{"id":5914,"date":"2026-04-05T13:00:41","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T13:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prepsaret.com\/hiset\/?p=5914"},"modified":"2026-04-05T13:00:41","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T13:00:41","slug":"rhode-island-hiset-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prepsaret.com\/hiset\/rhode-island-hiset-alternatives","title":{"rendered":"Rhode Island HiSET Alternatives: GED & Diploma Options"},"content":{"rendered":"

Is the HiSET Available in Rhode Island? No. Rhode Island does not offer the HiSET exam. The GED is the only state-approved high school equivalency test in Rhode Island.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The credential earned is the Rhode Island High School Equivalency Diploma, issued by the RI Board of Education. The Board regards this diploma as being of the same status as a regular high school diploma.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rhode Island is among the majority of U.S. states that have standardized exclusively on the GED. The HiSET is not offered, administered, or accepted in Rhode Island for high school equivalency purposes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The RI Regional Adult Learning (RIRAL) website notes an important related fact for nearby Massachusetts residents: Massachusetts offers both the HiSET and the GED, and MA residents who want to earn a credential should take their exam in Massachusetts \u2014 they cannot test in Rhode Island under RI state policy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Which States Still Offer HiSET?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Rhode Island borders Massachusetts and Connecticut, and is close to New York and New Hampshire. Of these neighbors, only Massachusetts offers the HiSET:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
State<\/b><\/td>\nAvailable Exam(s) \u2014 2026<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rhode Island<\/b><\/td>\nGED only \u2014 HiSET not available; RESIDENCY REQUIRED to test<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Massachusetts (bordering)<\/span><\/td>\nBoth GED and HiSET are available \u2014 MA residents must test in MA, not RI<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Connecticut (bordering)<\/span><\/td>\nGED only \u2014 HiSET not available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
New York<\/span><\/td>\nGED only \u2014 HiSET not available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
New Hampshire<\/span><\/td>\nGED only \u2014 HiSET not available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pennsylvania<\/span><\/td>\nBoth GED and HiSET are available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Maine<\/span><\/td>\nGED only \u2014 HiSET not available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Vermont<\/span><\/td>\nGED only \u2014 HiSET not available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note for Massachusetts Residents<\/b><\/p>\n

If you are a Massachusetts resident curious about Rhode Island GED testing: under RI state policy, Massachusetts residents may NOT take the GED exam in Rhode Island. MA residents must take their exam in Massachusetts. Massachusetts offers both the GED and HiSET \u2014 contact the MASS Adult Literacy Hotline at 1-800-447-8844 for MA testing options. RIRAL welcomes MA residents for adult education classes, but cannot administer the GED exam to them.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

What Is the Rhode Island GED?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The Rhode Island High School Equivalency Program is composed of the General Educational Development (GED) Tests, administered throughout the state by testing centers authorized by the RI Board of Education.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Rhode Island High School Equivalency Diploma is issued to those eligible individuals who complete the GED Tests. The RI Board of Education regards this diploma as being of the same status as a regular high school diploma.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RIDE funds a network of 19 organizations across the state offering adult education programs, including GED preparation. The RI Regional Adult Learning (RIRAL) organization, a Pearson VUE Authorized Test Center, is the primary GED testing and preparation provider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Testing is also available at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and several other authorized centers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rhode Island GED At-a-Glance<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Fact<\/b><\/td>\nDetail<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Official credential name<\/b><\/td>\nRhode Island High School Equivalency Diploma<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Administered by<\/b><\/td>\nRI Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (RIDE)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
GED State Administrator<\/b><\/td>\nSophie Tan | Sophie.tan@ride.ri.gov | (401) 222-8455 | 255 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903-3400 | Fax: (401) 222-4691<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Residency questions<\/b><\/td>\n(401) 222-8948<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
RIDE Adult Education page<\/b><\/td>\nride.ri.gov\/students-families\/education-programs\/adult-education-and-ged\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Number of subjects<\/b><\/td>\n4<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Passing score per subject<\/b><\/td>\n145 out of 200<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cost \u2014 In-Person (Test Center)<\/b><\/td>\n$30 per subject ($120 for all four)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cost \u2014 Online (Remote Proctored)<\/b><\/td>\n$36 per subject ($144 for all four) \u2014 DIFFERENT from in-person price<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fee waiver available?<\/b><\/td>\nYES \u2014 for low-income RI residents with financial hardship who pass GED Ready (Likely to Pass) for each subject; applies to both in-person and online; apply at ride.ri.gov\/ged<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Discounted retakes (effective Dec 15, 2023)<\/b><\/td>\nTWO discounted retakes per subject (1 full price: 2 discounts) within 365 days \u2014 RI is unique in giving two retakes, not one<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Retake the test center fee<\/b><\/td>\n$13 standard; $3 for voucher holders who paid the $10 voucher<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Residency required?<\/b><\/td>\nYES \u2014 must be a Rhode Island resident; proved with a valid driver’s license or other proof of residency at the testing center<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Available languages<\/b><\/td>\nEnglish and Spanish; you CAN combine the two languages to earn your credential in RI<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Online testing available?<\/b><\/td>\nYES \u2014 GED Online Proctored; requires passing GED Ready (green score within 60 days)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Diploma\/credential delivery<\/b><\/td>\nRI partners with GED Testing Service via Parchment. Free electronic diploma + transcript emailed after passing all 4 subjects. Free printed diploma also available on request.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
NEDP alternative pathway<\/b><\/td>\nYES \u2014 National External Diploma Program (NEDP) at RIRAL; non-exam portfolio-based diploma; $300 co-pay (RIDE pays $1,000); RI residents only<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Rhode Island GED Eligibility Requirements<\/b><\/h2>\n

Adults 18 and Older: Standard Requirements<\/b><\/h3>\n