Help and Resources

Need help with reading or writing? You’re not alone. 

 

We can connect you with resources to support learning. Whether you want to improve your reading, up your math skills, or earn a high school diploma, the resources below can help you take the next step.

Find a Class

Are you learning English? Do you speak English but sometimes struggle to read or write? Find classes that match your needs, goals, and schedule.

 

Available classes include:

 

  • reading and writing for English speakers

  • English for English language learners

  • math and personal finance

  • workplace and digital skills

  • citizenship prep

 

Search for classes online at the Adult Learning Resource Center and Literacy Works.

Not sure which class is right for you?

Contact us, and we’ll help you find the best fit.

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Earn Your High School Diploma

Didn’t finish high school or never started? You’re not alone—more than 1 million adults in Illinois don’t have a high school diploma. The good news is that there are many options for you to earn your diploma or GED, and most are free or low-cost.

 

You can get your diploma in Illinois by:

 

  • Attending an online high school

  • Taking a high school equivalency exam (the GED or HiSET)

  • Using Alternative Methods of Credentialing (AMOC) if you’re close to finishing

Online High Schools

Many public libraries in Illinois partner with accredited online high schools. You can earn your high school diploma and get help with college and career planning.

 

Benefits

  • Support. Library staff help you get started, register, and access resources.

  • Coaching. A success coach monitors your progress and keeps you motivated.

  • Tutoring. Get one-on-one help when you need it.

  • Scholarships. You may qualify for a full-tuition scholarship.

  • Equipment. Use library resources onsite. Some libraries lend laptops to enrolled students.

  • Flexible Timeline. Study on your schedule anytime 24/7. You have 18 to 24 months to finish and can transfer credits. Average time to diploma 10 months.

Eligibility and Requirements

  • Be at least 21 years old

  • Read and do math at 8th grade level

  • Spend 8 hours a week on coursework

 

Get started at your local library. For participating libraries, contact us.​​

Why get your diploma? In Illinois, high school graduates earn $8,000 more per year compared to those without a diploma and have better life and health outcomes.

High School Equivalency Exams

If traditional coursework isn’t for you, you can take a high school equivalency exam: the GED or HiSET. These exams prove that you have the same knowledge as a high school graduate.

 

Benefits

  • Free or low-cost

  • Discounted exam fees

  • Flexible scheduling

  • Complete in just 3 to 12 months

  • Many testing center locations

 

Eligibility and Requirements

  • Be at least 17 years old

  • Have lived in Illinois at least 30 days

  • If 17, provide a letter of separation from your most recent high school

  • Not be currently attending high school, be a high school graduate, or have already passed a high school equivalency exam

 

Free and Low-Cost Test Prep Programs

  • Free test prep is available at many Illinois community colleges, select school districts, and nonprofit literacy programs. Contact us to find a free test prep class near you.

  • GEDWorks partners with employers to offer free GED prep and testing. Ask your employer if they offer this.

  • i-Pathways offers online GED or HiSET test prep. Often included in test preparation courses at Illinois community colleges and other adult education programs. Can be purchased separately for a modest fee.

 

Discounted Exam Fees

  • GED Discount. The GED has 4 subjects. Illinois residents get $20 off each subject test (first try). Use code ILSAVE20 at checkout.

  • HiSET Discount. Call the Education Testing Service (ETS) at 855-MyHiSET to find out if you qualify for a discount—they’ll apply it when you schedule your test.

Alternative Methods of Credentialing (AMOC)

Are you just a few credits short of earning your high school diploma? AMOC could be the perfect choice for you.

 

Benefits

  • Quick. AMOC is an option if you have a year or less of high school to finish.

  • Personalized. Work with counselors at your Regional Office of Education (ROE) to develop your own program. May include testing, online coursework, individual tutoring, or classroom instruction.

  • Diploma. Receive a State of Illinois High School Diploma when you complete the program.

 

Eligibility and Requirements

  • Age and residency. You must be at least 18.5 years old and have lived in Illinois at least 30 days.

  • Credits. You must provide documentation that you've completed at least 13.5 of the 18 required high school credits. Only transcripts from state-recognized and accredited institutions are eligible for credit.

  • Transcripts. You must have your high school and post-secondary transcript(s) reviewed by your local Regional Office of Education (ROE). Transcript reviews cost $20. For details, use the ROE locator tool.

  • Testing. You must complete:

 

If AMOC sounds like a good option, contact your ROE directly. ROE locator tool.

More Literacy Resources

 

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We're here to help and answer your questions about literacy in Illinois.

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