Learn More
GED/HSE
CAC’s GED or HSE (High School Equivalency) classes are designed to help students prepare to take the 5 GED tests.
Students must be at least 16 years old and not enrolled in school to register for class, and to take the GED test.
What do they look like?
Classes are available In-person (Face-to-Face) and Online. Online classes are only recommended for students with intermediate and advanced technology skills to ensure student success. Students must have their own laptop/desktop computer and stable internet connection. Attendance on the first day of class is mandatory for all classes.
Online classes are live (synchronous) – where students and the teacher all join a virtual classroom at the same time. Students are required to schedule an in-person testing appointment upon registration, student’s seat is tentative until completion.
Classes are divided into two skill bases: Math and Reading. Social Studies, Science, and Civics are included in the reading class. All classes have a homework requirement to enhance student success.
Brush Up on your Computer Skills
Get started with our new website designed to help you build essential digital skills like using email, browsing the internet, typing, using Google tools, and more! Click Here- ABE Click & Learn
How much does the class cost?
All classes are free!
Student Eligibility
CAC’s HSE classes are open to all individuals who
- Are 16 years of age or older
- Are not enrolled in secondary school
- Reside in the state of Arizona
- Attend a required information session
*Questions?*
Email us at Adult.Education@centralaz.edu or call the office at 520-494-6440.
Office Hours
Maricopa Campus
Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday
4:00pm – 6:00pm
San Tan Campus
Monday/Thursday: 1:00pm – 6:00pm
Tuesday/Wednesday: 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Signal Peak Campus
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday
9:00am – 5:30pm
Superstition Mountain Campus
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday
9:00am – 5:30pm
Class Locations
GED/HSE Class Locations
Casa Grande Union High School District: 1362 N Casa Grande Ave., Casa Grande, AZ 85122
Ak-Chin Community Center– 46521 W Farrell Rd, Maricopa, Arizona 85139
Transportation
If you live in Casa Grande, Coolidge, or Florence, the CART is a great low-cost public transportation option
- CART (Central Arizona Regional Transit): Provides affordable, fixed-route bus services connecting Casa Grande, Coolidge, and Florence. It’s a convenient option for students, workers, and residents needing reliable transportation between local communities.
If you live in the Casa Grande area, there is a new public transportation service called CG LINK. You can use this service to access the CART pickup locations.
- CG LINK: A local public transportation system in Casa Grande offering on-demand and fixed-route rides throughout the city. It’s designed to connect riders to shopping, employment centers, and major transit points such as CART stops.
If you live in the Maricopa area, there is a new public transportation service called MET.
- MET (Maricopa Express Transit): A city-operated transit service providing fixed routes and commuter options within Maricopa. It offers connections to key city areas, shopping centers, and park-and-ride locations for easy transfers
Common Class Meeting Times
AM= Morning class, typically 10:00am-1:00pm
AFT= Afternoon, typically 2:00pm-5:00pm
PM= Evening, typically 5:30pm-8:30pm
How do I register?
Requirement
All new students must attend an in-person Information Session at a Central Arizona College campus in order to register for GED/HSE classes.
What is an Information Session?
An Information Session is a short group presentation that introduces you to our Adult Education program. You’ll learn about the classes we offer, what to expect as a student, and the steps to begin your learning journey with us.
These sessions also help you determine if you’re ready to start GED classes — including whether you can commit to the schedule, keep up with classwork, and meet program expectations..
Before You Come
- Bring a photo ID with you.
- No need to sign up ahead of time — simply come to one of our scheduled sessions.
- Arrive on time. Sessions start promptly at the time listed and are presented to a group, not one-on-one. We recommend arriving 5–10 minutes early to locate the classroom and get settled.
Please attend the first information session you are able to, as future sessions may be canceled once classes are full. Our program operates on a first-come, first-served basis for students who fulfill the requirements.
