Georgia Piedmont Technical College and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) now offer multiple options for achieving your high school equivalency (HSE). Two computer-based testing (CBT) pathways are available through testing centers or proctored at home: the GED® test or the HiSET® exam. Georgia Piedmont is also among the colleges piloting a workforce-based solution to a high school diploma through joint enrollment called Career Plus.
For a side-by-side comparison between the GED® Test and HiSET® Exam, click here.
- Faculty dedicated solely to adult literacy and high school equivalency (HSE) test prep help students every step of the way
- Flexible morning and evening classes
- Structured approach that helps students move to the next grade level in as little as four weeks
- On-site GED® and HiSET® testing
Earn your high school equivalency and a trade skill at the same time
Georgia Piedmont Tech offers the chance to earn a high school equivalency credential and a Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) in a high-demand occupation in as little as six months. You must register online and attend an orientation session to begin class.
Convenient Campus Locations
Georgia Piedmont Tech offers high school equivalency test prep courses at all campus locations. View the list below to find the one closer to you. Be mindful that days, times and locations of class offerings may vary and change in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
View all campus locations
DeKalb Campus
495 North Indian Creek Dr.
Clarkston, GA 30021
(404) 297-9522 etc. 4000
TU-TH: 9 AM – 1 PM
TU & TH: 5 PM – 9 PM
Newton County
Newton Campus, A, B, C
16200 Alcovy Road, NE
Covington, GA 30014
(404) 297-9522 etc. 4000
M-TH: 8 AM – 1 PM
M & TU: 5 PM – 9 PM
Rockdale County
Rockdale Instructional Site
1064 Culpepper Drive
Conyers, GA 30094
(404) 297-9522 etc. 4000
M & TU: 5 PM – 9 PM
County Correctional Facilities
https://www.gptc.edu/eventGeorgia Piedmont Tech offers high school equivalency test prep classes to referred inmates at each of the county jails in the college’s three-county footprint.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What types of classes are offered?
- GED® and HiSET®Prep Classes
- Basic Skills classes in reading, math, and language/writing
- Fast Track (must qualify)
- Distance Learning/Online classes (must qualify, see more information below)
- Springboard (referral only)
What types of learning techniques are used?
- Instructor facilitated, self-paced, and individualized instruction using textbooks and other learning resources
- Instructor facilitated computer-based instruction
- Group class instruction in math, reading, and language/writing using online resources
Is there a fee for classes?
- No, classes are provided at no cost to the student
- Books are provided for students to use in class but cannot be written in or taken home
Who can enroll?
- Ages 18 and older with a valid government issued picture ID
- Ages 16 and 17 with parental consent, withdrawal form or letter (transcripts are not accepted) from last school attended
- Underage Youth Application for Program Enrollment and Permission to Take the GED® Test form
- Must be in the United States legally
Where and when are classes available?
- Classes are offered in three counties: DeKalb, Newton and Rockdale
- DeKalb county offer day, afternoon and evening classes
- Rockdale and Newton counties day and night classes
- Stonecrest Library – 3123 Klondike Rd. Stonecrest, GA 30038 Monday & Wednesday (Morning)
- Hairston Crossing Library – 4911 Redan Rd. Stone Mountain, GA 30088 – Monday and Tuesday (Evening)
- Distance Learning/Online classes (must qualify, see more information below)
How can I enroll?
- All students MUST attend an orientation session and take the placement test. Please call (404) 297-9522 ext. 4000 for additional new student information
- Review upcoming registration schedule, dates, and deadlines and dates for classes.
- Upcoming Registration Dates for GED/HSE Preparation Classes:
- February 8 – 12, 2024
- March 14 – 18, 2024
- April 18 – 22, 2024
- May 23 – 27, 2024
How long will it take to prepare for the GED® or HiSET® tests?
- Students move at their own pace
- Program is customized for each student – the length of time to get ready for the test depends on each student’s abilities, starting level, attendance, and motivation
How do I earn both a high school equivalency credential and a trade skill at the same time?
- The Georgia Piedmont Advantage for Adult Education program is a dual enrollment opportunity where students can earn a high school equivalency credential and a Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) in a high-demand occupation
- Through this program, both can be earned in as little as one semester, depending on commitment and motivation
- High-demand fields include welding, nursing, and construction, among many others
- Ask for more information about the Georgia Piedmont Advantage schedule
How can I get a copy of my high school equivalency courses transcript?
How can I find out more about the distance learning/online class options?
The High School Equivalency online (or Distance learning) program is an extension of the Adult Education/Continuing Education program offered at Georgia Piedmont Technical College for adult learners.
This program is for the adult learner with or without a High school diploma.
Adult learners WITH a high school diploma:
- can refresh their basic literacy skills before taking college entry exams or in preparation of retaking college entry exams
- will take assessments to gauge their proficiency in basic literacy skills
Adult learners WITHOUT a high school diploma:
- will take online courses and high school equivalency practice tests to better prepare them to obtain a credential and transition to college.
The adult learner who would benefit from attending online classes is someone who would have challenges in attending traditional high school equivalency classes but would still have an opportunity to obtain a credential.
The Distance Learning program is open to all with an emphasis on those with challenges of physically attending class.
These challenges include but are not limited to:
- Transportation
- Health issues
- Child care
- Employment restrictions
ALL ADULT EDUCATION/CONTINUING EDUCATION CLASSES ARE FREE.