony Road
Gardner, MA 01440

Gloucester

Wellspring House - CBT
302 Essex Avenue
Gloucester, MA 01930

Great Barrington

Berkshire Community College
South County Center
343 Main Street
Great Barrington, MA 01230
413-236-1656

Greenfield

Franklin County House of Correction - CBT
160 Elm Street
Greenfield, MA 01301
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Greenfield Community College
One College Drive
Greenfield, MA 01301
413-775-1821
GED - Room C110
HiSET - Room E150

Haverhill

Northern Essex Community College
Technology Center
100 Elliott Street, Room TC-129
Haverhill, MA 01830
978-556-3872

Holyoke

Holyoke Community College
Kittredge Testing Center
303 Homestead Avenue, Room 204 & 307
Holyoke, MA 01040
413-552-2112

Hull

Wellspring Multi-Service Center - CBT
Massachusetts Test Center Administrator
814 Nantasket Avenue
Hull, MA 02045

Hyde Park

Bostong Centers for Youth & Families
Community Center - CBT
1179 River Street
Hyde Park, MA 02136

Jamaica Plain

Boston Centers for Youth & Families
Curtis Hall Community Center
20 South Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
617-635-4920 x2202

Lawrence

Lawrence Adult Learning Center
51 Lawrence Street
Lawrence, MA 01841
978-722-8114

Lowell

Lowell Public Schools
Frederic Abisi Adult Education Center
408 Merrimack Street
Lowell, MA 01854
978-937-8989

Ludlow

Hampden County Sheriff's Department - CBT
627 Randall Road
Ludlow, MA 01056

Lynn

North Shore Community College
McGee Bldg. Testing Center
300 Broad Street, LS215
Lynn, MA 01905
781-477-2135

Mattapan

Boston Centers for Youth & Families
Mildred Avenue Community Center
5 Mildred Avenue
Mattapan, MA 02126
617-635-4920

Middleton

Department of Youth Services
Northeast Regional Youth Service Center - CBT
33 Gregory Street
Middleton, MA 01949

Nantucket

Nantucket Community School
56 Centre Street
Nantucket, MA 02554
508-228-7285 x1571

New Bedford

New Bedford Public Schools
Building 9
181 Hillman Street, Room 203
New Bedford, MA 02740
508-997-4511

Norfolk

Massachusetts Correctional Institution
2 Clark Street
Norfolk, MA 02056

North Adams

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Free Library, Lower Level
275 Church Street, Room LB05
North Adams, MA 02147
413-236-1656

Pittsfield

Berkshire Community College
Jonathan Edwards Library
1350 West Street, Room E-10
Pittsfield, MA 01201
413-236-1655
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Quest Connect
505 East Street, Suite 104
Pittsfield, MA 01201
413-442-9500

Plymouth

Quincy College
Plymouth Testing Center
36 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 228
Plymouth, MA 02360
617-984-1617
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Quincy College
Testing Center
1250 Hancock Street, Suite 203N
Quincy, MA 02169
617-984-1700
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Quincy Public Schools Center for Technical Education
316 Hancock Street
Quincy, MA 02171
617-984-6619

Quincy

Quincy Public Schools Center for Technical Education
316 Hancock Street
Quincy, MA 02171
617-984-6619

Quincy College Testing Center
1250 Hancock Street
Room 521 5th floor
Quincy, MA 02169
(617) 984-1650

Roslindale

Boston Centers for Youth & Families
6 Cummins HWY
Roslindale, MA 02131
617-635-4920 x2202
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Boston Centers for Youth & Families
Thomas M Menino Community Center
125 Brookway Road
Roslindale, MA 02131
617-635-4920
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Department of Youth Services
Connelly Center - CBT
450 Canterbury Street
Roslindale, MA 02131
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The School of Re-entry
Boston Pre-Release Center - CBT
430 Canterbury Street
Roslindale, MA 02131

Roxbury

Boston Centers for Youth & Families
Shelburne Community Center
2730 Washington Street
Roxbury, MA 02119
617-635-4920
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Boston Centers for Youth & Families
Vine Street Community Center
339 Dudley Street
Roxbury, MA 02119
617-959-9400
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Boston Public Schools Adult Education
Madiston Park High School Bldg. 1
55 Malcolm X Boulevard
Roxbury, MA 02120
617-635-9300
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Roxbury Community College
1234 Columbus Avenue
Roxbury, MA 02120
857-701-1400

Shirley

Massachusetts Correctional Institution
Shirley Medium - CBT
Shirley Minimum - CBT
Harvard Road
Shirley, MA 01464
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Souza Baranoski Correctional Center-CBT
Harvard Road
Shirley, MA 01464

Somerville

SCALE Adult Learning Center
167 Holand Street
Somerville, MA 02144
617-625-6600 x6936

South Boston

Boston Centers for Youth & Families
Condon Community Center
200 D Street
South Boston, MA 02127
617-635-4920
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Tech Computers, Inc.
574 Dorchester Avenue
South Boston, MA 02127
617-622-5600

Springfield

After Incarceratoin Support Services Program
Hampden County Sheriff's Department
736 State Street
Springfield, MA 01109
413-781-2050 x8328
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Springfield Public Schools
204 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01109
413-787-7210
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Springfield Technical Community College
Testing & Assessment Bldg. 19
One Armory Square, Room 238
Springfield, MA 01102
413-755-4709