If you have any other questions, please call our office: 520-494-6440. or email us: adult.education@centralaz.edu
Information Sessions
January Class Registration Information Session Schedule
Information Sessions are scheduled for November, 2025. If, by December 1, 2025, there is still room in the classes for more students, we may offer additional information sessions in December at some of the locations. Please check this page for updates.
Information Session Locations
| Date | Time | Room | ||
| 11/20/2025 | → | 5:00 PM | → | C-127 |
| Date | Time | Room | ||
| 11/24/2025 | → | 10:00AM | → | F-139 |
| 11/24/2025 | → | 5:00PM | → | F-139 |
| Date | Time | Room | ||
| 11/18/2025 | → | 10:00AM | → | C-113 |
| 11/18/2025 | → | 5:00PM | → | C-113 |
| Date | Time | Room | ||
| 11/17/2025 | → | 10:00AM | → | O-100 |
| 11/19/2025 | → | 5:00PM | → | O-100 |
| Date | Time | Room | ||
| 11/19/2025 | → | 5:00 PM | → | Library Building-B |
| 12/1/2025 | → | 5:00PM | → | Library Building-B |
How much does the class cost?
All classes are currently free!
*Questions? Call us at 520-494-6440.
or email us at Adult.Education@centralaz.edu
Why TABE test?
The Test for Adult Basic Education (TABE) test is an assessment for students in GED preparation classes to identify what areas a student should receive focused instruction on to be able to pass the GED tests. Instructors will review the results with the students to create an education plan for success. To review progress and assess readiness, students will be invited to progress test after 40 hours of instruction have been completed. Based on results, students and instructors can adjust the education plan and keep moving toward passing the GED tests. Testing results are not provided directly to the student and sometimes re-tests will be needed. The test can take up to two hours, please don’t rush through it and plan accordingly!
SUBJECTS:
READING
TABE subtest focuses on vocabulary and reading comprehension.
MATH
TABE subtest focuses on basic math, fractions, percentages and the decimal system.
**TABE (Information from TABETest.com)
Practice TABE Test Available
Looking to strengthen your skills and prepare for success? ABE Click & Learn is your online hub for practice and progress.
It offers:
-
Practice TABE Tests – Try out a practice test to get familiar with the format and subjects before you take the real one.
-
Computer Skills Training – Build digital confidence to prepare you for college, work, and beyond.
The GED Test
The website GED.com provides more information about the content of the test and enables students to set up a MyGED account. A MyGED account is required to take the GED test. The MyGED account will allow you to schedule the test and pay for it. There are five subject areas: Reasoning through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, Social Studies, and Civics.
GED.com also offers practices tests for $8 each.
GED testing is available at Signal Peak, Superstition Mountain, and Aravaipa Campuses. For more information visit our Testing Centers webpage.
What if I already passed the Civics Test in high school?
If you completed and passed the Civics Test while in high school, your high school must send an official transcript directly to the Arizona Department of Education (ADE/AES) on your behalf.
You can have the transcript sent either by:
- Regular Mail:
Arizona Department of Education
1535 W Jefferson St
Bin #26
Phoenix, AZ 85007 - Electronically:
AdultEd@azed.gov
Scholarship Opportunity for GED Students!
CAC’s GED 12-Credit Scholarship
- Enrollment Requirements: Must enroll in a minimum of 1 credit hour with a maximum of 12 credit hours in the academic year immediately following notification from CAC of scholarship eligibility.
- Renewal Requirements: This scholarship is non-renewable.
- Value: The amount equivalent to in-state tuition up to 12 credit hours.
Target: Students who complete 12 or more attendance hours in a CAC HSE class, and who pass all 5 GED tests (either at a CAC location or remotely).
How to Order Your GED Transcript or Diploma
If you earned your High School Equivalency through the GED® testing pathway, you can order official transcripts and diplomas through Parchment.
Important Information:
- Your first electronic transcript and diploma will be emailed to the address on your GED.com account.
