How to Register

If you are interested in Adult Basic Education classes, please complete our form to start the process, and we will contact you with details. If you have additional questions, call 847-214-6904 or email ABECRegistration@elgin.edu.

Inquiry Form

Class Registration Process


If you are interested in Adult Basic Education classes, please complete our form to start the multi-step process. If you have questions, call 847-214-6904 or email ABECRegistration@elgin.edu.

Step 1

Sign-up for classes using our online form, and please look for a follow-up email to complete Step 2. Didn't receive the email? Check your spam folder or your junk email box.

Step 2

New students are asked to bring the following:

  1. Photo identification document (government-issued).
  2. Medical Card if you receive public assistance.
  3. High School Letter of separation documentation if 16 or 17 years old. (HSE only)

Step 3

Complete the student information form online.

Step 4

Wait to receive an ECC student ID number. Already have an ID and forgot what it is? Find it here

Step 5

Schedule an appointment to take the appropriate placement test at our testing center. You will need to schedule a mandatory orientation appointment for the following groups:

  • English as a Second Language (ESL) students
  • State of Illinois High School Diploma (HSE/GED) students

Orientation is an important part of the process and a requirement for all students before enrolling. Please allow 1-3 hours to complete the placement process. You’ll be given a QR code to attend face-to-face classes; online students receive instructions via D2L, our online learning platform. 

Step 6

After orientation, you will receive a class placement. You can now register for online or face-to-face classes (based on your preferences). If you do not have a computer, you may be able to borrow a Chromebook from the ECC library.

  • ESL is available online or face-to-face
  • HSE/GED is available online or face-to-face

Step 7

Register for classes. 

Step 8

Start attending classes. Finally - Success!


Stevens Amendment (FY23):
Approximately $760,286 (42%) of the Illinois Adult Education and Literacy Program cost at Elgin Community College is federally funded under Title II, Adult Education and Family Literacy of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014.