The General Equivalency Development diploma or GED is an alternative to a standard high school diploma. The state of Tennessee awards the GED as a high school equivalency diploma. You can obtain this diploma upon successful completion of the official GED exam. If feel that taking the GED is the best option for you, it's important to inform yourself as to Tennessee's rules, regulations and procedure in advance.
Meet the requirements. In Tennessee, you must be at least 18 to take the GED exam. If you are 17, further requirements apply. You must obtain an age waiver signed by the superintendent of your school district. In addition, you must either be enrolled in a GED option program or not enrolled in high school.
Take a GED prep course. A prep course will give you the knowledge and skills necessary to take the GED exam. Free prep courses are available through an adult education office. While it is not strictly required to take the GED prep course in Tennessee, according to the American Council on Education, taking the official GED practice test is. Contact an adult education office for details.
Register to take the GED exam. You may do so by contacting a local GED testing center. If you have a physical or learning disability and need special assistance, say so at this time. You will need to present documentation of your disability before you take the exam. If English is not your first language, you can request to take the exam in Spanish or French.
Show a current, government-issued ID before you take the exam.
Pay the exam fee. In Tennessee, the exam fee will vary depending on the testing center. As of 2010, it cannot be any more than $65. Contact a local GED testing center to find out their current fees.
Pass the exam. Receiving your diploma is contingent upon receiving a score of 410 on each of the five tests, and an average of 450 on the entire test.
Warning
The GED is not available online.