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High School Equivalency (HSE) Testing Program

Accommodations for Test Takers with Disabilities or Health-related Needs

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 accommodations process varies slightly depending on whether you are intending to take the GED® test or the HiSET®.

For more information about accommodations on the GED® test, including the application process and forms, available accommodations, and contact information for the GED® Disabilities Department, go to the GED® Testing website .

For more information about accommodations on the HiSET®, including the application process and forms, available accommodations, and contact information for the ETS HiSET® Disabilities Services, go to the HiSET® website .

Accommodations for English Language Learners

If English is not your primary language, you may qualify for extra time on the GED or HiSET. You may also qualify for a private room for HiSET only. To request accommodations for GED testing, submit a letter from an adult education program or from an organization such as your employer or religious organization:

  1. On the organization's letterhead
  2. Certifying that English is not your primary language
  3. Stating that you will benefit from the accommodations, and
  4. Signed and dated by someone at the organization

Please submit the letter through your GED account by clicking the notifications button and then clicking "Do you need modified testing (accommodations) for your test?"

To request accommodations for HiSET testing, submit the same letter as above and a personal letter requesting the accommodations. Please submit both letters using the HiSET Test Accommodations Request Form .

Once your request has been reviewed, you will receive an email notifying you of your approval status and providing instructions on how to schedule your tests.

For more information on Accommodations for English Language Learners policy and requirements, contact us via email at HSET@mass.gov or phone at 781-338-6625.

Reference in this website to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Our office is not responsible for and does not in any way guarantee the accuracy of information in other sites accessible through links herein. DESE may supplement this list with other services and products that meet the specified criteria. For more information contact: HSET@mass.gov or 781-338-6625.

Last Updated: November 3, 2026

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