Adult Education
The Adult Education program offers free adult education services to include adult literacy, basic academic skills, GED preparation and testing, digital literacy, employability skills through Alabama Career Essentials (ACE) and other career training, such as MSSC, as well as the Alabama Non-Traditional High School Diploma Option (HSDO) to adults in the Madison, Morgan, and Limestone County service areas. The program also offers English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. To participate in any of the Adult Education program’s classes, all participants must first attend and complete the orientation program.
To learn more about any of the Adult Education programs or to how to enroll in orientation and classes, contact the Adult Education office at 256-306-2830 in Decatur or 256-890-4793 in Huntsville for additional information or visit the website: calhoun.edu/adult-education/
High School Equivalency Options
GED® Test
Calhoun Community College's Adult Education FREE GED® program offers students the opportunity to earn a GED® through online or in person learning. The primary mission is to provide a reliable process for certifying that adults possess the major and lasting outcomes of a traditional high school education. Students work toward passing the four sections of the GED®:
• Reasoning Through Language Arts
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Science
• Social Studies
For more information on the GED® Test visit ged.com.
To learn more about the program, or to enroll, visit the website: Calhoun.edu/adult-education/
GED4Me!
Not sure if the GED® is for you? You can see for FREE! Take your GED® Practice with no classroom attendance required! For a limited time, if you pass all four sections of the GED® Ready practice test, Alabama Adult Education will PAY for you to attempt the official GED® Exam! The GED® is accepted by over 97% of colleges and employers in the United States. By getting your GED®, you increase your earning potential by an annual average of over $9,000!
Non-Traditional High School Diploma Option Program (HSDO)
The Non-Traditional High School Diploma Option Program (HSDO) may be a good option for the student who completed all 24 credits required to graduate but failed to pass the high school graduation exam; or the student who completed at least 10 credits of the 24 credits needed for high school completion. To find out if the HSDO program is right for you, contact the Adult Education office or visit the website at 256-306-2830 in Decatur, or 256-890-4793 in Huntsville, or visit the website: calhoun.edu/adult-education/
Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC)
The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) is the nation’s leading industry-led training, assessment and certification organization focused on the core technical competencies needed by the nation’s frontline production and material handling workers. The MSSC CPT Manufacturing Certification is designed for those looking to develop foundational knowledge of manufacturing processes and production, safety, maintenance awareness, and lean manufacturing principles. Participants will have the opportunity to test for the nationally recognized Manufacturing Skills Standards Council Certified Production Technician (CPT). Participants can also participate in the Alabama Career Essentials (ACE) program and Work Keys. The MSSC Program at Calhoun Community College Adult Education Program allows the student to require several important certifications allowing the student to improve their opportunities for skilled employments. Our MSSC certifications include:
• MSSC - CPT (Manufacturing Skills Standards Council) - Certified Production Technician - designed for those looking to develop foundational knowledge of manufacturing processes and production. The CPT is a nationally recognized certification.
• MSSC-CLT - Certified Logistics Technician - industry-led program that prepares individuals for front-line material handling and supply chain logistics in fulfillment centers, warehouses, distribution centers, and factories. The CLT is a nationally recognized certification.
• MANUFACTURING PRE-APPRENTICE - a blend of CPT and RTW courses that provides the knowledge for success in the Calhoun Advanced Manufacturing Program. The student completes the pre-apprenticeship with a CPT, Alabama Certified Worker, and the ACT National Career Readiness Certificate.
Alabama Career Essentials (ACE)
Alabama’s Career Essentials (ACE) program provides trainees the entry-level skills required for employment with most businesses and industries in Alabama. The ACE course is designed to lead individuals to a specific career pathway credential, employment, or job promotion. Students enrolled in the ACE course will have several pathway-specific, stackable credential opportunities. Participants who successfully complete the course will receive the Alabama Certified Employee credential.
The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) will provide one tuition FREE college course (up to four credit hours) for students who successfully complete the ACE program.
Digital Literacy
Calhoun Community College Adult Education offers a FREE Digital Literacy class in the Decatur/Athens and Huntsville areas. The class covers computer basics, Internet basics, Windows 10, and the basic principles of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. This is an entry-level computer class.
ACT Prep
ACT Prep for Professionals is for non-traditional students who wish to further their education in Health Sciences or other professional fields that require a high ACT score. Certified instructors who are skilled in ACT test taking techniques will administer the TABE assessment to determine the foundation knowledge the student requires to raise their ACT score.
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
ASVAB Test Preparation is important to getting the assignment you want with the U.S. Military. The Higher your score, the more opportunity you have. The Adult Ed ASVAB Prep class can assist you with this goal.
ACCUPLACER Prep
Accuplacer is a series of tests that evaluate students’ skills in reading, writing, and math to help college administrators place students in courses that match their skills. If your ACCUPLACER scores are low, you may need to take basic or remedial courses that do not count toward your degree. On the other hand, if you score well, you can save a lot of time, money and boredom by skipping these courses. The Adult Ed ACCUPLACER Prep class can assist you in being more prepared for the assessment.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Calhoun Community College’s Adult Education Department offers FREE English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. The ESL program provides instruction in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in English at six different levels – from literacy to advanced levels. Instructors use professionally developed curriculum and integrated learning techniques, including web-based programs, to provide a complete learning experience.
Classes meet two times per week. Morning, afternoon, and evening classes are available.
English Language and Civics Class
Designed for the ESL learner on the path to U.S. citizenship, this course is designed for adult students of English as a Second Language (ESL) who are at a low beginning ESL level. The curriculum includes developing English language skills and civics content knowledge. Participants will develop their reading, listening, writing and speaking skills while also learning about the Form N-400 and the naturalization interview.