Academic and Career Readiness

• Assessment Center

The mission of the Academic and Career Readiness (ACR) program is to provide educational opportunities for adults 18 years or older who have not completed high school or who would like assistance with basic education skills. This includes competence in reading, writing, speaking, problem-solving, or mathematics at a level necessary to function in society, on a job, or in the family. Sixteen- and 17-year-olds who are out of school may enter only under special regulation. High school graduates who would like to enroll in refresher courses are welcome. There is no registration fee for any ACR program or course.

ACR includes these programs:

• Adult Basic Education (ABE)
• High School Equivalency Testing and Preparation including General Educational Development (GED®), HiSET®, GED® Online, and GED® in the Community (mail-in course)
• English as a Second Language (ESL) and ESL Online
• Placement Test Prep (BSP 2000)
• Basic Skills Plus
• College Transitional Skills

Prior to enrolling, students are required to make an appointment for an initial program orientation so that they may be placed in the appropriate program and level.

Adult Basic Education (ABE)

For a classroom course, the minimum attendance to be eligible for an ACC certificate is typically 80 percent. Some professional courses may have a higher standard. For an online course, students must score at least 80 percent on their final exam to be eligible for a certificate from ACC. The ABE program works with basic reading, writing, and math skills through the intermediate level. Courses are held at the Carrington-Scott Campus in Graham, at the Dillingham Center in Burlington, and at corporate and community sites throughout Alamance County. Students may enter ABE courses at any time and progress at their own pace. There is no charge for ABE courses.

High School Equivalency (HSE) including GED® and HiSET®

The High School Equivalency (HSE) program prepares adults to take the GED® tests and other HSE exams approved by the State of North Carolina to complete their high school credentials. Areas of study include Literacy, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics. Upon successful completion of the HSE program of study and a satisfactory score on the HSE tests, the State Board of the North Carolina Community College System awards students a High School Equivalency diploma. The GED® and HiSET® are nationally recognized legal equivalents of a high school diploma. They serve the same purpose as a high school diploma in meeting most job requirements and are accepted in place of a high school diploma at most community colleges as well as four-year colleges and universities.

HSE instruction is offered in the classroom, online, and through the community mail-in program. Classroom instruction is available at the Carrington-Scott Campus in Graham, the Dillingham Center in Burlington and at community sites throughout Alamance County. Students may enter these free classes at any time after an initial orientation and may progress at their own pace. Persons interested in taking the GED® test without instruction must register for the test at ged.com. While there is no fee for GED® instruction, there is a $20 fee per official GED® test (Note: fee is subject to change according to state regulations). Persons interested in taking the HiSET® test must register at hiset.ets.org. There is a fee of $10-15 per official HiSET® test. GED® and HiSET® test fee scholarships are available for qualified students. Special arrangements may be made for persons who do not speak English or who have a disability.

Potential students who are 16 or 17 years old and who wish to enroll in the HSE program have specific requirements that must be met before they may be admitted. These requirements may include (but are not limited to) a release form to be signed by the superintendent and the principal of the school where they last attended, notarized and signed by the parent or guardian. Both the school system and the Academic and Career Readiness department will have more information on current requirements.

Just as in the public schools, 16- and 17-year-olds must meet state requirements as set by the Dropout Prevention/Driver’s License legislation or lose their license. These individuals holding a driving permit/license or wishing to obtain a driving permit are required to make reasonable academic progress and to attend 60 hours per month (20 days) until successful completion of their high school education.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

The English as a Second Language (ESL) program helps adults for whom English is not their primary language improve their English speaking, reading, and writing skills. The program helps prepare students to function in American society by emphasizing communication and daily living skills. Specialized classes help students prepare for their U.S. citizenship exam. The ESL courses are held at the Carrington-Scott Campus in Graham, at the Dillingham Center in Burlington, at community sites throughout Alamance County, online, and by telecourse. Students may enter ESL courses at any time after an initial orientation and progress at their own pace. There is no charge for ESL courses.

Adult Basic Literacy Education (ABLE)

The Adult Basic Literacy Education (ABLE) program offers courses to adults with intellectual disabilities who have the academic and adaptive skills to be successful in a college classroom setting. Our program is designed to foster reading, writing, math and computer literacy skills with a goal of further academic study and/or employment. The courses are offered morning and afternoons and are located at the Dillingham Center in Burlington. There is no charge for ABLE courses. The steps required to be considered for admission into ACC’s ABLE program are listed on the College website in the Adult Basic Education section.

Basic Skills Plus

The Basic Skills Plus program offers qualified Adult High School and High School Equivalency students the opportunity to enroll in selected curriculum and Workforce Development program pathways, tuition-free. Applicants for this program must be currently working toward their Adult High School or High School Equivalency diploma, and must meet all entrance requirements for their selected Basic Skills Plus pathway. Current Basic Skills Plus pathways include Nurse Aide, Computer-Integrated Machining, Early Childhood Certificate, General Office Certificate, Manicuring and Nail Technician, Plumbing, and Pharmacy Technician.

College Transitional Courses (Career Ready, RISE)

The Academic and Career Readiness department offers transitional English and Math courses. These courses are designed to meet the requirements for placement in curriculum level English and math courses. These classes are offered in the department at no charge.

Assessment Center

The Academic and Career Readiness Assessment Center provides a variety of testing and other assessment services:

1. Orientations, placement pre-assessment and ongoing assessments for the following Academic and Career Readiness programs: Adult Basic Education; High School Equivalency; English as a Second Language; and ABLE.
2. GED and HiSET tests (in English and Spanish) and other High School Equivalency tests approved by the State of North Carolina

Students requiring special assistance or accommodations during testing are required to register with the College’s Disability Services office.

Hours of Operation:

Appointments are recommended. For more information or to make an appointment, call 336-506-4376.