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

ECC provides free classes to help you prepare for the GED and HiSET exams in both English and Spanish. We offer classes in reading/writing and math, and higher-level classes also cover science and social studies. Before starting the classes, you’ll take a pre-test to check your basic skills in reading and math. This pre-test helps us place you in the right classes to help you succeed.

You can take English classes in the morning or evening on weekdays. Spanish classes are available in the evenings and on weekends. There are three semesters each year: August (early start), September (late start), January, and April. You can enroll at any time, but it's best to sign up at least four weeks before the semester you want to start.

To take the GED or HiSET exam, you need to be at least 17 years old and have lived in Illinois for at least 30 days. You also can’t be currently enrolled in high school, be a high school graduate, or have already passed a GED/HiSET/TASC exam. If you are 17, you must provide a letter showing that you are no longer in high school. Find more information here.

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

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 Illinois High School Diploma transcript to the front desk in Building K. Learn more about graduation

Start the process by 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. Bring your DHS medical card or LINK card if you receive public assistance. 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; it is a requirement for all students.

Most classes meet in Building K on ECC’s Spartan Drive campus in Elgin. Off-site class locations may be offered. You can view the campus map here and there are also classes available online.

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 the Illinois High School Diploma, bring your official transcript to Building K, room K100. By doing so,

• You will be invited to our Illinois High School Diploma graduation ceremony 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.

In Illinois, the Regional Office of Education in your county issues these documents. A fee is required, along with proof that you have completed the Constitution module.

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

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 must provide documentation if you passed the Constitution test in high school.

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

You must be at least 16 and not enrolled in high school. If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must provide a letter of separation from the high school in your district. You can view more information here.

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

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 you in taking the exams. If you are in level 5, they will give you a free practice test indicating your readiness.

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 or email at egardea@elgin.edu.

 

 

 

 

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

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

Many factors affect the time it takes to prepare, including the student’s reading, writing, and math skills, motivation, and time available for classes and studying.

No. Classes are highly recommended but not required.