Adult Basic Education Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we are in compliance with state and federal civil rights legislation for people with disabilities as defined by the American Disability Act. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals. Accommodations may also be requested for any exam. Contact us for more information.

We do offer an online option for students to accelerate their studies and preparation for the HSE exams. Reading and math scores must fall within the eligibility range to qualify for this program. Online study offers students independent study, rate of progress and flexible study times. Online learning is for students who qualify and who are highly self-directed and self-motivated.

Online students are required to spend a minimum number of hours a week studying through the online resources. These online resources are free to students, however, there is a limited number of seats available. Failure to spend the minimum number of hours per week studying may result in deactivation and forfeiture of your seat.

No. Often our classes are full. Please contact us to get more information and to schedule an appointment for an initial skills assessment. We offer appointments in the morning or evenings.

Students are matched with tutors based on their individual needs and subject areas. Times are scheduled that work best for the student and tutor. Attendance is required to keep the tutor services, please notify us if you are unable to attend. Tutoring is free.

Going to classes means you get to learn directly from experienced and enthusiastic teachers. Teachers give you immediate feedback on your homework, help you with practice tests, and share tips to help you succeed.

Attendance is mandatory in order to provide students with the greatest opportunities for success. Regular attendance also gives students the opportunity to ask questions, schedule additional help, and interact and learn from peers. Attendance is a strong indicator of success in the HSE program and in future education and employment.

Classes at the Meadowood campus meet four days a week and are available during the day or evening. Classes at off-site locations will vary but are available day or evening.

Students are required to attend 85% of classes during their session. If you will be late or unable to attend, contact your instructor as soon as possible. Tutoring online programs and approved homework help students complete their studies.

Yes. All programs will take in learners who don’t have their high school equivalency. In addition, TMCC's Adult Education will work with you to get your high school equivalency and certification.

College and Career Training through TMCC's Adult Education provides technical/career training (including industry certification) combined with extra support in reading, math and employability skills. Learn a new career or continue your pathway in a growing industry with a certificate or degree in combination with employability skills.

TMCC's Adult Education provides FREE extra support in instruction, advising and other support services. Standard tuition rates can apply to the credit-bearing portion of the class. Most adult learners find help in funding their tuition, books and supplies. TMCC's Adult Education works with grants and community agencies, and we will help learners find funding that they’re qualified for. Our most common funding options are: Nevada@Work (One Stop) and FAFSA. Contact us for more information.

Yes. All new students are required to take the pre-test in order to be enrolled in the class.

TMCC will test your English knowledge with a pre-test. This pre-test considers reading, writing, listening skills with no perfect score—everyone is measured to determine their starting point and the information will help the instructor know which class and what skills are most needed for your instruction and success.

Any speaker of a language other than English, who is at least 18 years old and desires to improve their English may qualify for classes. An assessment is used in reading, writing, and listening to guide the student to the best class of study.

There are no costs for enrolling in English Language Learning classes. If attendance requirements are not met, students may be dropped from the class and asked to wait until registering for the next session.

It is encouraged to practice English outside of class. Students that are comfortable with the computer and online learning will be able to log into resources outside of class.

You will need a notebook, pen or pencil, and a great attitude.

If you are assigned to an ELL class waiting list, it will be very important to check your email or text messages for updates. If you need to provide new contact information, please reach out. Once a new class is added or a spot opens you will be contacted. Attend your class on the first day.

No. Students cannot combine scores from separate HSE exams.

TMCC's Testing Center offers both paper and computer format exams for the HiSET exam only.

TMCC's Adult Basic Education offers free HSE Preparation Classes. If you prefer to study on your own, books are available at bookstores and your local library. Practice tests and other resources are available on the internet.

Your success depends on your learning abilities, your study habits, your attendance, and your motivation.It is difficult to predict exactly how much time you will need to prepare for testing because the amount of time students need for successful review of the subject areas varies considerably.

All students must demonstrate that they are prepared to take and pass each final exam by earning a qualifying score on a practice test for the subject.

A student’s motivation is often the biggest determining factor when considering how long it might take to complete all requirements for the HSE.

The GED has four test subsections:

• Math (115 minutes)
• Language Arts (150 minutes)
• Science (90 minutes)
• Social Studies (90 minutes)

The HiSET has five subtests:

• Math (90 minutes)
• Language Arts ~ Reading (65 minutes)
• Language Arts ~ Writing (120 minutes)
• Science (80 minutes)
• Social Studies (70 minutes)

You may take the exam if you are 18 years old or more, so long as you meet the other test requirements.

