Free GED in Arizona

State-funded adult education classes in every county, what the GED and Civics tests cost, and the extra steps if you are 16 or 17, in the official words.

Are the classes free?

The Arizona Department of Education says both of these. Ask the provider about cost when you enroll.

Official text

“Instructional services vary by location and are offered at no charge. They include: In-person classes, Virtual classes, Classes taught by certified teachers”Official page
“Adult Education providers can be found across Arizona. They provide free (or low-cost) quality programs to:”Official page

The steps

1. Find a class in your county
Pick your county below to see the adult education providers that serve it.
Official text
“Arizona Adult Education provides comprehensive education and training services to students 16 years of age and older who are not enrolled in a K-12 school.”Official page
2. Enroll and go to orientation
Each provider has its own sign-up steps. They are on each card below.
Official text
For example, Friendly House Adult Education says:“Attend Orientation (In Person)”Official page
3. Take the GED tests
There are four GED subject tests. You pay for each test when you schedule it.
Official text
“Passing the GED® tests along with the AZ Civics Test is one way a High School Equivalency Diploma can be earned in Arizona.”Official page
4. Pass the Arizona Civics Test
Every way to the Arizona diploma also needs the Civics Test.
Official text
“Please note that all three pathways require the candidate to pass the Arizona Civics Test with a minimum score of 70.”Official page
5. Get your diploma
The Arizona High School Equivalency diploma comes by email.
Official text
“your Arizona High School Equivalency electronic diploma and electronic transcript will be automatically sent to the email address recorded in your MyGED® profile.”Official page

Adult education providers by county

These are the providers on the Arizona Department of Education’s county list. Each card quotes the provider’s own page.

