Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

References

Registration

Eligibility

How old do I have to be to enroll in Adult Education?
Anyone over the age of 16 is welcome in adult education.

Proof of Residency

Do I have to live in Utah?
Yes, but we can make exceptions for individuals who live in communities near the Utah border.

Social Security Number (SSN)/Data Match

Do I have to give my SSN? How is my SSN used? Why do you want my SSN?
Our biggest goal is to help students be successful beyond their time in adult education! We work with the Department of Workforce Services (DWS) and the higher education system to do a data match to see what percentage of students go on to college or better jobs after graduation.

Locations

Where can I take a class?
Adult Education classes are offered throughout the state. Utah State Board of Education, Adult Education Services Directory of Utah Adult Education Programs 2024-2025

Where can I take the GED test?
GED Testing sites are located all over Utah. Where to take the GED® test in Utah 

Fees

How much do classes cost? Is it free? How much is the tuition?
Fees and tuition vary by program. The most you will ever be charged is $100 per year. If you have a concern about the cost of the program, you can request a fee waiver.

Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE)/Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS)/Basic English Skills Test (BEST) Testing

Why do I have to take a test?
Students in adult education often have gaps in their learning. Doing testing at the beginning of the program helps us understand your needs and design the best plan for you. We also test periodically throughout your enrollment to measure your progress and make sure the plan is effective.

What am I going to be tested on?
Students working toward a high school diploma or GED^® will be assessed in Mathematics and Language Arts. Students in English Language classes will be tested on their skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English.

How Long Will it Take

Is there a set schedule? Are there evening classes? Do I have to come at the same time every day?
The hours vary but site, but all programs have flexible scheduling options designed for busy adults. Please reach out to the site nearest you for more information about their hours . Utah State Board of Education, Adult Education Services Directory of Utah Adult Education Programs 2024-2025

How soon could I graduate?
Everyone’s needs are different. Our goal is to provide an individualized plan to help you reach your goals. Please reach out to a program in your area for an appointment with a counselor who can review your transcripts and help you develop a graduation plan. Utah State Board of Education, Adult Education Services Directory of Utah Adult Education Programs 2024-2025

How long are the classes?
This can vary by program site. Please reach out to a program in your area for an appointment with a counselor who can review your transcripts and help you develop a graduation plan. Utah State Board of Education, Adult Education Services Directory of Utah Adult Education Programs 2024-2025

Can I take classes from home/online? Can I do packets?
We do our best to offer a variety of options, including some independent study options. You would need to participate in an orientation on-site while we get to know you, including your needs and goals, and set up a learning plan for you before starting distance learning.

GED^®

Transcripts

How do I get my GED^® transcript?
Transcripts can be obtained by going to the GED^®Testing Service website- Grads and Transcripts Request Transcripts. Most transcript orders take approximately 1-2 days but may take up to 2 weeks to process and mail out. Please allow sufficient time for processing and shipping. Prior to placing an order, you should confirm that you have the correct recipient/administrator and school address if you are sending the transcript directly to a school.

How do I verify a GED^® for an employee?
GED^® verifications can be obtained for an employee on the GED^® Testing Service website- Grads and Transcripts Request Transcripts and selecting the Third Parties option.

GED^® Verification?
GED^® verifications can be obtained by going to the GED Testing Service website- Grads and Transcripts Request Transcripts.

How long is the GED^® test?
There are four subject tests on the GED^®. The total time to take all four tests is 7 hours and 5 minutes. It is possible to take all of the tests in one day, but most students don’t. Usually students break the tests up into one or two tests at a time. (Mathematical Reasoning test takes 115 minutes, Reasoning Through Language Arts test takes 150 minutes, Social Studies test takes 90 minutes, and Science test takes 90 minutes). 

Do I have to take the GED^® Ready (a practice test) before I can test for real?
If you take the GED^® test in-person at a testing site, you do not need to take the GED^® Ready. If you are planning to take the GED^® online, you will be required to take and pass the GED^® Ready test first.

16-18 Year-old Registration Process and Jurisdiction Flags

My son/daughter wants to take the GED^®?
First your student will need to create a GED^® account and obtain a government issued photo identification. If your student is 18 years of age or younger and their class has not graduated from high school, they will also need to complete the High School Equivalency (HSE) Candidate and Adult Education Eligibility form. This form can be obtained from the school counselor at the high school your student would be attending. The completed form then needs to be submitted to the nearest program Utah State Board of Education, Adult Education Services Directory of Utah Adult Education Programs 2024-2025. If they need help preparing for the GED^®, they can also sign up for GED^® preparation courses at the same time. Students 16-year-older also need to show academic readiness to take the GED^®. This is often done through passing a GED^® Ready test and submitting the passing scores to the nearest adult education program. Once your student submits the completed form to the nearest adult education program, they will be able to schedule their test.

I’m getting a flag/error/alert when I try to schedule my GED^®?
If you are 18 years of age or younger and your class has not graduated from high school you will need to complete an HSE Candidate and Adult Education Eligibility form. The form can be obtained from the school counselor at the high school you would be attending. The completed form should be submitted to the nearest programUtah State Board of Education, Adult Education Services Directory of Utah Adult Education Programs 2025-2025. If you are 16 years of age, you will also need to submit proof of academic readiness to take the GED^®. This is often a copy of passing GED^® Ready scores. If you are 18 years of age or older and your class has graduated from high school, you can contact the Utah State Board of Education at (801) 538-7509 to clear the flag/error/alert.

