State of Illinois High School Diploma (GED®/HISET®) FAQ

ECC offers free GED and HiSET exam preparation classes in English and Spanish. Classes in reading/writing and math are available. Higher level reading/writing classes include science and social studies.

Information on registration, pricing, testing locations, and exam content can be found at ged.com or hiset.org.

The subjects covered are language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. If you did not pass the Constitution test in high school, you will also need to complete the Constitution module offered through the state of Illinois. You will need to provide documentation if you passed the Constitution test in high school.

No. Classes are highly recommended but not required.

Classes in English are offered weekday mornings and evenings. Classes in Spanish are offered on evenings and weekends. There are three semesters each year starting in August (early start)/September (late start), January, and April. You can begin the enrollment process at any time. It is recommended to start the enrollment process at least four weeks before the semester you would like to start.

Many factors affect the amount of time it takes to prepare, including the students’ reading, writing, and math skills; motivation; and time available for classes and studying.

Please contact Rachel Taylor at 847-214-6948 or rtaylor@elgin.edu.

Sign-up for classes using our online form 

Visit the front desk in Building K at 410 Renner Drive in Elgin. The front desk is open Monday through Friday. Note that the college closes on Fridays during the summer. Bring a photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or government issued ID). If you are 16 or 17, bring a letter of separation from the high school in your district. If you receive public assistance, bring your DHS medical card or LINK card. The next step is a free placement test. After completing testing, you will sign up for an upcoming orientation. Orientation is where you will learn important information about our program and how to register for classes and it is a requirement for all students.

Yes! ECC holds a graduation ceremony every May for students who complete one or more GED/HiSET preparatory classes at ECC and submit an official State of Illinois High School Diploma transcript to the front desk in Building K. Learn more about graduation

To take the GED or HiSET exam, you must be at least 17 years old and have been a resident of Illinois for at least 30 days. Additionally, you cannot be currently attending high school, be a high school graduate, or have previously passed an GED/HiSET/TASC exam. If you are 17 years old, you must submit a letter of separation from high school to test.

These classes are a great way to study for the GED/HiSET exams and to help you prepare for college. After completing one or more preparatory classes at ECC and meeting the requirements for State of Illinois High School Diploma, bring your official transcript to Building K, room K100. By doing so,

• You will be invited to our State of Illinois High School Diploma graduation ceremony held in May 
• You will be eligible for a tuition waiver for a 3 credit-hour class to continue your studies at ECC. (You must live in district or work full-time within the district.)
• You may be may be eligible for a scholarship.

The State of Illinois High School Diploma is for people who did not finish high school the traditional way. If you did not finish high school with your graduating class for any reason, you can still earn the credential another way by passing the GED or HiSET exams and completing an online module on the Illinois and U.S. Constitutions.

This depends on the college class considered. Some classes have specific requirements that students must meet first. Please contact the adult education transitions coordinator for further information at 847-214-6928.

These documents are issued by the Regional Office of Education in your county. A fee is required along with documentation that you have completed the Constitution module.

Depending on the semester and start date, classes range from 10 to 16 weeks long.

If you are thinking about taking college classes, check out GED and HiSET college-ready scores here. If you do not meet this requirement, you may be need to take pre-college level courses and pay tuition for those courses. It is strongly recommended to aim for college ready scores.

Most classes meet in Building K on ECC’s Spartan Drive campus in Elgin. Off-site class locations may be offered. There are also online classes available.

You can take the exams anytime, but there is no guarantee that you will pass. Most people need extra help to get ready for the exams.
If you take classes at ECC, your teachers will guide taking the exams. If you are in level 5, they will give you a free practice test indicating your readiness.

You must be at least 16 years old and not enrolled in high school. If you are 16 or 17 years old, you will need to provide a letter of separation from the high school in the district where you live.

State of Illinois High School Diploma candidates may find the appropriate Regional Office of Education to contact by searching the ROE locator.