If you don't have a high school diploma, it's not too late to obtain your credentials!

The Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma (CSSD) is a "high school equivalency credential available to Pennsylvania residents who do not possess a high school diploma." According to the PA Department of Education, you can earn a CSSD by passing the GED® test or by completing the 30 College Credit Option.

The GED® test covers four subjects: Math, Science, Social Studies, and Reasoning Through Language Arts. You can take all four together or one at a time at an official GED® test center. Once you are ready, you will schedule your test online at ged.com and you will take the test at an official GED® test center or through online proctoring.

At the Free Library of Philadelphia, we offer many different ways to practice so you can get ready to pass the GED® Exam:

• GED® Practice Books → Check out a practice book from the Free Library, take it home, and study at your own pace.
• Learning Express Library → Use the Library's Learning Express Library digital resource to access full-length interactive practice tests, GED® eBooks, flashcards, GED® en Español, and other tools to help you study on your own.
• Essential Education GED® Academy* → Join a self-paced online GED® class where you decide when you study and practice. A Free Library of Philadelphia staff member will personally guide you through setting up your free Essential Education account and remain available to you if you have questions at any point during your course of study.
• Online GED® Class* → Take a GED class via Zoom with a live instructor and a group of people who regularly meet online.
• In-Person GED® Class* → Meet in person at a location like a neighborhood library or recreation center with an instructor leading your group.

*If you'd like to study with Essential Education or take an online or in-person class, you will need to take a free assessment with Next Level Learning to get started. To schedule your assessment, please call the Next Level Learning hotline at 1-833-750-5627. (It’s best to call between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. when a Career Navigator can answer.) Live translation is available for the call. During other times, you can leave a voicemail.

To check out a GED® practice book or study with Learning Express Library, you'll need your library card and PIN number. If you need a card or forgot your PIN, please visit freelibrary.org/getcard, call the Library's hotline at 1-833-825-5357, or visit one of our 54 neighborhood libraries and speak with a library assistant.