FREE GED Preparation
Free GED® Preparation
Prepare for your High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma with free GED® preparation classes at The City College of New York.
Our GED Program
Our GED Preparation/HSE classes prepare students to take and pass the GED® (General Educational Development) Exam and earn a High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma. In addition to GED preparation, the program helps students build academic and workplace skills for future success in college and employment and provides ongoing advisement and support.
Classes prepare students in the following subject areas:
- Language Arts/Writing
- Language Arts/Reading
- Social Studies
- Science
- Mathematics
Our program is funded through the New York State Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Grant, which allows us to offer adult education classes tuition-free.
We also encourage advanced-level English language learners and immigrants to enroll in our GED Preparation classes if they do not have a high school diploma from their country of origin. Students must have a sufficient level of English proficiency to participate successfully in GED preparation. If your English level is not yet appropriate for the GED program, we also offer English language classes to help you strengthen your skills.
Ready to get started?
Due to the high volume of applicants, space is limited. When a seat becomes available, applicants will be invited to attend an orientation session and complete a TABE placement test. Class placement is based on TABE assessment scores and program availability.
If you have any questions, please contact us via email aepcps@ccny.cuny.edu
Program Requirements
Our GED Preparation/HSE Program is designed for working adults. To participate, students must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Must be 19 years of age or older and not enrolled, or required to be enrolled, in secondary school under New York State law.
- Residency: Must be a New York State resident. Because the program is funded by the New York State Education Department, students residing outside New York State are not eligible to participate.
- Employment: Must be available for employment.
- Visa Status: Students in F-1 visa status are not eligible to participate in this program. Students seeking English language instruction may explore our English Language Institute.
- Orientation & Placement Testing: Students must attend a required orientation and complete the TABE Locator and TABE Test to determine eligibility and appropriate class placement.
- Technology Requirements: If classes are offered online, students must have access to a computer or tablet with a reliable internet connection.
Because this is a workforce development program, employment is one of the program's required outcomes. After completing the program, our staff will follow up with students to learn about their progress and employment status.
Placement Test Resources
Students are encouraged to practice before taking the TABE placement test.
Learn More About the GED®
Visit the official GED® website to learn more about the exam and the High School Equivalency credential.
Class Schedules
Days: Monday–Thursday
Time: 6:00–9:00 PM
Semester Information
Fall Semester: September–December
Spring Semester: February–May
Our GED Program was featured on CUNY TV. Hear Sol Rogers share her immigration journey and discuss the program, while Dean Juan Mercado and GED instructors highlight the importance of GED preparation for college, employment, and family goals.
The feature also includes Robin McKay’s personal story of leaving high school at age 15 and later returning to continue his education through our GED Program.
The video is available in both Spanish and English.
"It's hard to make the first step, but you will always find people who will help you along the way."
- Sol Rogers
Due to the high volume of applicants, space is limited. When a seat becomes available, applicants will be invited to attend an orientation session and complete a TABE placement test.
Last Updated: 09/02/2026 13:59