Earn Your High School Equivalency Diploma
Workforce Essentials is the premier high school equivalency preparation program in Middle Tennessee. We offer HiSET testing in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
To prepare you for the HiSET test, we offer classes completely free of charge to our students in the morning, evening, and even some weekend classes. We also have online classes available for many of our students! Quickly pass the HiSET exam, earn your diploma, and move ahead toward your goals. Our teachers and staff are very well trained to walk you through your journey and help you learn the skills you need.
What is HiSET?
HiSET is a High School Equivalency Test that allows you to show employers and colleges that you have a fair knowledge of reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Tennessee does not offer the GED test. Instead, the Tennessee HiSET exam proves your knowledge in a similar way the GED would.
The exam covers Language Arts Writing, Language Arts Reading, Social Studies, Math, and Science.
How many questions are on the HiSET?
- Language Arts Writing includes 50 multiple choice questions and one essay. You have 120 minutes to complete the questions and 50 minutes for the essay.
- Language Arts Reading includes 40 multiple choice questions that you must answer in 65 minutes.
- Social Studies includes 50 multiple choice questions that you must answer within 70 minutes.
- Math includes 50 multiple choice questions that you must answer within 90 minutes.
- Science includes 50 multiple choice questions that you must answer within 80 minutes.
How do I pass the HiSET?
- The HiSET requires a minimum score of 8 out of 20 on each of the five subtests. The total test score needs to be a minimum of 45 out of 100. In addition, the essay part of the exam needs to have a score of at least 2 out of 6.
- To pass the HiSET, you need to also take the free HiSET practice exam.
What are the qualifications to take the HiSET exam in Tennessee?
- To take the HiSET exam, you must be 18 or older. However, those who are 17 can submit an age waiver signed by an official school they last attended plus written permission from a parent or legal guardian.
- You must first take the official HiSET practice test in order to take the HiSET exam. The free HiSET practice test is available online.
- You DO NOT have to be a resident of Tennessee to take the Tennessee HiSET test
- You MUST NOT be enrolled or registered with another educational program.
How much does it cost to take the HiSET exam?
- The cost of the HiSET exam depends on where you take the test. However, most tests cost around $15 per each subtest, or $75 total. For retests, each subtest costs around $5. You can take up to two retests at the discounted price.
Why should I take the HiSET?
- For adults unable to finish their regular high school education, for any reason, can take the HiSET exam to earn an equivalent degree to a high school diploma. Tennessee offers the HiSET exam instead of the GED test. In addition to personal growth, a HiSET certificate shows employers, colleges, universities, and government institutions you received a high school level of education.
- The HiSET exam is the fastest way to earn a High School Diploma, which allows you to move ahead towards your goals more quickly. With a high school education, you open more employment opportunities, which can lead to a more rewarding career.
- With a High School Diploma,
- Earn $10,000 more per year than those without a High School Diploma
- Qualify for the Hope Scholarship, TN Promise, or TN Reconnect
- Qualify for a promotion, or a pay raise
- Increase employment opportunities
How do I prepare for the HiSET exam?
We offer free online and in-person HiSET classes in Tennessee. You can attend classes in the morning, evening, and some weekends. Students typically attend 1 – 4 class sessions per week in-person. We also offer several online resources for students to study on their own schedule.
To start attending free HiSET classes, call one of our offices to sign up for an orientation at a location closest to you. We hold orientations several times per month, morning and evening, in each of the 13 Tennessee counties we serve. Call us at 1-800-826-3177 to register!