Ops Memo 2014-38: Conversion from GED to High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) Testing and Vouchers

Overview

Massachusetts has replaced the existing GED test with the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET). TAFDC clients wishing to obtain a high school equivalency certificate will do so through the HiSET. HiSET will cover the same five test areas (Language Arts Reading, Language Arts Writing, Mathematics, Science and  Social Studies). Massachusetts is not honoring scores for the GED where the full battery was not passed by the student.

Effective with the issuance of this memo, the Employment Services Program General Educational Development Voucher (ESP-29) must not be issued.

This voucher is not recognized for HiSET. The new HiSET Voucher for Full Battery (ESP-40) and HiSET Voucher for Individual Tests (ESP-41) forms (see  Attachments A and B) must be used. TAFDC clients who wish to have the Department pay for the HiSET are not able to register for the test without the voucher. TAFDC clients who register without a DTA-issued voucher number will not be reimbursed.

Purpose of Memo

The purpose of this memo is to:

• inform DTA staff about the Commonwealth’s conversion to the HiSET for high school equivalency certificates;
• provide procedures for TAFDC clients requesting a test voucher; and
• introduce the new HiSET Voucher for Full Battery (ESP-40) and HiSET Voucher for Individual Tests (ESP-41) forms.