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

Overview

Elgin Community College is a Community Partner and offers preparatory classes for the Illinois High School Diploma Test, ESL classes and transition services for community members. Many students also take advantage of ECC’s Workforce Development services. The General Educational Development (GED) and High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) are nationally recognized credentials equivalent to a High School diploma. You can choose either test in Illinois to earn your high school diploma. The GED is designed for you if you haven’t completed traditional high school but want to demonstrate your academic knowledge and skills. 

The GED includes four subject tests:

• Mathematics
• Language Arts
• Science
• Social Studies

The HiSET incudes five subject tests:

• Mathematics
• Reading
• Writing
• Science
• Social Studies

Flexible Learning Options

Preparing for your High School diploma through ECC has numerous benefits that can shape a bright future. We offer GED/HiSET prep classes in both English and Spanish, with scheduling options that work around your needs. Whether you prefer mornings or evenings, and in-person or online learning, our programs are designed to fit your schedule, allowing you to pursue your diploma on your own terms.

Am I Eligible for the GED/HiSET?

To take GED/ HiSET preparation classes at ECC, you must be at least 16 years old and a resident of Illinois. Additionally, you cannot be currently enrolled in high school, already a high school graduate, or have previously passed a GED/HiSET/TASC exam. If you are 16 or 17, you must provide a letter verifying that you are no longer enrolled in high school. 

How Do I Register for the Prep Classes?

To register for the Illinois High School Diploma (GED/HiSET) classes, please follow these steps:

Step 1 - Intake

To start the process, go to Elgin Community College, Building K, Room 100. The first step is to provide your information to a staff member during the intake process.

All students need to bring:

• Photo ID (from the government).
• Medical Card if you get public assistance.
• High School Letter of separation documentation if you are 16 or 17 years old.

Step 2 - Placement test

A staff member will help you set up a placement test for the program. You will select the date and time of your test.

Step 3 - Orientation (if needed)

After completing the placement test, you will need to go through an orientation if you are a new student or have not attended classes in over a year. You will be provided directions on how to sign up for an orientation after you complete your placement test. If you have taken classes or an orientation within the last year, you will not need to go through an orientation unless you change from in-person to online courses. In this case, go to the next step.

If you are interested in in-person classes, you must attend an in-person orientation. The in-person orientation will take 2-3 hours. You must complete the online orientation if you are interested in online courses.

Step 4 - Registration

You’ll get your class placement and can then register for classes at orientation. Go to building K, room 100, to register for your class. 

Remember, you must take an online orientation to register for online classes. If you don't have a computer, you can borrow a Chromebook from the ECC library.

Step 5 - Attend class

Start attending your classes. Congratulations on starting your path to success!

If you have questions about the program, please call 847-214-6948 or email. 

How Do I Register for the GED or HiSET exams?

After completing the GED (HiSET) preparatory classes at ECC, you can access additional details on registration, pricing, testing locations, and exam content by visiting ged.com or hiset.org.

State of Illinois High School Diploma FAQ

Do you have a quick question? Use our Live Chat or search the FAQ to learn how to earn a high school diploma.

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