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

You can take English classes on weekday mornings or evenings. Spanish classes are offered in the evenings and on weekends. Classes run three times a year—starting in August, September, January, and April. You can sign up anytime, but it’s best to register at least four weeks before the semester begins.

ECC offers free classes to help you get ready for the GED or HiSET exams. Classes are available in English and Spanish and cover reading, writing, and math. Higher-level classes also include science and social studies.

Before you start, you’ll take a short test in reading and math. This helps us place you in the right class so you can build the skills you need to pass the exam.

To take the GED or HiSET exam in Illinois, you must:

• Be at least 17 years old and have lived in Illinois for at least 30 days.
• Not be enrolled in high school, have a high school diploma, or have already passed the GED, HiSET, or TASC exam.

If you are 17, you’ll need to submit a letter of withdrawal from your high school confirming that you are no longer enrolled.

If you’re 16 years old, you may qualify only under special circumstances—such as being enrolled in an approved alternative education program or through a court order. Contact your local Regional Office of Education for more information about eligibility and documentation.

Find more information here.

If you’re thinking about taking college classes, check out the GED and HiSET college-ready score requirements here.

Yes!

Elgin Community College proudly celebrates your achievement with a special graduation ceremony each May. Students who complete one or more GED or HiSET preparation classes at ECC and submit an official Illinois High School Diploma transcript to the front desk in Building K are invited to participate.

It’s a moment to honor your hard work, determination, and success—a celebration of how far you’ve come and the bright future ahead. Family and friends are encouraged to join and share in your accomplishment.

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 to get started. The front desk is open Monday through Friday, but please note that ECC is closed on Fridays during the summer.

When you visit, bring the following items:

• A photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or other government-issued ID).
• If you are 16 or 17 years old, bring a letter of separation from your high school.
• If you receive public assistance, bring your DHS medical card or LINK card.

After checking in, you’ll take a free placement test to see which class level is right for you. Once you complete the test, you’ll sign up for an orientation session.

Orientation is required for all students and gives you important information about the program, class schedules, and how to register for your courses.

In Illinois, you’ll get these documents from your county’s Regional Office of Education. You’ll need to pay a fee and show proof that you finished the Constitution module.

Most classes take place in Building K on ECC’s Spartan Drive campus in Elgin. Some classes are also offered at other locations or online. 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.

The Illinois High School Diploma is designed for adults and young people who didn’t complete high school in the traditional way. If you didn’t graduate with your class, you can still earn this important credential by passing the GED or HiSET exams and completing a short online module about the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions.

Earning your Illinois High School Diploma can open many doors—it shows employers and colleges that you have the same academic skills as a high school graduate. With this diploma, you can:

• Apply for better jobs that require a high school education.
• Continue your education at community colleges, universities, or technical training programs.
• Boost your confidence and career options, knowing you’ve achieved an important milestone.

Elgin Community College offers free GED and HiSET preparation classes to help you get ready and reach your goals.

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.

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.

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.

 

 

 

 

You can take the exams at any time, but passing is not guaranteed. Most people need some extra help to prepare. If you take classes at ECC, your teachers will help you know when you’re ready. When you reach level 5, you can take a free practice test to check your readiness.

At Elgin Community College (ECC), GED and HiSET preparation classes typically last 10 to 16 weeks, depending on the semester and start date.

Classes are offered three times a year—in fall, spring, and summer—and are available in English and Spanish. You can choose from morning, evening, or online options to fit your schedule.

Each class is designed to help you build the skills needed to pass the exams and prepare for college or career training. If you’re unsure where to begin, ECC staff can help you take a placement test and register for the right level of classes.

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

The time it takes to get ready for the GED or HiSET depends on several factors—such as your reading, writing, and math skills, how motivated you are, and how much time you can spend in class and studying.

Information on registration, pricing, testing locations, and exam content can be found at ged.com or hiset.org. Both sites also offer free study tools, practice tests, and tips to help you prepare and feel confident on test day.

No. Classes are highly recommended but not required.