In Massachusetts, you can earn a high school equivalency certificate by taking the GED test or HiSET exam. The credential is called the High School Equivalency Credential. A GED or HiSET certificate is accepted by most employers and 98% of colleges, making it a widely recognized and respected credential.

Here is a list of Massachusetts GED and HiSET testing centers.

The GED Testing Service offers an official GED practice test for $7.99 per subject. The HiSET also offers practice tests. Additionally, you can take a free GED practice test or a free HiSET practice test through Essential Education, with the option to focus on one or multiple subjects.

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 affordable.

If you're like many, you're probably wondering: How can I get my GED or HiSET fast? Well, the good news is that earning your GED or HiSET certificate is easier than you think. The sooner you start, the sooner you can meet your goals.

Steps to Get the GED or HiSET Test in Massachusetts

1. Check Your Eligibility in Massachusetts: Every state has its own GED and HiSET test eligibility requirements. For Massachusetts, you can find the list of requirements at the top of this page.
2. Study for the Test: Preparing for the GED or HiSET test is key to success. Choose from various study options, including using a GED or HiSET Massachusetts study guide, attending local GED or HiSET prep classes, or studying online. Find the method that works best for you.
3. Practice the Material: Create a quiet and focused study environment. Use GED or HiSET study guides or online classes to help structure your learning.
4. Take GED or HiSET Practice Tests: Practice tests are a great way to track your progress and identify areas for improvement. If you choose to take the GED test online, you're required to take the GED Ready® practice test and achieve a "green" score within the last 60 days before scheduling the official online exam.
5. Register for the Test: When you're ready, schedule your GED test or HiSET exam.
6. Take the Test: On test day, bring a valid, non-expired, government-issued photo ID. Personal items are not allowed in the testing area.
7. Get Your Transcript and Diploma: After passing the GED test or HiSET exam, 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.

The Massachusetts GED test and HiSET exam are the same as in every other state since they are national exams. While it may seem challenging, preparation is key, and online classes can help you get ready. For more on how hard the GED test is, read our article How Hard Is the GED in 2026?

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.

GED: A passing score on the Massachusetts GED test is 145 points (45% correct) in each of the four subjects. You can check your results in your MyGED account after you have completed the test.

HiSET: A passing score on the Massachusetts HiSET exam is 8 points in each of the five subtests, with a combined score of 45. You can view your results in your HiSET account after you have completed each subtest.

Yes, you must be a resident of Massachusetts to take the GED and HiSET.

You must be 18 years old to take the GED test or HiSET exam 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.

In Massachusetts, you can take the GED test or HiSET exam if you are 16 or 17 years old and meet specific requirements. You will need to complete an official Letter of Withdrawal form, which the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must approve. View the Under-18 Special Requirements to see if you qualify.

• GED Cost at a Test Center: Free.
• GED Cost Online: This state does not offer online GED testing.

Note: Massachusetts will pay for your first GED test in each subject and two retakes for each subject while funding lasts. 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: This state does not offer online HiSET testing.

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.

GED: Free.

HiSET: Free.

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:

HiSET Exam:

GED Test:

HiSET Exam:

GED: 145 minimum per subject

HiSET: 8 minimum per subtest, combined minimum of 45, 2 minimum on the essay

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: No, the HiSET can only be taken at an official testing center.

Use our list of authorized testing centers in Massachusetts to find a location near you.

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, you can test in English or Spanish, and you can combine tests from different languages to earn your credential.

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.

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.