HiSET and GED Eligibility Requirements
Tennessee offers multiple ways to earn your High School Equivalency Diploma, including the HiSET and GED exams. Below are the eligibility requirements and steps to get started.
Eligibility to Take the HiSET or GED
1. Age Requirement
- You must be 18 years or older and not have a high school diploma.
- If you are 17 years old, you need an Age Waiver form signed by your local school director or designee, a leader of a nonpublic school, or a parent/guardian if home-schooled.
Upload the completed form using this link: Submit a Request – TN Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development.
2. Residency
- You don’t need to be a Tennessee resident to take the exams.
3. Identification
- Bring a valid government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport, or military ID) on test day.
- The ID must show your name, address, date of birth, signature, and photo. Expired IDs are not accepted.
4. Account Setup
Create an account to register for the exam:
- HiSET: Create a myHiSET Account
- GED: Create a GED Account
Free HiSET or GED Exams
You may qualify for a free exam voucher through your local Adult Education program.
Not all programs offer vouchers, but those funded by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) do.
Options for Classes
Tennessee offers in-person and virtual classes to help you prepare for the HiSET exam.
These classes cover math, literacy, and English skills.
You can contact the Adult Education Division at 1-800-531-1515 to connect with a program near you.
Voucher Program
The HiSET Voucher Program covers all exam costs for Tennessee residents.
To get a voucher, you must:
- Be a Tennessee resident.
- Complete a qualifying practice test to show you’re ready for the exam.
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 section includes policies, guidance, and other resources for local Adult Education providers. Resources cover program management, data and performance, and workforce development.
Submit a request to receive more information about Adult Education services.