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PALS (Program of Adult Literacy Services) Resource Guide: Diploma Programs

PALS offers two programs for earning a Maryland high school diploma! 
NOTE: All potential students should be at least 19 years old.

GED study classes: PALS offers FREE classes to help students prepare for taking the four parts of the GED test, although classes are not required in the state of Maryland. The computer-based GED test has four subject areas: mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies. Each subject tests your skills and knowledge in that area. Questions are a combination of multiple-choice, “drag and drop,” fill in the blank, short answer, and extended response. The tests are scheduled through www.ged.com and Hagerstown Community College is an official testing site. There is a cost to take each part of the GED test, but our classes are free. LEARN MORE HERE.


The National External Diploma Program (NEDP) is an online, self-paced program that allows you to use the skills you have gained from life and work experience. You will demonstrate your reading, writing, and math skills at the high school level through a variety of topics called competencies. Students must be self-motivated and learn independently, as there is no instructional component with a teacher. Student work is reviewed through weekly one-to-one appointments with trained assessment staff. This program is often good for non-native English speakers as well as students who do not thrive in a classroom/testing atmosphere. There is a minimum score needed to qualify for this program, but there are no big tests after that. The NEDP is free with PALS of HCC. LEARN MORE HERE.

Ready to begin? Please email or call for more information! 

Osagioduwa "Yuwa" McGrady
Intake Assessment and Transition Specialist
olmcgrady@hagerstowncc.edu 
240-500-2561

Diploma Requests

The PALS office does NOT have any access to transcripts and copies of diplomas for prior students. We cannot and will not release any information about prior students or their records. Please make any requests to the appropriate office: 

GED credentials previously earned can be requested through GED.com. NOTE: Current testers receive directions about obtaining their diploma and transcript via email immediately after passing the fourth module.

NEDP transcripts or replacement diplomas can be requested by completing the NEDP Credentialing Request Form

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