Your county

21 providers statewide

ACYR Adult Education Program
Serves Maricopa County
Official text
Cost
“Most Adult Education classes at ACYR are free and some are low-cost”
Ages
Two official statements differ — confirm with the provider:
“Free programs for students 16+”
“Enroll in ACYR's adult education programs today - it's free and open to adults 18+ in Phoenix.”
How to enroll
“Fill out our online form so we can learn more about your goals”
Class format
“Hybrid and in-person options available”
Official page Checked Nov 11, 2026
Adult Literacy Plus of Southwest Arizona (ALPS)
Serves Yuma County
Official text
Cost
“ALPS offers free tuition for eligible students.”
Ages
“You must be 16 years of age or older, legally present in the U.S., and a resident of Arizona with proof of documentation.”
How to enroll
“First, Check if Eligible”
Class format
“High School Equivalency (HSE) Preparation Instruction with Face-to-Face and blended Instruction.”Official page
Official page Checked Nov 11, 2026
Arizona Western College Adult Education
Serves La Paz County, Yuma County
Official text
Cost
“Access our free HSE/GED courses where you'll receive comprehensive instruction”
Ages
“Must be 16 years of age and older who are not enrolled in a K-12 school”
How to enroll
“Complete a TABE placement test at an approved AWC Testing Center”
Class format
Not published on the page
Official page Checked Nov 11, 2026
Central Arizona College Adult Education
Serves Pinal County
Official text
Cost
“Free GED® preparation classes”
Ages
Not published on the page
How to enroll
Not published on the page
Class format
“In-person and virtual class options”
Official page Checked Nov 11, 2026
Cochise College Adult Education
Serves Cochise County, Graham County, Greenlee County
Official text
Cost
“We offer year-round services and are currently tuition FREE!”
Ages
“Adult Education students must be 16 or older and not currently enrolled in high school.”
How to enroll
“you will need to bring the application to any Cochise College campus or center to complete your registration.”
Class format
“Our program offers both Face-to-Face and Hyflex classes to help you prepare for the GED®”
Official page Checked Nov 11, 2026
Coconino Community College Adult Education
Serves Coconino County
Official text
Cost
“Classes free to Coconino County residents ages 16 and older”
Ages
“Classes are open to anyone at least 16 years or older, legally present in the United States, and living in Coconino County.”
How to enroll
“All new Adult Education students must complete a registration process and placement testing prior to attending classes.”Official page
Class format
“All classes are held in person, and some classes are also offered remotely on zoom.”Official page
Official page Checked Nov 11, 2026
East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) HSE/GED Program
Serves Maricopa County, Pinal County
Official text
Cost
“Now enrolling for tuition-free, flexible GED® prep classes.”
Ages
Two official statements differ — confirm with the provider:
“16 years of age or older”
“It serves students ages 18 and older across Phoenix and the East Valley”
How to enroll
“Enroll for the HSE/GED® course”
Class format
“Classes are available in the morning, afternoon, or evening.”
Official page Checked Nov 11, 2026
Friendly House Adult Education
Serves Maricopa County
Official text
Cost
Not published on the page
Ages
“16 Years of Age or Older”
How to enroll
“Attend Orientation (In Person)”
Class format
“Classes are offered in person in the mornings and online in the evenings.”
Official page Checked Nov 11, 2026
FXG Adult Education Program
Serves Maricopa County
Site is at a county justice center — check eligibility on the provider’s page.
Official text
Cost
Not published on the page
Ages
Not published on the page
How to enroll
Not published on the page
Class format
“FXG Adult Education Program Location(s): Glendale, Mesa Main Phone: (602) 506-0055”
Official page Checked Nov 11, 2026
Gila County Adult Education (Gila County School Superintendent)
Serves Gila County
Official text
Cost
“All classes are free of charge!”
Ages
“Anyone 16 years and older who is not currently enrolled in a high school is eligible, including those who are/were homeschooled.”
How to enroll
“A parental consent form is required for those students under 18”
Class format
“The program offers GED® test preparation classes, English as a Second Language, College and Career Planning and Distance Learning (via virtual platforms).”
Official page Checked Nov 11, 2026
Gilbert Adult Learning Program (Gilbert Public Schools)
Serves Maricopa County
Official text
Cost
Not published on the page
Ages
“You must be at least 16 years old and have withdrawn from high school to enroll in our classes.”
How to enroll
“All students must register prior to starting a class.”
Class format
“offers GED and Adult Basic Education/Adult Secondary Education (ABE/ASE) classes”
Official page Checked Nov 11, 2026
Literacy Phoenix (Sunnyslope and Downtown)
Serves Maricopa County
Official text
Cost
“Registration and classes are free!”
Ages
“If you are an adult 16 years or older, not enrolled in the K-12 school system, and have a valid identification”
How to enroll
“Check our orientation schedule and attend the event to receive more information and register in the program.”
Class format
“IN-PERSON AND ONLINE CLASSES AVAILABLE.”
Official page Checked Nov 11, 2026
Mesa Adult Education (Mesa Public Schools)
Serves Maricopa County
Official text
Cost
“Classes are currently free of charge.”
Ages
Not published on the page
How to enroll
“We have a 4-step registration process followed by orientation.”
Class format
Not published on the page
Official page Checked Nov 11, 2026
Mohave College Adult Education
Serves Mohave County
Official text
Cost
“Free of charge”
Ages
“Available to anyone aged 16 or over who is not currently enrolled in High School.”
How to enroll
“Contact your local campus for additional information on how to enroll in the program and what is required for entry.”
Class format
“Offered both in person and online for Reading and Writing, Math, and GED Prep.”
Official page Checked Nov 11, 2026
Northland Pioneer College — College & Career Preparation / Adult Basic Education
Serves Apache County, Navajo County
Official text
Cost
“The waiver pays for tuition and fees for qualifying courses and is offered to students who meet eligibility criteria on a first-come, first-served basis.”
Ages
“At least 16 years of age”
How to enroll
“Complete a NPC Student Application Form”
Class format
“provides face to face instruction as well as guided instruction”
Official page Checked Nov 11, 2026
Pima Community College — Adult Basic Education for College & Career (ABECC)
Serves Pima County
Official text
Cost
“Pima offers classes to help you build your skills and reach your goals — all at no cost.”
Ages
“You must be at least 16 years old to take the GED.”Official page
How to enroll
“Once registered, you'll attend a short Orientation session to help you get started and feel confident in your program.”Official page
Class format
“We offer classes in person and online so you can learn in the way that works best for you.”
Official page Checked Nov 11, 2026
Queen Creek Adult Education Program (QCUSD)
Serves Maricopa County, Pinal County
Official text
Cost
“Classes are currently free of charge.”
Ages
“Individuals at least 16 years old”
How to enroll
Not published on the page
Class format
“Our program offers GED test prep classes that can be attended in person and/or virtually.”
Official page Checked Nov 11, 2026
Rio Salado College Adult Education (Maricopa Community Colleges)
Serves Maricopa County
Official text
Cost
“Adult Education classes are offered at no cost the student.”
Ages
“offered to students ages 16 and older”Official page
How to enroll
“Step 1: Complete our Request for Information Form: Request for Information Form Step 2: Visit your selected Rio Salado College Location to complete the registration paperwork. Please bring your valid photo ID to the visit.”
Class format
“Test prep classes are offered in-person at locations in Maricopa County and live-online through Rio Salado’s Virtual Learning Academy.”Official page
Official page Checked Nov 11, 2026
Santa Cruz County Continuing Education (SCCCE)
Serves Santa Cruz County
Official text
Cost
“Call today to find out how you can take the Arizona High School Equivalency Test Prep Classes or English Language Learners Classes at no cost to you (520) 375-7670.”
Ages
“SCCCE provides comprehensive literacy services to learners 16 years of age and older, not enrolled in a K-12 school.”
How to enroll
“Students must provide the required documentation to establish a lawful presence in the United States and complete the mandated Verification of Eligibility for Service Form.”
Class format
“Cohorts begin every 3 months/12 weeks and take place Monday through Thursday. Students will be assessed at the beginning and end of every cohort.”
Official page Checked Nov 11, 2026
Somerton Adult Education
Serves Yuma County
Official text
Cost
Not published on the page
Ages
Not published on the page
How to enroll
“Phone number for ABE/GED® Prep Classes: (928) 341-6192”
Class format
Not published on the page
Official page Checked Nov 11, 2026
Yavapai College Adult Basic Education
Serves Yavapai County
Official text
Cost
Not published on the page
Ages
“Be 16 years of age or older”
How to enroll
“complete registration, take a placement test, and attend orientation”
Class format
“Students may attend classes virtually from any campus.”
Official page Checked Nov 11, 2026