- Digital copies are one-time downloads *save them right away!*
- Lost your documents? You’ll need to reorder through Parchment.
- Printed copies are available for an extra cost.
- Third-party requests (employers, colleges, etc.) also go through Parchment.
If you have any additional questions please contact the Arizona Department of Education: 602-258-2410 or adulted@azed.gov
Options:
1.) The College Credit Pathway is an option for adults seeking to obtain their High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma in Arizona. Effective July 1, 2018, adults can earn their HSE Diploma by demonstrating completion of 25 specific college credits along with passing the AZ Civics Test.
| 25 Required College Credits* | |||||
| Course Areas | Credits | ||||
| English Arts | 6 | ||||
| Mathematics | 6 | ||||
| Science | 4 | ||||
| Social Sciences | 3 | ||||
| Computer | 3 | ||||
| College/Career Exploration | 3 | ||||
| Arizona Civics Test | Pass | ||||
2.) HSE PLUS Career Readiness Pathway is an option for individuals enrolled in WIOA Title II Adult Education. Eligible individuals must be actively enrolled in a Title II program.
| Academic Readiness | Career Readiness |
| •High School credits
•College credits •2014 GED tests passed •WIOA Title II Adult Ed. classes |
•College credits
•IET/IBEST Programs •CTE credits •Career Readiness Credential •Employment or internship •Industry Recognized Credentials |
| Academic Requirements | Career Requirements |
| •English Language Arts (4 pts)
•Mathematics (4 pts) •Science (3 pts) •Social Studies (3 pts) |
Individuals must earn 8 points by using a combination of the different eligible sources in this area. |
For more information, please visit Get Your Diploma!.
Opportunities for You!
Are you ready to earn your GED and build your career at the same time?
Our Integrated Education and Training (IET) program is designed to do more than prepare you for exams, it helps you gain real-world skills, certifications, and confidence to step into today’s workforce.
What We Offer
- GED Preparation: Guidance and support to help you earn your High School Equivalency Diploma
- Career-Focused Training: Hands-on learning that connects what you study in class to skills employers are looking for
- Industry-Recognized Credentials: Boost your résumé with certifications that make you stand out in the job market
- Career Readiness Skills: Learn workplace communication, teamwork, and problem-solving to prepare for success beyond the classroom
- Digital Literacy
- Financial Literacy
Current Pathways (In Progress)
- Customer Conflict and De-escalation Specialist Certification
- Business of Retail Operations Specialist Certification
- CDL
- Computer Sciences
Why Choose This Program?
- You’ll gain skills that employers want — from conflict resolution to computer literacy
- You’ll open doors to better job opportunities and future advancement
- You’ll do it all with supportive teachers and classmates working toward the same goals
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be enrolled in our HSE/GED Program
- Must not already have a high school diploma or GED*
*Some exceptions may apply
Call us today at (520) 494-6440 to find out if you qualify!
*For full eligibility details, visit our GED/HSE Home & Office Hours tab.
Graduation Ceremony
We are so proud of the hard work and dedication students put into passing their GED test and earning their High School Equivalency Diploma! To honor this important milestone, a graduation ceremony is held each year. Friends and family are invited to attend the celebration. Caps and gowns are loaned for graduates’ use during the ceremony.
Students who complete our program between June 1, 2025, and May 30, 2026, will be invited to participate in the 2026 graduation ceremony. We can’t wait to celebrate your success!
Scholarship Opportunity for GED Students!
CAC’s GED 12-Credit Scholarship
- Enrollment Requirements: Must enroll in a minimum of 1 credit hour with a maximum of 12 credit hours in the academic year immediately following notification from CAC of scholarship eligibility.
- Renewal Requirements: This scholarship is non-renewable.
- Value: The amount equivalent to in-state tuition up to 12 credit hours.
Target: Students who complete 12 or more attendance hours in a CAC HSE class, and who pass all 5 GED tests (either at a CAC location or remotely)
