GED® test preparation

Adult Education | Cascade, OMIC, Rock Creek, Southeast, & Sylvania

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Prepare for the GED® test with Adult Education classes.

  • Adult Education is a non-credit program.
  • Fees for classes range from $37 to $158 per term.
  • Classes focus on basic skills in reading, writing, and math.
  • These classes help you prepare for the GED® test.
  • You may need to buy books.
  • Classes are open to anyone 16 or older.
  • If you are 16 or 17, you have to get an official release from your high school. Submit it to the college’s admission office before registering for classes.
  • If you are between the ages of 16 and 20, you may qualify for the Yes to College program.

Steps to enroll

Read all of this information carefully. Please complete all of the steps listed below. The first day of Summer term is Monday, June 24.

1. Apply to PCC

Complete the admissions form. The PCC Admissions Deadline is June 10, 2024 for Summer term.

Apply now

2. Complete CASAS testing

It is a program requirement for GED-seeking students to complete the CASAS assessment. Sign-up and attend orientation even if you have not yet completed the CASAS assessment.

It will be required for class registration.

It helps us assess your reading and math skills for program placement and evaluate your progress throughout the program. Testing can be done in person on campus or remotely. Please be aware that remote testing can be booked out 2–4 weeks.

Attend your orientation even if you have not completed the CASAS assessment.

Take both Reading and Math assessments. Each test takes about 60-90 minutes.

To sign up for the test, you’ll need the following information:

  • Student name: Your name
  • Student ID: Your PCC ID number (starts with a G)
  • Email: Either your personal or your PCC email. You will receive test confirmation and instructions at the email you provide.
  • College name: Portland Community College
Remote testing

You can use a laptop, desktop, iPad, tablet, or Samsung phone. Chromebooks and iPhones won’t work to take the tests. Sign up for both the Math and the Reading tests and plan for 1.5 hours for each test.

Sign up here: CASAS testing appointments »
Choose CASAS Goals Reading and CASAS Goals Math

If there’s an issue with scheduling, reach out to the navigator at your closest campus (see below). Attend your orientation even if you haven’t tested. Appointments can be booked out a few weeks in advance.

In-person testing

Book an appointment or see the drop-in times below:

3. Attend a GED® student orientation and registration session

Plan to stay for 2 hours if attending the orientation remotely over Zoom. Plan to stay for 3 hours if attending in person. At the session, you will:

  • You can choose to attend the orientation in person or remotely over Zoom.
  • Meet the Adult Ed Navigator who will help you get started and register for your first classes.
  • Learn more about GED® tests.
  • Get tips on how to manage yourself and your technology while learning remotely.
  • Have a chance to ask questions about classes and GED® testing.
  • Plan on attending the full 2-hour remote orientation session.
  • Plan on attending for the full 3-hour in-person orientation session.
In-person orientation
  • Cascade orientation sign-up » 705 N. Killingsworth St. Portland, OR 97217, Terrell Hall, room 112, Cascade map (Another session will be added for the beginning of June, Tuesday, June 18 – 10am – 12pm)
  • Rock Creek orientation sign-up » 17705 NW Springville Rd. Portland, OR 97229, Building 3 room 201, map (Navigator will be out of the office between May 10-27. You will be contacted to set up a one-on-one orientation, by phone. Orientations will begin the last week in May. )
  • Southeast orientation sign-up » 2305 SE 82nd and Division, Portland, OR 97216, Scott 101, Southeast map (Dates and sign up form coming soon)
  • Sylvania orientation sign-up » 12000 SW 49th Ave. Portland, OR 97219, CT 235, Sylvania map (Tuesday, June 4 – 10am – 12pm, or Tuesday, June 18 – 10am – 12pm)

Remote orientation

Sign up for a remote session »

  • Wednesday, May 29, 1pm-3pm
  • Thursday, May 30, 6pm-8pm
  • Monday, June 17, 10-12pm
  • Tuesday,  June 18, 6pm-8pm
4. Consider your options for study
  • Classes will be held in person. There will be limited remote sections available. Your Adult Ed Navigator can help you decide what is right for you.
  • Want to study online? Learn more about online GED® classes. (You can talk about the difference between online and remote classes with your Adult Ed Navigator.)
  • Want to take the GED® test in Spanish? We offer Spanish GED® classes through Southeast Campus and Willow Creek Opportunity Center. The steps to enroll are different than the steps listed here, so make sure to review the Spanish GED® page.
5. Paying for your classes

Be ready to pay for your classes at the time of registration. Class fees range from $37 to $158 per term depending on your class schedule.

If you receive food stamps, the Oregon Health Plan, or have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may qualify for a class fee waiver. We’ll discuss class fee waivers at the orientation session.

Get help

You can connect by email, phone, or Zoom.

You can also contact the Adult Ed Navigator at the campus of your choice:

Learn more about the GED® certificate

A GED® certificate may be earned by those who have not completed high school and who are at least 16 years old. The GED® certificate is accepted as a substitute for a high school diploma by many employers, apprenticeship programs, community colleges, and universities. It is used all over the United States and Canada, although passing scores may vary from state to state.

Related pages

GED® is a registered trademark of the American Council on Education and may not be used without permission. The GED® and GED Testing Service® brands are administered by GED Testing Service LLC under license.

PCC provides an Annual Security Report meeting Clery Act requirements. The report shares safety programs, policies, and crime data for the past three years. It also includes steps you can take to maintain a safe campus for everyone.