High School Equivalency Credential Program

Two graduates Do you want to earn your high school diploma? The High School Equivalency Credential Program at the Cambridge Community Learning Center (CLC) can help you! This free program prepares students to take the HiSET or GED test.

Students who pass the test receive a High School Equivalency (HSE) Credential. Earning the Credential is the same as getting a high school diploma.

Our Program Has:

Small class sizes
Tutoring support
Opportunities to build computer and study skills
Educational and career advising services

Program Schedule

Classes run from September - June. There are also optional summer classes available.
Classes meet 2 or 3 days a week from 6:15 - 9:15 p.m.

Priority given to Cambridge residents. People living in some cities near Cambridge are also eligible. The list of eligible cities is available on the Information Session Sign Up Form.

Questions? Contact Ava Kiem at akiem@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-9347.

Questions and Answers

How does earning my high school equivalency credential benefit me?

Having a high school diploma or equivalent helps you access better jobs and more education. When you earn your high school equivalency credential, you can:

Apply for a job that requires a high school diploma
Enroll in job training programs that require a high school diploma
Apply to college

I already have my high school diploma, but I want to improve my math and reading skills. Can I participate in this program?

Yes, you can. Some students enroll in the High School Equivalency Credential Program to prepare for college, qualify for job training programs, or better support their families.

I want to improve my math and reading skills, but I am not sure if I need my high school equivalency credential. Is this program for me?

Yes, we offer 4 levels of math and reading classes. We can help you develop your skills so you can get a better job, help your children with their schoolwork or qualify for a job training program.

How much does this program cost?

The program is free. All fees are covered by the program and required materials are provided. This includes:

Books and class materials
Assistance setting up your "myHiSET" or "myGED" account and using online test prep resources
Access to a Chromebook

What is the HiSET?

The High School Equivalency Test or "HiSET" is a standardized test for people who did not graduate high school or need documentation showing they have high school level skills. The HiSET has five subject tests: 1) Language Arts - Reading, 2) Language Arts - Writing, 3) Mathematics, 4) Science, and 5) Social Studies.

You must pass all five tests to earn your High School Equivalency (HSE) Credential.

The HSE Credential is accepted by every state, territory, and jurisdiction as well as by the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. military, and federal programs.

Learn more about the HiSET.

What is the GED?

The General Educational Diploma or GED is a standardized test for people who did not graduate high school or need documentation showing they have high school-level skills. The GED has four subject tests: 1) Reasoning Through Language Arts 2) Mathematical Reasoning 3) Science and 4) Social Studies. You must pass all four tests to earn your High School Equivalency (HSE) Credential.

The HSE credential is accepted by every state, territory, and jurisdiction as well as by the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. military and federal programs.

Learn more about the GED.