State education officials are phasing out the old GED test in favor of a new high school equivalency exam.

The Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education says it has selected Educational Testing Service to administer the new exam in Massachusetts.

The new series of exams will replace the General Education Development Assessment, which is no longer being offered by the GED testing service.

State Education Commissioner Mitchell S\Chester called ETS "an experienced testing company that will deliver a high quality exam."

The new exam, called HISET, will continue to measure whether adult learners and out-of-school youth qualify for Massachusetts High School Equivalency Certificate.

Adults who are 18 years old and older may take the high school equivalency test if they have not previously received a high school diploma.

Sixteen and 17-year-olds may take the test only if they are no longer enrolled in high school.

[Associated Press]

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