TASC Resources: Find Free Classes and Test Prep for the High School Equivalency Exam (Formerly GED)

By Lauren Lampasone, Reference and Research Services
February 28, 2020
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Seward Park, interior views, people studying at Seward Park Adult Reference. Image ID: 100916

New York State’s high school equivalency test is called the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC).

  • There is no cost to take the TASC in New York State.
  • The five sections of the test are Reading Literacy, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
  • The test is available in both paper based (PBT) and computer based (CBT) format. It is not available to take online.
  • TASC is available in English and Spanish, Braille, and audio versions for visually impaired.
  • Test takers are allowed two free retakes per calendar year.

There are many organizations across New York State that provide assistance with test preparation. On this page are websites with information about this important test and free classes that can help you prepare for it.

Other than passing the TASC assessment, the pathways to a High School Equivalency Diploma in New York are to successfully complete 24 college credits or to successfully complete the National External Diploma Program (NEDP).

The New York Public Library offers the following programs that may help you in your pursuit of the credential:

Study Guides Available at the Library

High School Equivalency Examinations -- Study Guides
Click "Place Hold" in the catalog to reserve study materials and pick them up at the location of your choice. You will be notified by phone or email when items are ready for you, and you'll have one week to check them out.

Learning Express Library
Create a FREE account with your library card to access online TASC tutorials and practice tests as well as other education and career resources.

General Information

New York State Education DepartmentFind a testing center in the Bronx, Manhattan or Staten Island.
The website of the NY State HSE (High School Equivalency) Testing Office will help you find test centers and preparation classes in New York State. It also presents information on prep materials, fraud warnings, status reports, and other useful tips. Currently, NYSED supports the operation test centers statewide through a network of both public and private sites, including: school districts, BOCES, CBOs, EOCs, community colleges, correctional facilities, county jails, OCFS facilities, and private residential facilities. 

Prepare for the Test

NYC Department of Education 
Programs available for Ages 17-21 and Ages 21+.

NYC Office of Workforce Development Find a Class
This page offers a straightforward way to locate an adult education program in New York City, from ESOL and basic reading and writing, to High School Equivalency exam prep and job training. In Spanish and other languages.

The CUNY Adult Literacy/HSE/ESL Program (PDF)
CUNY conducts free TASC, ESOL and Basic Education (BE) classes in its 14 campuses.

Literacy Partners
Adult students are placed in pre-HSE classes based on their reading level, between 5th and 8th grade. Classes build on the skills acquired in the organization's Adult Basic Education (ABE) program.

Community Impact at Columbia University
Offers TASC, Spanish TASC, ESOL and CUNY Assessment Test (CAT) Prep support. Once you register for TASC you will be asked to sit a placement test to determine your readiness to sit the TASC test.

The Door
The Door is dedicated to helping young people obtain their HSE and move on to employment or further education. Check out its Arts Access segment, which is a HSE program designed specifically for students who want a career in the arts.

Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation
Pre-HSE and Adult Basic Education classes are conducted in both English and Spanish.

Harlem Center for Education
Offers an intensive 13-week preparation program. 

Union Settlement Association
Union Settlement, located in East Harlem, offers comprehensive HSE classes for all ages and levels. Students are assessed individually, with classes designed around their abilities.

Additional High School Equivalency (HSE) Resources

YouthBuild USA
Low-income youths between the ages of 16 and 24 are given the opportunity to work toward their TASC or high school diplomas by building affordable housing in their communities. Emphasis is placed on leadership development and community service. A national organization, it has locations in the five boroughs.

Queens Library
Queens Library’s Adult Learner Program administers the computer-based version of TASC at five locations, and offers the National External Diploma Program (NEDP), geared towards those who prefer an alternate route to the HSE diploma.

Brooklyn Public Library
The Brooklyn Public Library holds part-time pre-HSE classes in various branches for adults who speak English and want to improve their reading and math skills in preparation for their HSE exam. They also  provide testing for the TASC exam or you may enroll in NEDP (National External Diploma Program.)

Prisoner Reentry Institute
HSE Connect is a collaboration between PRI and the Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC). Supported by the NYC Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity, HSE Connect assists adults with legal system involvement in attaining their High School Equivalency (HSE) and further education.

NYC Department of Youth and Community Development
Advance & Earn is a new training and employment program for youth between the ages of 16-24.  Advance & Earn provides support for High School Equivalency (HSE) test preparation, employer-recognized trainings, credentials and certifications, and paid internships.

Testing Accommodations

New York State high school equivalency examinees seeking accommodations may apply at tasctest.com. Applicants will need to select and work with an official test center in their community to complete the application.

This is an update to a post that was originally published on July 18, 2012 and March 2, 2016.