New Pathways

New Pathways to a High School Equivalency Diploma

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.