Can I take the GED^® if I’m still in high school?
Students cannot be currently enrolled in a K-12 school when they take the GED^®.

How old do you have to be to take the GED^®?
Students must be at least 16 years of age to take the GED^®.

I’m 16 and want to take the GED^®. What do I have to do?
First, create a GED^® account. Then, you must withdraw from high school and complete the HSE Candidate and Adult Education Eligibility form, which can be obtained through your high school counselor. You must also show academic readiness to take the GED^®. Passing scores on the GED^® Ready can be used to show academic readiness. The completed form will need to be submitted to the nearest program Utah State Board of Education, Adult Education Services Directory of Utah Adult Education Programs 2024-2025. Once the form is submitted you can schedule your GED^® test.

I’m 17 and want to take the GED^®. What do I have to do?
First, create a GED^® account. Then, you must withdraw from high school and complete the HSE Candidate and Adult Education Eligibility form, which can be obtained through your high school counselor. The completed form will need to be submitted to the nearest program Utah State Board of Education, Adult Education Services Directory of Utah Adult Education Programs 2024-2025. Once the form is submitted you can schedule your GED^® test.

My class hasn’t graduated yet. What do I need to do to take the GED^®?
First, create a GED^® account. Then, you must withdraw from high school and complete the HSE Candidate and Adult Education Eligibility form, which can be obtained through your high school counselor. The completed form will need to be submitted to the nearest program Utah State Board of Education, Adult Education Services Directory of Utah Adult Education Programs 2024-2025. Once the form is submitted you can schedule your GED^® test.

GED^® Versus Diploma Questions

What’s the difference between a GED^® and a high school diploma?
Completing the GED^® in Utah results in receiving a Utah HSC diploma, which is considered a high school equivalency diploma. You can use it to apply to college or for a job resume, similar to a high school diploma.

If I get my GED^®, can I go back to walk with my class?
If you complete your GED^®, your high school will decide if you can walk with your class at graduation.

Can I get into college with a GED^®?
More than 98% of schools in the United States accept the GED^®. If you are planning on attending college you should aim for a score of 165, which is considered college ready.

Can I go into the military with a GED^®?
Oftentimes students can still enter the military when they earn a GED^®, but talk to a recruiter to find out the current requirements of the branch of military you want to enlist in.

Do I get a diploma when I pass the GED^®?
You will receive a Utah HSC diploma when you pass the GED^®.

How many retakes do you get?
It depends on which form of the test you take. For in-person testing at a testing center, you can take the test three times with no restrictions between retakes. For online testing, you can take the test only two times with no restrictions between retakes. After that you must wait 60 days between each attempt.

I took my GED^® prior to 2014. Do I have to start over?
Results from prior versions of the GED^® test do not carry over to the 2014 version. This means you will need to pass all four subject tests of the 2014 version in order to complete the GED^®.

Do GED^® tests expire?
There is currently no expiration date for scores from the 2014 version of the GED^® test.

High School Diplomas

Graduation Requirements

How many credits do you need to graduate in adult education?
You need a minimum of 24 credits as established by the Utah State Board of Education Grads and Transcripts Request Transcripts.

Can you use my old/previous credits?
Yes, however depending on how long ago you attended high school, some credit requirements may have changed. Contact an adult education program near you to set up a meeting with a counselor.

Can I get credit for work experience?
Yes! You can earn up to 4 credits in your elective or Career and Technical Education (CTE) credit requirements. You’ll earn 1 credit for every 180 hours of continuous, professional employment.

Can I use college military experience toward my diploma?
Yes! You can earn a maximum 1.50 credit towards Individualized Fitness for Life or Elective credit from basic training or 1 credit for each 180 hours of other verified military training.

Can I use college credit experience toward my diploma?
Yes! You can earn 1 credit for each 5 quarter-hours or 1 for each 3 semester hours in the appropriate subject area of analysis.

I have credits. How much more do I need to graduate?
You need a minimum of 24 required core credits as established by the Utah State Board of Education Grads and Transcripts Request Transcripts or text Programs Near Me to find an adult education program where you can set up a one on one transcript analysis.

Transcripts

Do I need to bring my transcript?
Most adult education programs can request your transcript for you, however it does make your intake process go quicker if you can bring in an official copy of your transcript.

How do I get a copy of my transcript/diploma?
Contact your last attended school and ask for an official transcript. Some schools may have you go through Parchment and may require a small fee for your transcript.

Can you use credits from my country?
If you have a translated transcript of your home country school records, some credits may be applied towards your United States diploma. Type "Programs Near Me” to find an adult education program where you can set up a one of on transcript analysis.

Foreign Diplomas

Can you verify/authenticate my foreign diploma?
No, adult education cannot verify/authenticate your foreign credentials. You would need to go through the United States Apostille Service.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes

Will these classes work for my visa? Am I enrolled in school for my F-1?
No, adult education programs cannot be your sponsoring school for Visas, however you may attend adult education courses for extra help if you wish to do so.

Can I get a letter showing I’m enrolled in classes (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)/Parolees)?
Yes, adult education programs can provide you with letters and/or reports of enrollment and attendance. However, proof of attendance will need to be verified within the program.