New Pathways
For adult students in Tennessee, the pathway toward attaining their High School Equivalency Diploma has never had so many options to meet their needs.
The following is a description of the different exams that can be taken and applied toward HSE Diploma attainment. Students must pass Math, Reading, Writing/Language, Social Studies, and Science through any of the pathways listed.
TABE Exam
An assessment that can be offered to students immediately after entry into an Adult Education program.
Students can take one or more of the following subtests that count toward HSE Diploma attainment:
- Math
- Reading
- Language
Students can retake the TABE after 40 hours of instruction in that content area.
HISET Exam
An assessment given to students to obtain their HSE Diploma.
Students can take up to five subtests that count toward HSE Diploma attainment:
- Math
- Reading
- Writing
- Science
- Social Studies
Students can attempt a subtest on the HiSET exam up to three times in a calendar year.
For additional information about HiSET eligibility requirements click here.
GED Exam
An assessment given to students to obtain their HSE Diploma.
Students can take up to four subtests that count toward HSE Diploma attainment:
- Math
- Language Arts
- Science
- Social Studies
Students can attempt a subtest on the GED exam up to three times before having to wait 60 days before additional retakes.
For additional information about GED eligibility requirements click here.
ACT WorkKeys
An assessment given to students to obtain the Math and Reading requirements of the HSE Diploma.
Students can take the following subtests for HSE Diploma attainment:
- Applied Math
- Workplace Documents
Students can retake ACT WorkKeys as often as needed.
CASAS GOALS
An assessment given to students to obtain Math and Reading requirements of the HSE Diploma.
Students can take the following subtests for HSE Diploma attainment:
- Math
- Reading
Students can retake CASAS GOALS after 40 hours of instruction in that content area.
Click the button above or click here for more information about Adult Education programs.
You also can email adulteducation@tn.gov or call 1-800-531-1515.
Visit Adult Education main page.
Adult Education, as part of the Workforce Innovations and Opportunity Act (WIOA), provides services to adults to build the knowledge and skills necessary for high school equivalency, employment, post-secondary opportunities, and economic self-sustainability.
La Educación para Adultos, como parte de la Ley de Oportunidades e Innovaciones Laborales (WIOA), brinda servicios a adultos para desarrollar el conocimiento y las habilidades necesarias para la equivalencia de escuela secundaria, empleo, oportunidades postsecundarias y autosostenibilidad económica. Para aplicar, llame a su programa local.
Find out how to get enrolled in Adult Education!
For adult students in Tennessee, the pathway toward attaining their High School Equivalency Diploma has never had so many options to meet their needs. Learn more about the different exams that can be taken and applied toward HSE Diploma attainment.
Learn about the HiSET and GED exams and their eligibility requirements and how adult learners can earn a High School Equivalency Diploma in Tennessee.
Learn about programs nearest you for Adult Basic Education (ABE) or English as a Second Language (ESL). Thank you for your interest in furthering your education here in Tennessee.
Request a copy of your diploma or transcripts.
This page lists the agencies that are awarded Adult Education grants for the 2023-2027 period. This followed the 2023 Request for Applications (RFA) for organizations to receive grant funding to implement adult education programs across Tennessee.
No Wrong Door is a podcast that explores how Tennessee is reimagining its workforce through innovative Adult Education initiatives across the state.
Please fill out the form and someone from your area will reach out to discuss your options.
To contact Adult Education, call us at 1-800-531-1515 or send us an email at adulteducation@tn.gov.