Student Life

New High School Equivalency Testing and Class Options Available at NCC

The College and Career Readiness Department at Nash Community College offers classes at no cost to students who did not finish their high school education. The High School Equivalency (HSE) Program prepares students to take one of two available Equivalency Tests, the GED and the HiSET. Successful completion of either test leads to the High School Equivalency Diploma from the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS).

HiSET, the newest test, gives students the option to take a paper based or computer based version of the test. The HiSET measures a student’s skills and knowledge in Language Arts-Reading, Language Arts-Writing, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. The HiSET is offered in English and Spanish, for a cost of $50 for all five subjects. This is a price reduction over the GED which is priced currently at $80. Pamela Gould, College and Career Readiness Director, explained, “A significant part of our population has very limited computer skills and little access to a computer, adding a paper version for some students is opening doors again to complete their high school credential.”

In addition to the new testing options, NCC is now offering more structured High School Equivalency preparation. Students attend classes of direct instruction in the skills they need improving. “Gone are the days, of working in a lab with only a book in front of you,” says Gould. “Student engagement is at the forefront of our work. An engaged learner will be better prepared for testing.” NCC offers classes from 8 am until 9 pm, Monday through Thursday and the Learning Lab is available Monday-Thursday 8:00am to 9 pm and Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Classes are taught in the new Continuing Education and Public Services Building.

NCC is offering career pathway classes to students in the College and Career Readiness Department. Students who are currently pursuing their HSE are also eligible and encouraged to take career preparation classes at the same time at no cost. Classes are offered in Direct Home Health Care, Hospitality and Food Service, Cosmetology, Public Services and Microsoft IT Academy. These courses lead to a certificate that students are able to immediately add to their resume and employment applications. For more information, call 252-451-8215.