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 you are a HiSET Massachusetts test taker and English is not your primary language, you may qualify for time and a half and/or a private room where you may read out loud during your test, by requesting accommodations for ELL from PSI.

Please fill out the HiSET Testing Accommodations Request Form at the link below and include the following:

A personal letter requesting the authorization; and
A letter from your English instructor (adult education program) or a sponsoring agency (e.g., employer, religious organization) on a letterhead certifying that English is not your primary language to support your request for extended time and/or private room.

Submit Accommodations Request Once your request has been reviewed, you will receive an email notifying you of your approval status. You must wait until your accommodation is approved before scheduling your appointment. The Accommodations Team must set up and schedule your appointments.

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: December 11, 2024