Finish High School at Central Piedmont

Do you keep hitting a wall because you don't have a high school diploma? You have options.

Options

To get your high school diploma, you can either:

  • Enroll in our adult high school program to complete the credits you need to earn a high school diploma from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
  • Take free test prep classes at Central Piedmont and take either the GED® or HiSET® high school equivalency exam.

Who Can Enroll

To be eligible, you must be:

  • 16 years or older
  • officially withdrawn from your last K-12 public, private, or home school

Enroll Now

  • Apply for Admission to Central Piedmont

    If you have applied to or taken a class at Central Piedmont before, you do not need to apply again. If you don't remember your student ID number, username, or if you are in our system, please first contact a student success navigator (information in the "Contact" section). We will contact you by phone within one or two business days to confirm your application. If you are not contacted by then, contact us.

    Submit the Central Piedmont College and Career Readiness application.

  • Create Your Central Piedmont Login

    After we reach you to confirm your application, you can activate your account.

    If you have your username and still can't activate your account, please call the Service Desk, or contact Admissions, Outreach and Recruitment, or a student success navigator for help.

  • Access Your Central Piedmont Email

    Your Central Piedmont student email is the official way the college will communicate with you about your classes, events, and more. Log in to your email online or from the mobile app. Check your email at least once a day.

  • Take the High School Completion Placement Test (High School Equivalency Test Students Only)

  • Submit Official Transcripts (Adult High School Students Only)

    Request an official (sealed) copy of your high school transcript(s) from all of the high schools you have attended. If you are a former CMS student, you can request an official copy of your high school transcript online or you can request an official copy of your high school transcript in person from CMS Student Records.

    Then, bring your official high school transcript(s) in its original, sealed envelope to the Central Campus Student Records. The adult high school advisor will contact you once your transcript evaluation is complete.

  • Attend Group Advising and Register for Classes

    After you take the placement test, you will be scheduled to attend New Student Seminar. At the seminar, an academic advisor will help you create your class schedule.

Adult High School Program

  • About Adult High School

    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.

  • Class Locations and Delivery Methods

    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.

Test Prep Classes for Taking the GED® or HiSet® High School Equivalency Exams

While you are not required to take prep classes before you attempt the GED® or HiSET®, we encourage you to enroll in our free classes to increase your chances of passing whichever test you take.

  • About the GED® and HiSet®

    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.

  • Class Locations and Delivery Methods
    • 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.

  • Difference Between the GED® and the HiSet® Tests

    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.

  • How to Register to Take the GED® or HiSet®

    1. Check Your Eligibility and Review Payment Policies

    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.

    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.

    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:

Additional Information

  • Prerequisite Courses

    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.

  • Minors (Under 18 Years Old)

    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.

  • Disability Services

    If you need accommodations, contact Disability Services.

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