PPER Email 2014-13: Revised Voucher Procedures for High School Equivalency Testing

The Commonwealth has replaced the existing GED test with the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET), which is being administered through a new vendor, as the testing system to measure
whether adult learners and out-of-school youth qualify for the Massachusetts High School Equivalency Certificate. TAFDC clients wishing to obtain the High School Equivalency
Certificate will do so through the HiSET. The HiSET covers the same five test areas (Language Arts - Reading, Language Arts - Writing, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies) in the same
format as the former GED.

Effective immediately the Employment Services Program General Educational Development Voucher (ESP-29) must not be issued. This voucher is not recognized for HiSET.

The Department is currently awaiting the new HiSET voucher numbers. Once received, the Department will begin issuing HiSET vouchers for eligible TAFDC clients. An upcoming
Operations Memo will outline the new procedures and introduce this new form.

TAFDC clients who wish to have the Department pay for the HiSET are not able to register for the test without the voucher. While awaiting for HiSET voucher numbers, the case manager, the TAO FEW, or other designated staff, should send an email with:

• the client’s Name,
• Agency ID, and,
• indicate whether the request is for the Full Battery or for Individual Re-Test(s), noting the re-testing subjects requested, to DTA-DL-HiSet@MassMail.State.MA.US to expedite the issuance of a HiSET voucher when available.

If you have any questions, please call the Policy Hotline.