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A Quick Guide to GED Classes

May 13, 2020, 09:13 AM by CCC Staff
Find information about studying for and obtaining your GED at Clackamas Community College.

CCC GED

If you don’t have a traditional high school diploma, earning your GED or adult high school diploma is an important step to take for your future. Let’s take a look at the GED a little closer to help you understand what it is, how it will benefit you and how you can obtain your GED credential.

What is the GED?

GED stands for General Education Development. Earning your GED means you’ve acquired a certified equivalent to a high school diploma.

The GED Exam focuses on the following areas:

  • Reasoning Through Language Arts
  • Mathematical Reasoning
  • Social Studies
  • Science

GED classes help you earn your GED credential by giving you the resources and support to pass the GED Exam. In order to be eligible to take the GED, you have to be at least 16 years old and not in high school.

What is an Adult High School Diploma?

If you have earned at least 14 high school credits, an Adult High School Diploma provides you a pathway to completing high school, along with the option to earn college credits at the same time.

Why Obtain a GED?

Earning your GED comes with a host of benefits. Most employers require that you have, at minimum, a high school diploma or the GED credential equivalency. Having your GED will also open the door for you to pursue a higher education degree.

According to GED Testing Services LLC., GED grads earn on average $9,000 more a year. The company also states that 45% of GED grads enroll in college to acquire either a certificate or a degree within three years.

How Long are GED Classes?

The length of GED classes can vary depending upon what programs you use to support you. On average, students spend about three months preparing before obtaining their GED.

Can I Get My GED Online?

The GED Exam is taken in-person at an official GED testing center — but preparing for the GED, from taking classes to doing practice tests, can be available online.

Preparing for Your GED at Clackamas Community College

Clackamas Community College supports multiple pathways for people seeking to obtain a GED in the Portland metro area.

From day and evening GED classes (offered in both English and Spanish) to a three- to five-week course called JumpStart, CCC can help you begin your journey to employment or higher education.

Earn your GED in Oregon today!

Learn more on CCC's GED and Adult Programs webpage

Ready to Get Started?