Durham Technical Community College offers several programs of study for adults who want to improve their basic literacy skills or complete their high school education. Many graduates of these programs continue their education at Durham Tech or pursue job training opportunities.

Admission to these programs is open to adults 18 years of age and older. The admission process begins with a placement test to determine where students should start in the program. Most courses are free, although students in some programs must buy their books and pay a small student fee.

The ABE program serves adults who read below the ninth-grade level. Students take courses in basic reading, writing, and math, which prepare them to enter the Adult High School Diploma or GED program.

Adult Basic Education Schedule

This program offers courses that lead to a high school diploma. Students must complete the number of courses required by the state of North Carolina and must pass the state competency tests. Students who meet these requirements receive an adult high school diploma. They may then continue their education at Durham Tech or another college or pursue other postsecondary opportunities. Durham Tech offers the AHSD program in cooperation with the public school systems of Durham and Orange counties.

AHSD Registration Schedule
A+ Distance Learning web link: www.aplusanywhere.com/durhamtcc/index.html

As an official GED testing center, Durham Tech offers instruction for adults who have not completed high school but who have learned from their life and work experiences. GED courses prepare students to take tests in English, social studies, science, reading, and math. Students who pass all parts of the GED examination receive a high school equivalency certificate awarded by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges. GED graduates may enroll at Durham Tech or another college for further education, or they may gain job skills in other ways.

GED Test Schedule and GED Class Schedule
GED Online Information and Frequently Asked Questions

ESL courses are open to adults whose native language is not English. Courses range from beginning to advanced levels of instruction. Advanced students may take conversation courses and other specialized subjects. All ESL courses help students cope with real-life situations requiring the use of English. Fees may be required for higher level courses.

The CED program serves the needs of adults with a diagnosis of mental retardation. It offers instruction in language, math, social science, health, consumer education, and community living. The program gives students opportunities to become more independent; to benefit from pre-vocational training; and to acquire the skills they need to manage work, community, social, and personal responsibilities.

The HRD Program provides career development counseling, employability skills training, and skills and assessment services to unemployed and underemployed adults. The HRD mission is "to prepare individuals for success in the workplace." Thus, the program is designed to improve the employability skills of individuals to be competitive in the ever-changing workplace. Components include Job Preparation, Job-Seeking Skills, Résumé and Interviewing Skills, Job-Keeping Skills, Lifelong Learning, and Lifeskills.

For local industries and businesses, the college can provide on-site instruction for employees who need to upgrade their skills in reading, math, communication, and other work-related abilities. This customized training may include Adult Basic Education, GED, English as a Second Language, and other basic job performance skills, depending on the organization’s specific needs.

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