High School Equivalency (HSE) Testing Program

HiSET® / GED® Comparisons

HiSET®
(5 Subtests/Battery)
Both computer-delivered and paper-based testing 		GED®
(4 Modules/Battery)
Computer-delivered testing only (except for accommodations)

Language Arts-Reading (65 minutes)

  • 50 multiple Choice Questions

Reasoning through Language Arts (150 minutes)
(51 Questions)

  • Section 1 — (27 minutes*)
  • Section 2 — Extended Response (45 minutes)
  • Student Break (10 minutes)
  • Section 3 — (60 minutes)

*The time allotted for Sections 1 and 3 may vary slightly, but the total test time will always be 150 minutes.

Language Arts-Writing (120 minutes)

  • 61 Questions
    • 60 multiple choice questions
    • 1 Essay

Mathematics (90 minutes)

  • 55 Multiple Choice Questions

Calculator: TI-30XS scientific calculator (Test Center Only)

Mathematical Reasoning (115 minutes)
(46 Questions)

  • Part 1 (first 5 questions) calculator not allowed
  • Part 2 (remaining 41 questions) calculator allowed
  • Possible Item Types:
    • Multiple choice
    • Drag-and-drop
    • Hot spot
    • Fill in the blank

Calculator: TI-30XS scientific calculator

Science (80 minutes)

  • 60 multiple choice questions

Science (90 minutes)
(34 Questions)

  • Possible Item Types:
    • Multiple choice
    • Short answer
    • Drag-and-drop
    • Hot spot
    • Fill in the blank

Calculator: TI-30XS scientific calculator

Social Studies (70 minutes)

  • 60 Multiple Choice Questions

Social Studies (70 minutes)
(35 questions)

  • Possible Item Types:
    • Multiple choice
    • Drag-and-drop
    • Hot spot
    • Fill in the blank

Calculator: TI-30XS scientific calculator
Scoring:
scaled-score range per subtest: 0–20
To pass: no subtest score lower than 8 and a battery total of 45 or above. 		Scoring:
scaled-score range per module: 100–200
To pass: a score on each module of 145 or above.
For more detailed information on the content and structure of the HiSET®, see the following information brief in English or Spanish: For more detailed information on the content and structure of the GED® test, go to GED®: Get Your GED.

Fee Structure:

  • First test: Free for Mass residents with promo code MAHISET
  • First two retests: Free for Mass residents with promo code MAHISET
  • The first two retests for each subject are covered by the state. After two failed attempts, the candidate pays:
    For tests taken on or before March 31, 2026:
    • $24.00 per retest
    For tests taken on or after April 1, 2026:
    • $27.00 per retest

Failing to show up counts as a failed attempt.

Fee Structure:

  • First test: Free for Mass residents with promo code MAFREEGED1

  • First two retests: Free for Mass residents with promo code MARETAKE

  • The first two retests for each subject are covered by the state. The candidate pays $36.00 per retest after two failed retests. Failing to show up counts as a failed attempt.

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: December 15, 2025

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