If you are 16 or 17 years old: you may test under certain conditions.

You must present the following to the TMCC HSE testing center:

• The official written permission of withdrawal from compulsory attendance from the board of trustees of a school district (or the applicable designee within the school district or your zoned school).
• A signed parental permission form.

You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency by passing a practice exam.

Contact us to verify that you have met all requirements before you register or schedule an HSE exam.

No. You may choose to take the HSE tests in another language or accessibility version.

All diplomas and transcripts can be ordered through DiplomaSender.com.

No. The HSE certificate does not indicate the exam language. However, your official transcript will indicate the language.

Our graduation ceremony is held in June. Our ceremony is complete with caps and gown and "Pomp and Circumstance." Students who successfully complete the HSE battery are invited to attend the ceremony and walk across the stage. Friends and family are also welcome to attend.

If you finish your HSE after the ceremony in a given year, you will be invited to attend the following year's ceremony.

You must be a U.S. citizen and a Nevada resident to take the HSE examination. Certificates of High School Equivalency are only issued to persons who reside in the State of Nevada or who are on active military duty and attended secondary school in Nevada. Nevada's residency policy allows for HSE testing non-residents who live near the border of Nevada when a testing site is not easily accessible. Please contact us for further information.

HSE classes provide an opportunity for adults to continue their education. According to the College Board, 95 percent of U.S. colleges and universities accept HSED graduates who meet their other qualifications for admission. Approximately 96 percent of U.S. employers accept the HSE credential as equal to a traditional high school diploma.

The HSE is a nationally recognized high school equivalency program available in Nevada. HSE is awarded by the Nevada Department of Education to those who complete all requirements for graduation.

Yes, attendance is mandatory and plays an important part in determining if our program is right for you. Your success is our goal. Program orientation provides an in-depth understanding of the HSE program, class placement based on pre-test assessment scores in reading and math, program progression, and education and career opportunities after earning the HSE.

Orientation also gives you the opportunity to ask questions, interact with other students, become familiar with the campus and available resources, and meet staff and faculty.

Yes, you must commit to the entire 10- or 11-week session (unless it's determined that you're ready to take one of the actual exams). Each class in the session is specifically designed to help you meet the specific academic requirements of the material.

Students only need to pay to take the official HiSET or GED exam. Preparation classes are free.

If you have been out of school for more than 2 years, then we highly recommend that you start by taking preparation classes to get familiar with the content of the official HSE assessment.

HSE preparation classes are offered year round through TMCC Adult Basic Education, based at the TMCC Meadowood Center. Classes meet Monday through Thursday and are offered mornings, afternoons and evenings.

Yes, if you are still not ready to take and pass the HSE exams at the end of the 10- to 11-week studying sessions, you can continue taking classes.

Please contact us to set up an appointment to come to our office. We will let you know the next orientation date is and discuss your experience with online learning.

It is strongly recommended that students be able to read at a minimum of the 8th grade reading level, and demonstrate computer skills. Students will develop a study plan and work with their instructor with scheduled check-ins.

You will need the following: Computer and reliable internet access.

If you do not have access to a working computer, you have the opportunity to check out a laptop and other accessories through our offices. Check with our staff on completing a Hardship Application.

Online learners’ time on task will be monitored. Students are required to complete a minimum of 8 hours of study time each week to maintain active status. If students do NOT show sufficient activity on the website/software for two weeks, the account will be deactivated.

A student should feel comfortable with most features of using technology, including accessing emails, logging in, uploading and downloading documents. Contact us to participate in free computer classes if you are interested in online learning.

If online classes are not a good fit for you, you will be able to switch to a face-to-face class starting the next session. Please understand if there is not an opening for a face-to-face class, you may be placed on a waiting list until an opening becomes available.

People learn in many ways. Online Learning is working on your studies when your schedule permits without face to face instruction—but is supported by an instructor at all times. What works well for one person may not work well for someone else.

No transportation? No childcare? Difficult work schedule? No problem! Online learning offers you the convenience of studying at home and can complete most work on your own time.

Online learning is not easier. In many ways, online or distance education classes are more challenging. Online classes require a large amount of self-motivation and a strong dedication to learning. Distance education students will need to communicate frequently with their instructor and advisor. If the requirements are not followed, students may be dropped from the class.