Looking to earn a GED in Massachusetts? The GED test offers a crucial opportunity for Massachusetts residents who have not finished high school to earn a Certificate of High School Equivalency.
This credential can open doors to higher education and career advancement within the state, as colleges and employers recognize the academic proficiency of GED recipients.
Despite its challenging nature, the GED remains a valuable asset for people looking to showcase their academic abilities and secure a brighter future.
GED Massachusetts
To obtain a GED credential in Massachusetts, test takers must meet certain requirements:
Minimum Age Requirement
- You must be at least 16 years old to take the GED tests in Massachusetts.
Additional requirements for 16 and 17-year-olds
For 16 and 17-year-olds who have withdrawn from school in Massachusetts, there are additional criteria they must meet to take the GED test:
- Permission from their school district
- Parental consent
Essential Details Required in the Letter of Withdrawal
- The letter should contain the student’s last date of attendance and withdrawal date.
- It must be on school letterhead, inclusive of the address and phone number.
- It must originate from the office of the Principal/Headmaster or the Head of Guidance.
- The Principal/Headmaster or the Head of Guidance must sign it.
The letter can be submitted via email to [email protected]. Upon receipt of the letter and required information, the HSE Team will contact the student within three business days via email.
Once approval for the Letter of Withdrawal is received via email, the individual can proceed to their account and schedule their tests.
Online Testing Rules for 16 and 17 year Olds
For underage students taking the GED test online, the presence of a parent or guardian during check-in is mandatory. The parent or guardian authorizes the underage test-taker to be recorded throughout the exam. If the parent or guardian is not present, it will result in the revocation of the exam session.
No High School Diploma or Enrollment
- Applicants cannot already hold a high school diploma or be enrolled in a school program.
GED Residency Requirements in Massachusetts
To qualify for the GED test in Massachusetts, residency within the state is mandatory. Additionally, your current address must match the one used during registration and account creation.
During the GED test, you must present one of the following identification documents:
- A valid driver’s license from any state
- A valid Passport
- National ID car
- A state-issued ID card
- Military ID card
These documents must contain the following information:
- Your name
- Your date of birth
- A recent photograph
- Your signature
If you fail to provide documentation you will be prohibited from taking the test.
The residency requirement also applies to students taking the HISET test. Besides Massachusetts, several other states and territories require proof of residency for HiSET test-takers, including:
- New Hampshire
- Illinois
- California
- Indiana
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Pennsylvania
- Ohio
- Guam
These states and territories mandate that candidates provide documentation to verify their residency status when registering for the HiSET exams.
Cost of GED Test in Massachusetts
Massachusetts GED test is priced at $36 per subtest or $144 for the complete GED battery. This fee applies to both online GED testing and in-person testing at a test center.
Free GED Programs in Massachusetts
Massachusetts covers the cost of your initial GED test in each subject and one retake per subject while funding remains available. Terms and conditions.
You will be required to use the following Voucher codes when scheduling for the test:
First test in a subject
MAFREEGED1
Retakes in a subject
- In-person: MARETAKE
- Online: OPMARETAKE
NOTE: The limited-time offer of up to 2 discounted retakes for exams taken at test centers has been extended provided both retakes are completed by June 30, 2024.
Furthermore, you can pay for GED without taking the test.
You can use a credit or debit card as a payment method when scheduling your GED test online.
Free HISET Testing in Massachusetts
Why Earning a GED Credential Matters in Massachusetts
Earning a GED credential in Massachusetts is crucial because it has a profound impact on various aspects of one’s life, including their education, career, and personal development.
- Recognition: The GED credential is recognized by the state of Massachusetts and is equivalent to a high school diploma, providing a formal recognition of one’s educational achievements.
- College Acceptance: A GED credential is accepted by most colleges and universities in Massachusetts, including prestigious schools like Harvard and Yale. This opens up opportunities for higher education and career advancement.
- Job Market Advantage: Having a GED credential gives individuals a competitive edge in the job market. Many employers require a high school diploma or GED, and having one demonstrates a baseline knowledge relevant to most industries.
- Increased Salary Potential: Earning a GED can lead to higher salary earnings compared to having no high school education credential at all. This is because a GED demonstrates a level of knowledge and education that is valuable to employers.
- Higher Enrollment and Persistence in Postsecondary Education: Studies have shown that GED credential recipients enroll in postsecondary education at a significantly higher rate (36.6%) compared to non-passers (20.4%).
- Increased Participation in the Labor Force: Female GED recipients are more likely to participate in the labor force compared to other dropouts, with nearly 40 million U.S. adults aged 16 and older lacking a high school diploma or GED credential.
- Economic Benefits: GED recipients earn associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees at higher or similar rates as high school graduates, indicating the economic benefits of obtaining a GED credential.
Massachusetts GED Testing Accommodations for People Living with Disabilities
In Massachusetts, accommodations for GED testing are available to support individuals with disabilities or health-related needs. The Massachusetts High School Equivalency Office, along with its test vendors, provides these accommodations to ensure that all test takers have a fair opportunity to succeed.
Types of Disabilities Covered
Accommodations are available for a variety of disabilities, including but not limited to:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Learning and Cognitive Disorders (LCD)
- Psychological and Psychiatric Disorders (EPP)
- Physical Disabilities and Chronic Health Conditions (PCH)
- Hearing and Visual Impairments.
Available Accommodations
The specific accommodations provided can vary based on the individual’s needs and the type of disability. Common accommodations include:
- Extra testing time
- Separate testing room
- Extra breaks
- Screen readers
- Large print materials
- Scribes or keyboard entry aides
- Sign language-interpreted instructions.
Application Process
To apply for accommodations, candidates must:
- Create an account on the GED website (ged.com).
- Indicate the need for accommodations during the account setup.
- Submit documentation from a licensed professional that details the disability and the required accommodations.
- Wait for the approval, which typically takes about 30 days.
Contact Information
For more information or assistance with the application process, candidates can contact:
- Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: [email protected] or 781-338-6625.
- GED Testing Service: Through the contact options provided on ged.com.
These accommodations are designed to ensure that all test takers, regardless of their disabilities, have the necessary support to perform to the best of their abilities on the GED test.
FAQS
How Do You Get a GED in Massachusetts?
To get a GED in Massachusetts, you must pass four subject tests: Math, Science, Social Studies, and English Literacy. The exam is computer-based and can only be taken at official test centers.
You must be a state resident and at least 16 years old, with additional requirements for those under 18.
Related post: GED in Guam
How Much is a GED in MA?
In Massachusetts, the GED test is free for state residents, including two free retakes per subject. Normally, the GED exam costs $36 per subtest or $144 for the entire battery when taken at a Massachusetts testing center.
However, if you wish to take the GED test online in another state, you must also purchase four GED Ready practice tests for a total of $28.
What is the Difference Between a HiSET and a GED in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, the HiSET and GED are both high school equivalency tests, but they have some key differences. The GED is only available on the computer, while the HiSET can be taken on paper or on a computer.
The GED consists of four subtests (combining reading and writing into one literacy test), whereas the HiSET has five subtests, separating reading and writing.
Additionally, Massachusetts allows candidates to combine passing scores from both tests to earn their equivalency diploma. Both tests are recognized nationally and can be used for college admissions and employment opportunities.
Compare: HiSET vs GED
How Many Times Can You Take the GED Test in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, there is no limit to the number of times you can take the GED test. However, after three attempts, you must wait 60 days before retaking the test. The state offers free GED testing for residents, including two free retakes per subject. If you need to retake the test more than three times, you will need to pay the full test fee again.
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