High School Equivalency Credential Program

Do you want to earn your high school diploma? The Cambridge Community Learning Center (CLC) can help you!

The High School Equivalency Credential Program at the CLC prepares students to take the HiSET or GED test. Students who pass the HiSET or GED test receive a High School Equivalency (HSE) Credential. Earning the HSE credential is the same as getting a high school diploma.

At the CLC, we focus on helping adult learners reach their personal and professional goals. We offer small class sizes, one-on-one tutoring, and resources for students with disabilities and learning differences to help everyone succeed.

In this program, students:

Take classes to prepare for HiSET or GED subject tests (reading, writing, math, science, and social studies)
Develop computer and study skills
Receive educational and career advising

Program Schedule

Classes meet 2 or 3 days a week from 6:15 - 9:15 p.m. in at the CLC in Central Square
Classes are held September to June each year
Optional summer classes available

To enroll in this program, students must:

Meet the residency requirements (priority given to Cambridge residents)
Attend an information session and take a placement test
Commit to regularly attend their classes

Interested? Sign up for an information session to learn more about the program and take a placement test. We offer monthly information sessions at the CLC (5 Western Ave.) from 6 - 8 p.m.

FAQs

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, some of our 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?

It is free for participants. All fees and materials required to participate are provided, including:

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

What is the HiSET?

The HiSET, or High School Equivalency Test, is a standardized test for people who did not graduate high school or need documentation showing they have high school level skills. The HiSET exam is made up of five subject tests: 1) Language Arts - Reading, 2) Language Arts - Writing, 3) Mathematics, 4) Science, and 5) Social Studies. You must pass all 5 tests to earn your high school equivalency credential (HSE).

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

The HSE credential (GED or HiSET) 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.