How Can I Get My GED in Memphis?

Passing the general educational development, or GED, exam is the equivalent of getting a high school diploma. A GED certificate will greatly increase your opportunities for employment, because many jobs require at least that or a high school diploma. To earn a GED certificate in Tennessee, you must be at least 17 years old, be a resident of the state and not be enrolled in a high school.

Things You'll Need

• Driver's license or passport
• $65 testing fee

Instructions

1. Call the Messick Adult Education Center in Memphis, 901-416-4840, to enroll in a GED class. This education center has the only adult education program that offers GED classes in Memphis. The class is recommended but is not mandatory. There is no fee for the classes.

2. Sign up to take the GED exam on the date you choose. Call the site where you want to take the exam: 901-416-2433 for the Memphis city schools, 901-333-4707 for Southwest Tennessee Community College, or 901-377-4536 for the Shelby County Division of Corrections.

3. Show up at the testing center on your exam date with a driver's license, passport or other official ID, as well as the $65 exam fee. If you are 17 years old, you also must have an age waiver form signed by the superintendent of the school system where you live.

4. Take and pass the exam. If you do not pass on your first try, you may take it two more times over the course of the year. To earn your GED certificate, you must have an average score of 450 on the five sections of the test and no lower than a 410 on any one section.

References

• TN Department of Labor and Workplace Development: Tennessee GED
• Memphis City Schools: Adult Education Center