After you enroll, an advisor will review your high school transcript to determine how many classes you need to take to get your diploma. Your transcript evaluation will determine the courses you will need to take, which may include:

• English
• math
• science
• social studies
• health
• electives

Currently, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) requires 24 credits for graduation. If you have already earned 18 credits through CMS, for example, you would need to complete six classes at Central Piedmont. You can take up to three classes every 8-week session.

Adult high school classes are offered through a traditional class setting, a computer-assisted lab setting, and distance learning. You can select the options that best meet your learning style and needs. Traditional classes are located at Central Campus only.

To earn a High School Equivalency diploma from the State of North Carolina, you can take either the General Educational Development (GED®) Test or the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET®). Passing either test will get you the same High School Equivalency diploma — you can take whichever test you prefer.

• Most classes are five weeks long and meet several days a week for two hours a day.
• Computer labs are available for students needing flexible scheduling.
• Day, evening, and online classes are available.
• Classes are held at our Cato, Central, and Harper campuses as well as at several community sites.
• An academic advisor will help you create a class schedule that works for you.

You will get the same high school equivalency diploma issued by the North Carolina Community College Board regardless of whichever test you pass. The GED® and the HiSet® tests are similar, but there are differences in the format and cost. The following is a comparison to help you choose which test you would prefer to take.

1. Check Your Eligibility and Review Payment Policies

• GED® exam policies for NC
• HiSET® exam policies for NC

2. Create an Online Account

The name you use when you create your account must exactly match the name on your identification (ID) documents (excluding accents) that you will use on the day of your test at the test center. If it doesn't, you may not be allowed to test or your scores may be canceled.

• Create your GED® account
• Create your HiSET® account

4. Request Disability Accommodations, If Necessary

If you have a disability or health-related need and require testing accommodations, you must request your accommodations before you schedule an appointment to take the exam. The approval process can take six weeks –— be sure to leave yourself enough time to submit all the necessary information before your test date.

• GED® disability accommodation information
• HiSET® disability accommodation information

5. Schedule Your Test Appointment

When you're ready, check available test dates online through your online account.

6. Take Practice Tests/Study

Before registering to take the GED® or HiSET®, you are encouraged to take practice tests online:

• GED® practice tests
• HiSET® practice tests

Have you always had a problem with math? Or maybe you've been away from school for a while and your reading skills are a little rusty. Do not worry. We want to make sure you succeed. That is why we offer free pre-requisite classes to help you get started. Based on your College and Career Readiness placement test results, your advisor will recommend one of four levels of reading and/or math classes that are just right for you. If you score below a high school level (9.0), you will be placed in pre-requisite classes to build your skills. After completing level four, you will be prepared to enter one of our high school completion programs.

Which Pre-Requisite Courses Do I Take?

• To enroll in a high school completion program, you need to score a 9.0 on the placement test in reading and math.
• If you score below 9.0, you will be placed in pre-requisite courses in reading and/or math until your placement test scores reach 9.0.
• Most pre-requisite courses last for eight weeks and meet 10 hours per week; day and evening classes are available.
• A computer lab is available for additional instructional support or if you need a more flexible schedule.
• Adult high school classes are offered at the Central Piedmont Central Campus and online.
• GED and HiSet classes are offered at the Central, Cato, and Harper campuses, as well as at several community sites.
• To ensure success, you must attend class on a regular basis and adhere to the department’s attendance policy.

How Long Will it Take to Complete Pre-Requisite Classes?

The time it takes to finish the pre-requisite courses depends on the amount of time and effort that you dedicate to your studies. Typically, students who actively participate in the learning experiences will complete the courses within the shortest period of time.

If you are a minor (under 18 years old), there are a few more things you'll have to do to enroll. Review the requirements for minors.

If you need accommodations, contact Disability Services.

Central Piedmont Career Coach

• Career training programs
• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• Independence and Literacy Education for Adults with Disabilities (I-LEAD)