High School Equivalency Exam (HiSET)/GED

STCC has partnered with the Educational Testing Service to offer high school equivalency tests (HiSET)/GED to adults who are at least 18 years old and have not previously received a high school diploma (16 and 17-year-olds may take the test only if they are no longer enrolled in school).

HiSET test-takers currently have a choice of a computer-based test, or a paper-and-pencil test.

Computer Based Testing (CBT) is offered at the:
STCC Testing and Assessment Center
Building 19, Room 238
Phone:  413-755-4709

Paper and Pencil Exams (PBT) are offered at the:
STCC Testing and Assessment Center
Building 19, Room 238
Phone:  413-755-4709

The HiSET/GED Test Taker Bulletin will answer most of your questions about taking the exams.

Verification of your High School Equivalency Credential based on the GED® testing from the 1970's to 2013:

If you previously earned a Massachusetts high school equivalency credential based on your passing score on the GED®, and need proof of the credential, you must sign up at Diploma Sender and follow the steps for having documents sent to you or whomever else you designate. There is a $15 fee for each original and valid document that Diploma Sender will provide for you.

Registration Details

HiSET/GED Exam Preparation

Springfield Adult Learning Center

The Springfield Adult Learning Center offers a free HiSET Exam Preperation course that prepares students interested in college for the academic challenges of college-level courses and the HiSET/GED Exam.

HiSET® Exam Preparation Materials from ETS Website

  • Prepare for the HiSET® Exam: Overview - Material on the ETS HiSET Website
    • Tutorial Video
    • Study Companion
    • Practice Tests
    • Sample Questions
  • Free Practice Materials
    • You can use the documents below to learn more about the HiSET® exam, get information about the scheduling process, and prepare for the exam. Many are available in both English and Spanish.

HiSET/GED Fees and Payment

How much does it cost to take the HiSET/GED exam in Massachusetts?

There are two ways you can register and pay for the HiSET/GED exam in Massachusetts.

Option 1: Full Battery Purchase (all five tests)

Description Fee

Initial Battery Purchase:

  • You are charged $64 when you schedule your first test; the remaining $36 will be charged when you schedule the four remaining tests at $9 per test.
  • You are encouraged to schedule all five tests at the time of registration; however, you have the option to schedule from one to five tests at one time.

$100

Retests:

  • Up to two retests in each subtest
  • Must be taken within one year of your initial registration

$9 per test

Option 2*: Individual Test Purchase (one test at a time)

Description Fee

First Single Test Initial Purchase

$29

Each Subsequent Test including any retests

$24

* Under Option 2, a total cost for all five tests (not including any retests) is $125.

Note: The full battery purchase fee option expires one year from the date of registration. If you have not passed the HiSET/GED exam by that time, you must select another payment option for the subsequent tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I pay for the HiSET/GED exam if I am scheduling through my online account?

If you are scheduling online, you may pay by:

  • Debit card or credit card (American Express®, Discover®, MasterCard®, VISA® and JCB®)
  • PayPal®
  • ECheck

I only have cash. How can I pay for my HiSET/GED exam?

You must pay for the exam at the time you schedule it online or by phone, so you aren't able to pay with cash. However, if you only have cash, you may use it in one of the following ways:

  • purchase a GreenDot® MoneyPak prepaid card and fund a PayPal account
  • purchase a prepaid PayPal My Cash Card and fund a PayPal account
  • purchase a VISA, MasterCard or American Express gift card
  • open a free checking account and pay with an electronic check (eCheck)

If you are purchasing a prepaid credit card or gift card, be sure to check the cards before you purchase them for any restrictions that might prevent you from using them in our registration system, such as restrictions against using the card for online purchases. To learn more about how you can use one of these payment methods, download the Cash Options for HiSET Test Takers flyer (PDF).

How do I pay for the HiSET/GED exam if I am scheduling my appointment by phone?

If you are scheduling by phone, you may pay by debit card or credit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, VISA and JCB).

You can't use a PayPal account to pay over the phone.

If I purchased the battery, can I get a refund if I cancel my scheduled appointment?

If you cancel your scheduled appointment and do not want to reschedule, you must do so at least three days prior to your scheduled appointment. The refund policy for the battery is as follows:

  • If you have taken no subtests, you are eligible for a partial refund of $25 if you cancel 72 hours prior to your appointment.
  • If you have taken one or more subtests from the battery or if you don't cancel in advance and don't show up for your scheduled appointment on testing day, you will not be eligible for a refund.

If I purchased an individual subtest, can I get a refund if I cancel my scheduled test appointment?

If you bought a single subtest or subtests rather than a battery, the refund policy is as follows:

  • You are eligible for a $7.50 refund if you cancel at any time up to 72 hours prior to your appointment.
  • If you don't cancel in advance and don't show up for your scheduled appointment on testing day, you will not be eligible for a refund.

What if something unexpected happens on test day, I don't cancel and I cannot make my scheduled appointment? Can I get a refund?

Cases are handled and evaluated for refund eligibility on a case-by-case basis for events beyond the control of all parties.

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