In Tennessee, you can earn a high school equivalency certificate by taking the GED test or HiSET exam. The credential is called the High School Equivalency Diploma. Employers and 98% of colleges accept a GED or HiSET certificate.

Here is a list of Tennessee GED or HiSET testing centers.

If you're like many, you're probably wondering: How can I get my GED or HiSET fast? Well, the good news is that earning your GED or HiSET certificate is easier than you think. The sooner you start, the sooner you can meet your goals.

Steps to Get the GED or HiSET Test in Tennessee

1. Check Your Eligibility in Tennessee: Every state has its own GED and HiSET test eligibility requirements. For Tennessee, you can find the list of requirements at the top of this page.
2. Study for the Test: Preparing for the GED or HiSET test is key to success. Choose from various study options, including using a GED or HiSET Tennessee study guide, attending local GED or HiSET prep classes, or studying online. Find the method that works best for you.
3. Practice the Material: Create a quiet and focused study environment. Use GED or HiSET study guides or online classes to help structure your learning.
4. Take GED or HiSET Practice Tests: Practice tests are a great way to track your progress and identify areas for improvement. If you choose to take the GED test online, you're required to take the GED Ready® practice test and achieve a "green" score within the last 60 days before scheduling the official online exam.
5. Register for the Test: When you're ready, schedule your GED test or HiSET exam.
6. Take the Test: On test day, bring a valid, non-expired, government-issued photo ID. Personal items are not allowed in the testing area.
7. Get Your Transcript and Diploma: After passing the GED test or HiSET exam, the State of Tennessee will award you a high school equivalency certificate, showing that you have achieved the same level of knowledge as a high school graduate.

The Tennessee GED test and HiSET exam are the same as in every other state since they are national exams. While it may seem challenging, preparation is key, and online classes can help you get ready. For more on how hard the GED test is, read our article How Hard Is the GED in 2025?

The GED Testing Service offers an official GED practice test for $7.99 per subject. The HiSET also offers practice tests. Additionally, you can take a free GED practice test or a free HiSET practice test through Essential Education, with the option to focus on one or multiple subjects.

GED: A passing score on the Tennessee GED test is 145 points (45% correct) in each of the four subjects. You can check your results in your MyGED account after you have completed the test.

HiSET: A passing score on the Tennessee HiSET exam is 8 points in each of the five subtests, with a total of 45 points. You can view your results in your HiSET account after you have completed each subtest.

In Tennessee, you can request your official transcript through DiplomaSender.com.

No, you do not have to be a resident of Tennessee to take the GED test or HiSET exam.

You must be 18 years old to take the GED test or HiSET exam in Tennessee.

GED: You must apply for disability accommodations through the GED Testing Service website.

HiSET: Find out about disability accommodations and complete a HiSET Accommodations Request Form.

In Tennessee, you may submit the HSE Recommendation Form for approval to take the GED test or HiSET exam. It must be signed by your local director of schools or designee, leader of the nonpublic school last attended, or parent/guardian if home-schooled. No out-of-state waivers will be approved unless you’re officially enrolled in a Tennessee Adult Education program.

• GED Cost at a Test Center: $36 per subject or $144 for all subjects.
• GED Cost Online: $36 per subject or $144 for all subjects.
• HiSET Cost at a Test Center: $20 per subtest or $100 for all subtests.
• HiSET Cost Online: $32.50 per subtest or $162.50 for all subtests.

Note: In Tennessee, eligible residents can receive vouchers to earn their credential for free. To qualify, contact your local Adult Education Program. Not all programs offer vouchers, but those funded by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development do.

GED:

• In-person at a Testing Center: GED Testing Service waives its $26 testing fee, but there is a $10 test center fee. You will receive one discounted retake for every GED test subject you purchase but don’t pass. You have 365 days after your full-price test to use this discounted retake. This retake offer (1 full price:1 discount) repeats until you pass the test.
• Online Testing: The Online Proctored Exam costs $36 for a retake in Tennessee. Discounted retakes are not offered on the Online Proctored Exam.

HiSET: You may retake each subtest two times over the 12 months following your first attempt by paying only the test center fee of $5 or the online proctor fee of $17.50 for each subtest. You will be charged the full amount, including the test fee when scheduling your fourth attempt within the 12 months following your first attempt.

GED: The Tennessee GED tests you on Language Arts (Reading and Writing), Math, Science, and Social Studies.

HiSET: The Tennessee HiSET tests you on Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

GED Test:

HiSET Exam:

GED Test:

HiSET Exam:

GED:

• In-person at a Testing Center: In Tennessee, there is no waiting period for your first two retakes. After taking a test subject three times, you’ll have to wait 60 days before retesting. There’s no limit to how many times you can test in a year.
• Online Testing: The Online Proctored Exam allows for one retake before a 60-day waiting period. After taking a test subject two times online, you’ll have to wait 60 days before retesting.

HiSET: You can take each subtest a maximum of three times in six months. Each year, the 6-month period is divided into the following:

- First 6-month period: January 1 to June 30
- Second 6-month period: July 1 to December 31

Yes, in Tennessee, you can take the GED or HiSET exams either at an official testing center or online. For the GED, if you choose the online option, you're required to take the GED Ready® practice test and achieve a "green" score within the last 60 days before scheduling the official online exam.

Use our list of authorized test centers in Tennessee to find a location near you.

GED: 145 minimum per subject

HiSET: 8 minimum per subtest, combined minimum of 45, 2 minimum on the essay

What you should know:

• You should be familiar with math concepts, measurements, equations, and applying math concepts to solve real-life problems.
• You don’t have to memorize formulas. You will be given a formula sheet in the test center and on the screen during the test.
• Essential Education offers a free practice test for math that will help you assess your readiness for the test.
• GED Academy gives you all the math you need to study at one affordable price.

GED:

• In-person at a Testing Center: Yes, in Tennessee, you can take all GED test subjects in one day, provided you find a testing center with available hours that can accommodate this.
• Online Testing: No, each subject must be scheduled separately, one at a time. After completing one online exam, you can schedule the next, depending on available appointment times.

HiSET: You can choose to take each subtest individually, but if you prefer, you may also take multiple subtests in a single day, subject to availability at your testing center and your personal preference.

Yes, in Tennessee, you can test in English or Spanish, and you can combine tests from different languages to earn your credential.

For Spanish speakers, GED Academy and HiSET Academy provide mobile-friendly, online courses designed to fully align with test standards. These programs cover all test subjects with engaging, expert-designed lessons, helping you confidently prepare to take the exam in English or Spanish.