High School Equivalency (HISET)

See HiSET Interpreting Scores

The HiSET has five test sections and the GED has four. Both test individuals on their knowledge of math, science, social studies and language arts. However, the HiSET has five subtests (one each for reading and writing), while the GED uses four subtests. The GED combines reading and writing into a single literacy test. The HiSET high school equivalency credential is equal to a GED credential and high school diploma.  

Additionally, testing centers for the GED only offer a computer version of the test, whereas the HiSET has a paper and a computer option. For a detailed breakdown between the two exams, please visit High School Equivalency Testing.

The HiSet Prep course is 40 hours in duration and can be completed in 8-10 weeks. This does not account for self-study hours that one must regularly put in to ensure adequate preparation.

If you are looking to find a short-term HiSet Prep course, you should register for the GED-104AE offered through Community Education at BHCC.

This 8-10 week, instructor-led course, is for students who plan on taking the HiSet Exam in English. Students who are self-motivated to succeed and who do not have any issues with communicating in the English language would find the GED-104AE course to be the best fit.

Registration for HiSET needs to be done through the HiSET website, whether you are taking the test at a test center or at home. All the information and instructions on at-home testing may be found here: https://www.ets.org/s/cv/hiset/at-home/

High school equivalency (HSE) exams are for out-of-school youth and adults without a high school diploma.

HSE exams have eligibility requirements. Like taking a driving test, you must meet these eligibility requirements before you can test. Requirements are determined by each state and usually involve:

• 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. Please click on the link below to get started.
• 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 in the United States. If you have a non-U.S. high school credential that does not meet U.S. high school standards, or it cannot be verified, you may take the HiSet exam in Massachusetts.
• 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: instruction is encouraged before testing.  The Community Education at Bunker Hill Community College offers an 8-10 week HiSet exam prep course.
• 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 Assessment Center at Bunker Hill Community College for each test session. For assistance, please send an email to testing@bhcc.edu or call 617-228-2377.

Outdated or expired identification will not be accepted. Failure to provide documentation will prohibit you from taking the exam. The approved identification documents include:

• valid passport
• valid driver's license from any state
• state-issued ID card
• national ID card
• military ID card

No. U.S. citizenship is not a requirement to take the HiSET exam in any state or jurisdiction. However, you must have a Massachusetts address to take the HiSet exam in Massachusetts.

The HiSET exam is available in both computer- and paper-delivered formats in Massachusetts. However, both formats are not available at every test center. You must verify that the preferred format is available at the selected test center before scheduling your testing appointment. The Assessment Center at Bunker Hill Community College only offers the computer-based test.

Yes, as long as the change is made at least three days prior to the originally scheduled test and the format is available at the test center.

No, you must take all subtests in one language or the other.

Yes, you may take the test in any order.

Yes, if the scheduling allows for it.

Note: 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

When you submit your letter, be sure to provide your ETS 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 HSET@doe.mass.edu.

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.

If your goal is to apply to BHCC upon earning your Certificate of High School Equivalency, the HiSet scores must be from 2018 or later. Math scores must be less than 3 years old.

Students may be exempt from placement testing based on any of the measures below.

For math placement, BHCC requires a college-ready score of 15. For English, a score of 8 can place students into 095/111; a 15 into 111. See below table.

After you complete your HiSet subject tests, you will obtain your HiSet test score report. Your score report will be available in your HiSET account 3 to 5 days after each test. You can download the Individual Score Report for one subject or the Comprehensive Score Report with all five subjects.

Download the score report as a PDF or take a screenshot and attach it to an email to your instructor and college officer, Jack Chan, at jchan@bhcc.edu. Your score will not be shared with anyone else except with your instructors and interested college officials. 

Official transcripts and diplomas: Don’t forget to order your diploma! As soon as you pass all of the tests, you must go onto the DiplomaSender website, create an account using your email address and a password, and verify your address. Once this is done, your credential and official score report will be mailed to you. Duplicate credentials will not be issued, additional score reports are available for a fee. Your account will then be available should you need future verification documents for school or work. Your credential and first official score report are free of charge.

To prepare for the Massachusetts Department of Education’s HiSET, students will take practice tests and develop individualized study plans. Beginning with diagnostic testing, instruction focuses on writing, reading, math, science and social studies. A passing score on the HiSet exam means you will earn a nationally-recognized diploma equivalent.

Book cost is separate and may be purchased at the college bookstore. Please follow the book ordering instructions found below this page.

To have your fees covered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you will enter a promo code instead of credit or debit card payment when you register for the test. When scheduling your HiSET^® test at an official test center or at home enter a promo code MAHISET during the checkout.

You may elect to take the test at the Assessment Center at Bunker Hill Community College (Room B-118) located at the Charlestown main campus.  If you have questions, please email testing@bhcc.edu.

Book cost is separate and may be purchased at the college bookstore. The book title is The Official Guide to the HiSET Exam. 2nd Edition, ISBN Number: 9781259640797.

Please visit: https://bhcc.bncollege.com/. Under Shop By Course, click Enter Courses. Select Elevate WFD under Term. In the Department field, select GED. In the Select Course field, choose 104Ae. In the Section field, choose any section. Click the box, "Find Materials for (1) Course". Order your book.  Credit cards accepted are Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, and Discover. 

Or, you may go to the college bookstore located on the 4th floor of the E-Building at the Charlestown main campus. Check their website for hours of operation before you go.  You may call the college bookstore at 617-228-2304 if you have questions.