Taunton

Goss 1 Secure Treatment - CBT
60 Hodges Avenue
Taunton, MA 02780
508-828-3826

Wakefield

Galvin Middle School
525 Main Street

Wakefield, MA 01880

781-246-6410 x24107

Wellesley

Pearson Professional Centers
20 WIlliam Street, Suite 210
Wellesley, MA 02481
781-235-2091

West Barnstable

Cape Cod Community College
Grossman Upper Commons
Testing/Assessment Center
2240 Lyannough Road, Room 204
West Barnstable, MA 02668
774-330-4543

Westboro

Department of Youth Services
Allen Hall
288 Lyman Street
Westboro, MA 01581
413-586-4900

Worcester

Quinsigamond Community College
25 Federal Street
Worcester, MA 01608
508-854-7529
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Worcester Adult Learning Center
24 Chatham Street
Worcester, MA 01609
508-799-3090

Massachusetts State GED Test and HiSET Exam Eligibility Requirements

  • You are required to be a resident of Massachusetts.
  • You cannot be enrolled in an accredited high school or be a high school graduate.
  • You must be 18 years of age. However, you can take the test at 16 or 17 if you meet additional requirements. 
  • Cost: $100-$125, check with local testing center
  • Passing score: GED: 145 (minimum) in each subject. HiSET: 8 in each subtest, combined score of 45; minimum of 2 on the Language Arts, Writing essay.
  • Accommodations: You must apply for disability accommodations through the HiSET test’s accommodations page or through the GED testing service's accommodations page.
  • After you pass the test, the State of Massachusetts will award you a HiSET or GED certificate that will show you have achieved the same level of knowledge as a high school graduate. 

Below you’ll find answers to the questions we get asked the most about how to get a GED and HiSET in Massachusetts.

Yes. In fact, GED Academy is the only home study course that is 100% approved by the GED Testing Service. This is why over 2.4 million people have used GED Academy to get their GED Credential. Fast, easy, and simple on your mobile phone.

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.

  1. Check Your Eligibility: Every state has its own HSE test eligibility requirements. You can find Massachusetts's requirements here.
  2. Learn the Material: Study for the test. You can study on your own, in a local GED-prep classroom, or online.
  3. Practice the Material: Establish a quiet study space. Focus your study with a guides or online classes. Check your learning with practice tests.
  4. Register: When you're ready, schedule your test online.
  5. 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.

The GED testing service offers an official GED practice test for $6 per subject. Essential Education offers both a free online GED practice test and a free online HiSET practice test. You can take our free practice test in one subject, several subjects, or all of the subjects.

There are two high school equivalency exams given in Massachusetts: HiSET and GED. Both are equivalent to a high school diploma, and are accepted at 99% of colleges. You can go on to get a great job, get a degree, or join the military with a Massachusetts HiSET or GED.

The Massachusetts GED exam tests you on Math, Social Studies, Science, and Language Arts. The Massachusetts HiSET exam tests you on Math, Social Studies, Science, Reading, and Writing.

GED TEST
SUBJECT TIME
Math 115 minutes
Social Studies 90 minutes
Science 90 minutes
Language Arts 150 minutes
Total 7 hours, 41 minutes

HiSET EXAM
SUBJECT TIME
Math 90 minutes
Social Studies 70 minutes
Science 80 minutes
Reading 60 minutes
Writing 120 minutes
Total 7 hours

GED TEST
SUBJECT # OF QUESTIONS
Math 46
Social Studies 35
Science 34
Language Arts 46

HiSET EXAM
SUBJECT # OF QUESTIONS
Math 40-50
Social Studies 40-50
Science 40-50
Reading 40-50
Writing 40-50 + essay

TEST PER SUBJECT TOTAL
GED® Test $31.25 $125
HiSET® Exam $24 $120

TEST SCORE
GED 145 minimum per subject
HiSET 8 minimum per subject, combined minimum of 45, 2 minimum on the essay

For the Massachusetts GED test, there is no waiting period for the first 3 retakes. After the 3rd retake, you have to wait 60 days before testing again. There’s no yearly testing limit.

For the Massachusetts HiSET exam, you can retake each HiSET subtest twice per year.

The Massachusetts GED or HiSET tests must be taken at an official testing center. You can find the closest center to you on our list of testing centers.

You are required to be a resident of Massachusetts to take the GED or HiSET.

Find the closest Massachusetts testing center on the list here.

You must be 18 years of age.

If you are 16 or 17 you cannot schedule a test until an official Letter of Withdrawal from the last school you attended is approved by the Massachusetts High School Equivalency Office.

  •     Must be on school letterhead, including the address and phone number
  •     Includes the last date of your attendance and the date of withdrawal
  •     Comes from the office of the Principal, Headmaster, or the Head of Guidance
  •     Must be signed by the Principal, Headmaster, of the Head of Guidance

Once completed, submit the letter including your name, phone number and email address either by email to ostroud@doe.mass.edu or by mail to:
    HSE Office 3rd Floor
    75 Pleasant Street
    Maiden, MA 02148
    Attn: Olympia Stroud

If you have a disability, you can apply for GED disability accommodations or HiSET disability accommodations. Don’t know if you qualify? Click here for more information.

To get a copy of your Massachusetts GED, you can request it here.

To get a copy of your Massachusetts HiSET, you can request it here.

Over 20 Million Adults

That’s how many have successfully passed the high school equivalency test. So why wait?

LET’S GET STARTED

"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."

- Ramone, Massachuetts
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