High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) is one of the services that will appear when selecting the component of Basic Education and the activity of Basic Education services as an option for a client referral. The information below provides information to determine if HiSET is an appropriate referral for your client.
HiSET gives clients the opportunity to earn a high school equivalency diploma. This credential is recognized as a key to employment opportunities, advancement, further education and financial rewards.
The High School Equivalency Testing Program (HiSET) in Massachusetts is overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (DESE) High School Equivalency Office. Official test centers operate statewide to serve the needs of those looking to achieve a high school equivalency certificate. A list of sites is available and maintained by DESE and is linked to on the “HiSET/High School Equivalency Test” page under Resource Inventories on DTA Online.
The HiSET test is available in both English and Spanish, and depending on the test center, it is offered in a paper- and/or computer-based format. In Massachusetts, individuals must meet the following requirements to take the HiSET:
Age: be age 18 or older. Individuals age 16 or 17 may take the HiSET if they have an official letter of withdrawal from their last school of attendance.
School Enrollment Status: NOT be enrolled in any secondary school program and must not have received a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate.
Residency: be a resident of Massachusetts, living at a Massachusetts address and will be required to sign an eligibility form verifying his or her address.
Identification: present proper identification at the test center for each test session. Outdated or expired identification is not accepted. The identification must include their signature, date of birth, a recent recognizable photograph and their name spelled as entered for registration. Approved identification documents include:
valid passport;
valid driver's license from any state;
state-issued ID card;
National ID card; or
Military ID card.
Important: |
HiSET does not allow photocopied documents, birth certificates, or Social Security cards to be used as primary proof of identification. |
If any of these requirements are not met, the individual will be prohibited from taking the HiSET. Those with questions regarding these or other test taking requirements should be directed to contact HiSET Customer Service which can be found under “HiSET/High School Equivalency Test” page under Resource Inventories on DTA Online.
Population Best Served:
Clients who do not have a high school diploma or HiSET certificate and have not used more than 23 months of the 24-months lifetime limit for education and training, may take the HiSET test at any one of the pre-approved testing sites.
How a client can pay for the HiSET test:
Eligible TAFDC clients requesting a HiSET voucher to pay for a Full Battery HiSET test or an Individual HiSET test must request a HiSET Voucher for Full Battery (ESP-40) or a HiSET Voucher for Individual Tests (ESP-41) form accordingly from their case manager, Full Engagement Worker or other designated staff.
Important: |
Clients must be advised of the registration process, identification requirements and how to request a reasonable accommodation, if needed. Clients will be screened for an Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation at specific times to address this issue. If the client indicates he or she has a disability, you must conduct that screening. For procedures on accommodation requests, please see Recognizing an ADA Accommodation Request. |
At the HiSET test center, the voucher is given to a HiSET test administrator who will sign the voucher, schedule the client for the test and send an invoice to DTA’s Central Office for payment. If the client fails this test or any part or parts of the test, this voucher also will cover the retest(s).