The Massachusetts High School Equivalency (HSE) Credential is accepted by virtually all colleges, universities, and employers in the United States as exactly equivalent to a high school diploma. In order to earn the credential, you must take and pass one of two assessments tests, either the GED© test or the HiSET®. These tests are comparable in terms of cognitive complexity and rates of passing, but they vary in significant ways as well.
There are 4 basic steps you need to take to schedule a HSE testing appointment:
- First, prepare for the test. You may prepare at NSCC's Adult Learning Center (ALC), a local prep center, or prepare on your own.
- Second, make sure you meet the Massachusetts High School Equivalency Credential Requirements.
- Create an account on either the HiSET website or GED website, locate a test center, and schedule your test.
Note: accommodations may be available for students with disabilities. The accommodations process varies slightly between HiSET and GED. Please contact the disability department at either HiSET or GED for more information on testing with disabilities - Arrive at the testing center on time on the date of your appointment. You must present
proper identification for each test session. Outdated or expired identification will
not be accepted. Failure to provide identification will prohibit you from taking the
test. The approved identification includes:
- A valid Passport
- A valid driver's license from any state
- A state-issued ID card
- National ID card
- Military ID card
What test should you take?
View a side-by-side comparison of the two tests, including the costs for each.
For more details on the GED© test, go to the MyGED© website.
For more details on the HiSET®, go to the HiSET® website.
Diplomas and Transcripts
Diploma Sender has access to all Massachusetts GED© and HiSET® records and issues all HSE credentials, transcripts, and other verification documents for the Commonwealth. All contact with Diploma Sender should be through their website.