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

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Spanish: evenings and weekends

Classes are offered three times a year, beginning in August/September, January, and April. Classes are 8–16 weeks long.

You can take classes in person or online. Most in-person classes meet in Building K on ECC's Spartan Drive Campus in Elgin. Some classes may be offered at other locations in the district.

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.

You must be at least 17, no longer enrolled in high school, and have lived in Illinois for at least 30 days. You cannot be a high school graduate or have previously passed the GED, HiSET, or TASC. If you are 17, you must provide a letter of separation from high school.

Find more information here.

Yes! ECC holds a State of Illinois High School Diploma graduation ceremony each May for students who completed one or more GED/HiSET preparation classes at ECC and submitted their official diploma transcript to Building K, Room K100.

Learn more about graduation

If you plan to attend college, we recommend aiming for college-ready scores. For the GED, the recommended score is 165. For the HiSET, the recommended score is 15 on the math and reading tests. If you do not meet these scores, you may need pre-college courses, which may have tuition costs.

 

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

Start the process by using our online form 

Visit the front desk in Building K. Bring a photo ID. If you are 16 or 17, bring your letter of separation. If you receive public assistance, bring your DHS medical card or LINK card.

Your first step is a free placement test, followed by a required orientation.

The front desk is open Monday–Friday. During the summer, the college is closed on Fridays.

The  Regional Office of Education (ROE) in your county issues your State of Illinois High School Diploma documents. You must provide documentation that you completed the Illinois Constitution requirement. The ROE charges a fee for your transcript and certificate.

 

ECC's free preparation classes can help you prepare for the GED or HiSET, strengthen your basic skills, and prepare for college.

After completing one or more preparation classes and meeting the State of Illinois requirements, you may:

• Participate in ECC's May graduation ceremony
• Qualify for a tuition waiver for one three-credit ECC class if you live or work full-time in ECC's district
• Be eligible for a scholarship

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

You can view more information here.

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

Classes are offered three times a year, beginning in August/September, January, and April. Classes are 8–16 weeks long.

The GED (General Educational Development) and HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) are nationally recognized exams for adults who did not finish high school. When you pass the required exam and meet Illinois requirements, you can earn a State of Illinois High School Diploma.

Both exams cover language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Illinois also requires the U.S. Constitution test. If you did not pass the Constitution test in high school, you can complete the Constitution module offered through the State of Illinois.

Possibly. Some college classes have additional requirements. Contact the Transitions Coordinator at 847-214-6928 to learn more.

 

 

 

 

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. Students in upper-level classes take free practice tests to help determine their readiness.

We're Here to Help! You don't have to figure this out on your own.

GED/HiSET/AMOC questions: 847-214-6948
College/career transitions: 847-214-6928

Ready to get started? Visit the front desk in Building K at ECC's Spartan Drive Campus in Elgin. Your first step is a free placement test.

There is no set amount of time. It depends on your basic skills, motivation, class attendance, and time spent studying. Your teachers can help you decide when you are ready. Students in Level 5 take a free practice test to help determine their readiness.

Information about registration, testing locations, pricing, and exam content is available at ged.com or hiset.org.

No. Classes are not required, but they are highly recommended. Most students benefit from extra preparation before taking the exams.

You may be able to earn a State of Illinois High School Diploma through the GED, HiSET, or Alternative Method of Credentialing (AMOC).

Most adults use the GED or HiSET. If you completed most of your high school credits, you may qualify for AMOC.

Not sure which option is right for you? You don't have to decide on your own. ECC can help you look at your education history, goals, and basic skills to help you determine the best next step.

Questions? Call 847-214-6948.