Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Jump to a Section

High School Equivalency | Test of Adult Basic Education | Refresher Classes | ESL

High School Equivalency (GED or HiSET)

How do I earn my High School Equivalency (HSE) credential?

To earn your HSE in Pennsylvania, you must pass all subtests of either the GED or the HiSET exam.

The GED exam consists of 4 subtests (Math, Reasoning Through Language, Science, and Social Studies) and is taken on a computer. The HiSET exam consists of 5 subtests (Math, Reading, Writing, Science, and Social Studies) and can be taken either as a paper-and-pencil test or computer-based.

Learners do not take all of the subtests in one sitting. We encourage our learners to focus on learning one or two subjects at a time and pass those subjects. Then focus on learning and passing the remaining subject(s).

How much does it cost?

We will never charge you for our services.

TABE test, GED Official Practice Tests, classes, and instructional materials are provided free of charge. We are funded with state and federal tax dollars.

When you take your GED or HiSET exam, you will pay the testing service directly for the subtest(s) you take.

Cost

GED at a Test Center: $36 (per subject).
GED Test Online: $36 (per subject).
HiSET: $24 (per subject); $120 (all subjects).

Why is it called a High School Equivalency credential and not a “GED” anymore?

How long will it take to get my HSE?

How long it takes depends entirely on you.

Learners who attend class regularly and are focused on learning are more likely to pass the GED or HiSET exams in a short amount of time. Another factor to consider is the grade at which you left junior high or high school.

Typically, people who left school in 11th grade have less information to learn than someone who left school in 8th grade. We’ve helped adults earn their GED in a month, and others took a year or more. Each person is different. Our best advice is to attend class regularly, approach your goal with determination, trust our staff to guide you, and give yourself the time you need to learn the content.

Can I get my HSE if I’m only 17yrs old?

When can I start?

Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE)

What is the TABE test?

TABE is the Test of Adult Basic Education.

Before you start class, you will take the TABE Locator Reading and Math, and then either the Math, Reading, or Language test. Then, our Student Support Coordinator will meet with you to explain the results of your TABE. Your teacher(s) will use your results to plan your instruction. They will identify skill areas you do well in and others that will require more practice to reach your goal.

Classes are Free of Charge / Locate a Class Near You

Where are classes held?

When do classes meet?

Classes meet during morning, afternoon, and evening times.

We realize adult learners have adult responsibilities, such as jobs, children, and ever-changing schedules. Learners can sign up for the class(es) that fit their schedule the best.

If your personal schedule happens to change while enrolled in a class, please just let us know! We want to help you reach your goal! We can adjust your class schedule so you can continue working towards your goal. Call us for more information about those class times.

What classes are available?

What happens in an Adult Education Class?

Our classes are Open Entry/Open Exit, meaning learners can enroll and start classes at any time during the year, and exit when they have met their goal. The teacher teaches using a combination of group lessons and customized instruction.

Each learner works on assignments from the teacher in subjects and skills they want to practice.
Regular attendance is very important when enrolled in our classes. Information taught each day builds on the previous day’s lesson.

Our classes have a combination of learners. Some are preparing for their HSE exams, and othershave already earned their high school diploma and are attending classes to brush up on their Reading, Math, and/or Language skills. Every learner is aiming to reach their own personal goals.

I work during the day, can I attend class in the evening?

Will there be a lot of other students in my class?

Refresher Classes

Why did PA CareerLink (or OVR) refer me to your program to take the TABE Test?

The TABE test is an approved assessment that measures literacy and math skill levels of adults seeking WIOA funding.

The PA CareerLink and community partners have WIOA funding available to assist you with the tuition costs of trade school certifications or college. WIOA (Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act) is a federal law designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy.

Why does the PA CareerLink or OVR say I need to score at least a 577 on the TABE Math test to receive funding for training/college? What does the 577 mean?

How long will I need to attend Refresher Classes?

The length of time you’ll need to attend Refresher Classes to brush up on your math and reading skills will depend on your current math and reading levels.

The more often you attend class and complete your Supplemental Distance Learning at home, the quicker you’ll learn the math concepts, and your skills will improve.

Our program requires that you attend classes for at least 15 hours and have at least 3 weeks between your pre- and post-TABE tests. However, very few learners successfully attain the 577 TABE Math score with only 3 weeks of instruction. Most learners attend 50-60 hours of instruction to learn the math concepts needed to attain the 577 TABE Score.

ESL Program

What is ESL?

What levels are your ESL classes?

How many learners are in each class?

When do the classes meet?

Do you offer online or remote classes?

When can I start?

If a seat is open in the class, you can start after you have completed New Learner Orientation
and CASAS Pretesting.

If a seat is not open, you will be placed on a Waiting List until a seat becomes available.

What is the attendance policy?

Learners are required to attend all 3 days for the morning or afternoon classes, and 2 days for
the evening class. We understand occasional illness or emergencies may happen. Otherwise,
students are expected to attend every class. If your work or personal schedule prevents regular
attendance, this program may not be the right time to enroll.

What if I need to take a break from classes? Will you save my seat?

Is childcare available?

How do I register?

What is the CASAS Reading or Listening STEPS pretest?

Who is eligible to enroll?