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Earn Your Diploma2026-03-12T10:14:59-05:00

Workforce Essentials Adult Education Program

If you are in search of earning your High School Equivalency Diploma, or HiSET, you’ve come to the right place! Workforce Essentials is the premier high school equivalency preparation program in Middle Tennessee. We conveniently offer morning, evening, and even some weekend classes completely free of charge to our students year-round. We also have online classes available for many of our students!

Our high school equivalency program is designed to help you 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 to take this step forward in your life.

In addition to our high school equivalency program, we offer Integrated English Literacy and Civics (IELC) classes and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for non-native English speakers. These classes are also free of charge, and will equip students with the ability to speak, read, and write in English, while at the same time teaching students about the U.S. Government!

Adult education and high school diploma in Tennessee

Adult Education FAQs

How do I schedule my GED test once I’m prepared?2026-03-12T10:10:57-05:00

When you feel confident and ready to take the next step, you can schedule your GED test online at GED.com. From there, you’ll be able to choose a testing location that works best for you and select a date that fits your schedule.

If you need help, Workforce Essentials in Tennessee can walk you through the process and answer questions to make sure you’re set up for success. Their staff is experienced in guiding students from prep to registration, so you won’t have to figure it all out on your own.

Does FAFSA Accept HiSET?2026-03-12T10:08:29-05:00

Yes. Since the HiSET is a recognized high school equivalency credential, you can use it to apply for federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Once you’ve earned your HiSET, you’ll meet the high school completion requirement for FAFSA, allowing you to access grants, loans, and work-study opportunities to help pay for college.

What States Accept HiSET?2026-03-12T10:04:43-05:00

The HiSET exam is accepted in many states across the U.S. as proof of high school equivalency. Tennessee is one of them, along with states such as Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Maine, Montana, and more. Each state sets its own rules, so it’s always a good idea to check the official HiSET website or your local adult education office to confirm eligibility in your state.

Can I Go to College With a HiSET?2026-03-12T10:02:27-05:00

Yes! Earning your HiSET diploma is recognized as the equivalent of a traditional high school diploma, which means you can apply to most colleges, universities, and technical schools. In fact, Tennessee programs like TN Promise and TN Reconnect specifically allow students with a HiSET to qualify, opening the door to higher education, scholarships, and career training opportunities.

Can I Take the HiSET at Home?2026-03-12T09:55:49-05:00

Yes, you can! If you prefer to learn on your own schedule, there are online prep courses available that let you study from home or anywhere with an internet connection. This flexibility makes it easier to balance your education with work, family, and other commitments.

In Tennessee, Workforce Essentials is one of the premier providers of HiSET preparation. They not only offer free in-person classes across Middle Tennessee, but also provide online HiSET prep courses so students can study at their own pace. Morning, evening, and some weekend options are available, ensuring you can fit classes into your schedule.

Most of these resources, both in-person and online, are offered free of charge to adult learners. In addition to HiSET prep, Workforce Essentials also provides English as a Second Language (ESL) and civics classes at no cost.

Where can you find GED prep classes and study materials in Tennessee?2026-03-12T09:46:31-05:00

You have plenty of options for preparing for the GED or HiSET in Tennessee! Throughout the state, a variety of organizations and educational centers offer in-person classes, so you can find a location convenient to you. These include:

  • Adult education centers
  • Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs)
  • Many local community colleges
  • Vocational and technical schools
  • Workforce Essentials, which provides HiSET prep programs across multiple Tennessee counties

Most public libraries also stock helpful GED and HiSET study guides, and you’ll often find community groups that host study sessions or tutoring for adult learners.

What will I be learning?2026-03-12T09:31:28-05:00

We prepare students to take the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET). This test requires students to have a fair level of knowledge in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Our classes are designed to help you improve your skills in these areas, and to prepare you to succeed on test day. Click here for more information about HiSET.

The HiSET is structured to measure your knowledge and skills in core academic areas—similar to what high school seniors are expected to know at graduation. You’ll focus on five main subjects:

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies

Our curriculum covers these subjects thoroughly to ensure you’re confident when you sit for your exam. Whether you need a refresher in math, want to strengthen your reading and writing skills, or need support with science or social studies concepts, our experienced teachers are here to guide you every step of the way.

How long will this take me?2026-03-12T09:32:33-05:00

The time it takes to earn a diploma varies from student to student. It all depends on your background knowledge, motivation to come to class, and personal study habits! The only way to earn your diploma quickly is to fully commit yourself to the program. We will do everything we can to help you along the way, including offering classes year-round!

How do your classes work?2026-03-12T09:34:41-05:00

At the end of orientation, you will be assigned to a class best suited to your educational needs and personal schedule. Classes are offered in the morning, evening, and some weekends, and students can typically attend 1 – 4 class sessions per week. Our adult education classes are offered year-round to help students learn at any time in their schedule. We also offer several online resources so our students can study at their convenience.

For those who prefer online learning, our program features engaging, bite-sized lessons and plenty of practice opportunities, making it easy to fit studying around your life. You have the flexibility to revisit lessons as many times as you need to feel confident and prepared for test day. Whether you attend in-person or online, our team is here to support you—every step of the way.

How do I sign up for classes?2026-03-12T09:57:21-05:00

Call one of our offices to get signed up for an orientation at the location nearest you. Orientations are held during the mornings and evenings several times per month in each of our 13 counties. You just need to give us a call at 1-800-826-3177 to register! You can also register for orientation online HERE.

Why should I earn my high school equivalency diploma?2026-03-12T09:58:57-05:00

Once you earn your diploma, you can:

  • 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 new job, a promotion, or a pay raise

Locations

Click here for a list of our class locations

Our classes take place in several different locations throughout our 13-county district, in order to make attending classes as convenient as possible.
Please contact us anytime via phone, email, or by stopping by one of our offices.

You can also visit us on Facebook!

Pre HiSET Exam Requirements in Tennessee

Candidates wanting to earn a high school equivalency diploma through the HiSET exam must meet the following requirements, with the appropriate proof of identification:

  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Be a resident of Tennessee
  • Must have a valid and up-to-date identification, such as a driver’s license, a passport, a military ID, etc.

If you are 17 years old, you may also be eligible to take the HiSET exam in Tennessee, but you must meet specific additional requirements. These may include providing withdrawal documentation from your last school attended, obtaining parental or guardian consent, and possibly meeting other state or local stipulations.

Please note: Individuals are not eligible for the HiSET if they currently hold a high school diploma or are enrolled in a K-12 school program.

We recommend contacting a HiSET prep facility or one of our local offices to ensure you fully understand the latest requirements and to help you determine your eligibility. Being well-informed and prepared will help you get started with confidence on your path to earning your high school equivalency diploma.

OUR MISSION

To maximize human resource capital by using solid business principles, professional staff, effective partnerships and a commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

VALUES

Visionary Leadership • Valued Employees • Quality Work & Services • Customer Satisfaction • Continuous Improvement • Innovation & Risk Taking

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