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  • The HiSET® (High School Equivalency Test) is a high school equivalency testing program that will help you take the next step toward a college degree or a rewarding career. It’s another way for you to get the credentials you need to continue your education or to succeed in the workplace.

  • The HiSET® exam lets you demonstrate that you have attained the knowledge equivalent to a high school graduate. It consists of five subtests that measure your knowledge in five core areas

    5 Core Testing Areas

    • Language Arts–Reading: Time: 65 minutes (80 minutes for Spanish) This section measures your ability to understand, interpret and analyze a broad range of literary and informational texts.

    • Language Arts–Writing: Format: Multiple-choice and an essay prompt. Content: This section measures a test taker’s ability to recognize and produce standard American English, edit and revise written text, and generate and organize ideas in writing.

    • Mathematics: Time: 90 Minutes. Format: Multiple Choice. Content: This section measures mathematical knowledge and competencies. You may use a calculator for this section.

    • Science: Time: 80 minutes.  Format: Multiple Choice. Content: This section measures your ability to use science content knowledge, apply principles of scientific inquiry and interpret and evaluate scientific information.

    • Social Studies: Time: 70 minutes. Format: Multiple Choice. Content: This section measures your ability to analyze and evaluate information in history, political science, psychology, sociology, anthropology, geography and economics.

  • Scores for HiSET® and GED® tests taken after January 1, 2014 are still valid and will continue to be for the foreseeable future.

  • All High School Equivalency Transcripts may be found at this website: DiplomaSender.com

  • For security purposes, Massachusetts policy does not allow us to duplicate credentials.

  • Effective November 23, 2022, Massachusetts High School Equivalency candidates will be able to combine GED® and HiSET® subtest scores to complete the requirements of their High School Equivalency Credential.

    Candidates may take subtests for either exam in any order. Passing scores will remain the same, 145 minimum per subtest for GED® and a minimum score of 8 and an average of 9 for HiSET® (minimum 2 for the essay on HiSET® LA Writing).

  • Yes — you can combine paper and computer HiSET® tests.

  • 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).

  • The Massachusetts High School Equivalency Office and our two test vendors are committed to serving test takers with disabilities and health-related needs by providing accommodations that are appropriate given the purpose of the test and the diagnosed disabilities of the candidate. Disability categories include but are not limited to:

    • Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

    • Psychological or psychiatric disorders

    • Learning and other cognitive disabilities

    • Physical disorders/chronic health disabilities

    • Intellectual disabilities

    • Hearing and visual impairment

    Available accommodations include but are not limited to:

    • Extended time

    • Private Room

    • Additional break time

    • Reader/recorded audio

    • Large print/screen magnification

    • Scribe/keyboard entry aid

    The EYOC staff can guide you with applying for specialized accommodations to ensure you are able to take successfully take the tests.

For more information about EYOC:

For more information about the program or enrollment process, please complete the Inquiry Form below and our program staff will follow up. Or give us a call at: 617-524-2555 x150

EYOC is made possible through funding from the Boston Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development AEI (Alternative Education Initiative) & CDBG (Community Development Block Grant), and Project R.I.G.H.T.

Please note that this program is only for students between 16-24 years old and residing in one of the neighborhoods of Boston (Allston, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Brighton, Charlestown, Chinatown, Dorchester, East Boston, Fenway-Kenmore, Financial District, Government Center, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Mission Hill, North End, Prudential, Roslindale, Roxbury, South Boston-Waterfront, South End, West Roxbury)