If you didn’t graduate high school with a diploma, there are numerous services to help you secure an equivalent certificate in Tulsa.
A high school equivalency, or HSE, is a diploma alternative and can drastically change your earning and employment potential. There are two tests offered in Oklahoma for the state’s HSE diploma: the GED and HiSET. Both tests will get you to the same goal but look a little different.
The GED is a computer-based test that spans four subject areas: reading/language arts, social studies, science and math. A test taker needs to achieve a minimum score of 145 on each subject area to pass. Each subject area costs approximately $41. Tests must be scheduled through GED.com, where you’ll pay the testing fee while registering.
The HiSET test is offered in a computer or paper-and-pencil format and spans five subject areas: reading, language arts (essay component), social studies, science and math. A test taker needs to score a minimum eight of 20 points on each subject area and 45 total points across all five subject areas to pass. Each subject area costs approximately $30. Tests must be scheduled through HiSET.org, where you’ll pay the testing fee while registering.
To take either test in Oklahoma, you’ll need to bring a form of valid identification like a passport, driver’s license, learner’s permit or alternative ID. You cannot be currently enrolled or graduated from high school to take either exam. You also need to be at least 16 years old. Test takers younger than 18 must fill out a minor release form and submit it to a test center before scheduling the exam.
Educators working in Tulsa’s test prep programs can help you decide which test might be best for you. While there are many fee-based programs to help you prepare for the GED or HiSET, state agency Oklahoma Career Tech recommends starting with a free, approved adult education option.
Free GED and HiSET in Tulsa
Union Adult Learning Center (UALC)
7616 S. Garnett Road, Broken Arrow; Phone: 918-357-7040, ext. 7036
UALC offers free in-person preparation classes for the GED and HiSET each semester. Union Public Schools announced the district would close the center June 30, 2026, after graduating thousands of Tulsans through the program. Find more information about the closure here.
Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma
2450 N. Harvard Ave., Tulsa; Phone: 918-508-7102
Catholic Charities offers free HiSET classes in English and Spanish in all five test subjects. English- and Spanish-language classes are offered in Tulsa in the mornings and evenings every Tuesday and Thursday. Call the number above for Spanish-language classes in Muskogee.
Tulsa Dream Center (North Campus)
200 W. 46th St. N., Tulsa; Phone: 918-430-9984
The Dream Center partners with Madison Strategies Group and Northside Neighbors to provide free in-person GED test prep and tutoring to Tulsans. To access, fill out this application.
5000 Charles Page Blvd., Tulsa; Phone: 918-584-1111, ext. 104
This Tulsa nonprofit offers an online prep program for the GED and HiSET and requires “at least” a five-hour weekly commitment to studying. To access, fill out this application.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation
Highway 75 and Loop 56, Okmulgee; Phone: 918-732-7773
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Employment & Training Administration provides support with GED class referrals, testing fee assistance and resources to continue education or seek employment following test completion. The program requires specific documents to access, including proof of tribal citizenship and income verification. Fill out an application here.
Cherokee Nation
17675 S. Muskogee Ave., Tahlequah; Phone: 918-453-5555
The Cherokee Nation offers GED and HiSET classes for tribal citizens — in addition to diagnostic tests, referrals and assistance with test fees — across its 14 counties. To learn more about specific offerings at the nation’s several Career Services offices, call 918-458-0577.
Central Tech
3 CT Circle, Drumright; 1720 S. Main St., Sapulpa; Phone: 918-527-5400
Central Tech offers GED classes at its Drumright and Sapulpa campuses. Drumright classes are offered every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. in Drumright. Sapulpa classes are offered Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Learning Express through the Tulsa City-County Library
Online
With a Tulsa City-County Library card, you can access GED practice tests, exercises and e-books online through Learning Express.
In-person GED and HiSET testing center
While you can take GED and HiSET online exams remotely, there are several in-person testing locations throughout Tulsa County.
Tulsa Community College — GED
- Metro Campus: Testing Center, Room MC 356, 909 S. Boston Ave.; Phone: 918-595-7010
- Northeast Campus: Academic Building, Room AB101, 3727 E. Apache St.; Phone: 918-595-7534
Cherokee Nation Career Services Catoosa — GED
- JW Sam-Gadusi Building, 701 W. Rollins St., Catoosa; Phone: 918-453-5637
Union Adult Learning Center — GED, HiSET and Pearson VUE
- 7616 S. Garnett Road, Broken Arrow; Phone: 918-357-7040/7036
UALC’s test center offers exams 9 a.m. to 4:45 pm Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday. In addition to GED and HiSET exams, it offers Pearson VUE certification exams in sectors like health, education and information technology. Register here for Pearson VUE certification exams.
Tulsa Community Work Advance — HiSET
- 907 S. Detroit Ave. # 210, Tulsa; Phone: (918) 584-1111, ext. 104
Catholic Charities Education Department — HiSET
- 2450 N. Harvard Ave., Tulsa; Phone: 918-508-7314
This story has been updated to reflect the Union Adult Learning Center’s closure June 30.
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