Ongoing registration for classes is held regularly at schools and offices around the city. Contact the location nearest you for class availability, registration information and travel directions. To view maps of OACE sites and find the program sites closest to you, please click here .

Literacy Programs

ABE instruction emphasizes reading, writing and mathematics centered on student literacy needs, educational goals and life-related interests in a contextualized setting. The curriculum incorporates students’ interests, goals and experiences. Real-world materials are used to enhance the overall educational experience of the adult learner. Adults enrolled in the ABE classes will be able to advance along a continuum of options ranging from literacy, pre-GED, GED preparation and vocational training.

High School Equivalency (GED) Instruction

GED preparation classes will provide adult learners with instruction in subject areas and skills required to pass the GED exam. Test preparation will include a review of the required forms and simulated practice exams. GED preparation is also offered in our Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) labs at the four Adult Learning Centers.

Students still eligible for high school enrollment who are interested in a GED preparation program, should contact a Referral Center for High School Alternatives.  

*IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT* 

New York’s current high school equivalency diploma examination is called the GED®.  Starting on January 1, 2014, a new high school equivalency diploma examination called the TASC® will go into effect.  If you took the GED® from 2002 through the present and did not pass the exam, but earned passing scores on one or more sections, your scores will be valid until December 31, 2013.  If you retake the exam before December 31, 2013, your previously earned passing scores can be combined with your new scores to fully pass the GED®.  If you do not pass the GED® exam before December 31, 2013, your scores will expire and will not count towards the TASC®.  We strongly encourage you to enroll in a free preparation course and retake the GED® before your scores expire. Contact the appropriate office to enroll:

Office of Adult and Continuing Education (high school ineligible students ages 21+)
Referral Center for High School Alternatives (high school eligible students ages 17-21) 

Or call (718) 557-2525 for general referral to the offices listed above and other free GED preparation course providers. 
 
*Note - If you previously passed the GED® and earned your high school equivalency diploma this change does not affect your diploma is any way.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Instruction

ESOL instruction prepares students with basic language skills, as well as critical academic and civic skills needed to successfully complete higher education or job training programs. The emphasis is on improving English skills in speaking, reading, writing and listening. Instructional themes include work, family, citizenship and topics based on student interests.

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

OACE offers CTE courses which will provide adults with an opportunity to acquire technical, trade, construction or entrepreneurial skills enabling them to pursue meaningful employment and/or post-secondary education. CTE classes are offered to adults with or without a high school diploma. Adults without a high school diploma or GED may dually enroll in a CTE and literacy (ABE, ESOL or GED) class to work towards obtaining their GED. CTE classes include courses such as basic Computer Literacy, Microsoft Certification, Carpentry and Plumbing. Many of the courses prepare students for industry recognized certifications and city and state licenses. Click here for a complete listing of CTE course offerings.

OACE is a certified Certiport testing facility. Contact the Brooklyn Adult Learning Center at 718-638-2635 for details.

Health Careers

The health careers industry is a rapidly growing field with opportunities for individuals to realize their personal and professional goals. OACE offers a number of programs for adults interested in entering the high demand health career profession.

Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program

The shortage of nurses continue to be of serious concern to government, health care providers, consumers and those who strive to educate those who are preparing for careers in the health career professions. The OACE LPN program is a full time, one-year program designed to prepare participants to become Licensed Practical Nurses. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) and make application for state licensure as a practical nurse. The program is currently offered at 3 sites: Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Roosevelt Island.

The pre screening entrance exam for the program is the Pre-Nursing Assessment Test-PN, which is administered by the Center for Nursing Education and Training (C-NET). The 2013-2014 cohort begins in September 2013. The application for the Pre-Nursing Assessment Test are available online and will close in December 2012. For more information, please click here.