Adult Education and English Classes by County (ADE)

If you’re 16 or 17

The Arizona Department of Education’s rules for 16- and 17-year-olds, word for word:

Official text

“Additional requirements for 16-17 year-old individuals must be completed prior to scheduling the GED® Tests: Official withdrawal from the last school attended. Notarized and dated permission letter from a parent or guardian.”Official page
“Current U.S. government-issued ID”Official page
“All age authorizations for 16-17 year-old individuals must be submitted through the Arizona Department of Adult Education at adulted@azed.gov. *Requests may take up to 30 days for review.”Official page
“Must create a test-taker profile at GED.com using their full legal name.”Official page
“Arizona High School Equivalency Parent/Guardian Permission of Minor Form”Official page
“You must be 18 years old to test in Arizona.”Official page
“If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must also meet additional requirements.”Official page

Test fees

Classes and tests are separate. The test fees, word for word:

Official text

“In-person & Online testing is $41 per GED® test. Payment is only necessary for the desired test being taken.”Official page
“Arizona charges $41 per subject for the GED® test at a Test Center”Official page
“In Arizona, there is a $15 test center fee for GED® test retakes.”Official page
“The Online Proctored Exam costs $41 for a retake in Arizona.”Official page
“Payment includes the following: Your GED® Test Same-day scoring A personalized score report 1 discounted retake per subject (in-person only)* Electronic Transcript and Diploma”Official page
“The cost to schedule the test is $9.00 per attempt, payable through GED.com at the time of scheduling your appointment.”Official page
“As of January 1, 2026, the passing score for the AZ Civics Test has increased from 60/100 to 70/100.”Official page
“The test is only administered in English.”Official page
“if you passed the Arizona Civics Test while enrolled in high school (as early as grade 8), all you need to do is ask your former school to send to the Arizona Department of Education/Adult Education Services an Official School Transcript”Official page

Help with test costs some providers list

Official text

“Self-study materials can be found on the GED® website. You may also want to check out your local public library for GED® study books to help you prepare for the GED® test.”Official page
Coconino Community College Adult Education:“GED Ready Practice Test (free vouchers available)”Official page
Northland Pioneer College — College & Career Preparation / Adult Basic Education:“Pay per test (scholarships available)”Official page

ID for testing

Official text

“Revised Arizona Jurisdictional Policy for GED Testing Candidates Effective 10/1/2026 All GED® Testing candidates must provide a U.S. government-issued ID to test.”Official page
“No, there is no residency requirement to take the test in Arizona.”Official page

Who can enroll in state-funded classes

State-funded adult education classes have a legal-status rule. Here it is, word for word:

Official text

“The department of education shall provide classes under this section only to adults who are citizens or legal residents of the United States or are otherwise lawfully present in the United States.”Official page

Questions about status? Free legal help

Other ways to the same diploma

Official text

“In Arizona, there are three options to earn a High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma, that have been approved by the AZ State Board of Education.”Official page
“Effective July 1, 2018, adults can earn their HSE Diploma by demonstrating completion of 25 specific college credits along with passing the AZ Civics Test.”Official page
“Additionally, 16- and 17-year-old individuals interested in applying for an HSE Diploma through the CCP must also provide: Official withdrawal from the last school attended. Notarized and dated permission letter from a parent or guardian.”Official page
“After the official transcript is evaluated, the applicant must submit the required administrative fee to complete the validation process (see question 14).”Official page
“Eligible adult education students can earn their HSE Diploma by earning a total of 22 points in specific areas to demonstrate Academic and Career Readiness, along with passing the AZ Civics Test.”Official page
“This pathway will be facilitated exclusively by WIOA Title II Adult Education programs in Arizona.”Official page
“Transcripts are $15 per copy Money Order, Cashier's Check, or Business Check ONLY Payable to: AZ Department of Education”Official page
“Newly credentialed HSE GED® candidates will receive the first electronic transcript and diploma emailed directly to the email listed on their GED.com profile.”Official page

Costs, class times and rules change. Every card links to the provider’s own page, which has the final word.

Also useful

After the GED: From GED to college
Free study books and practice tests: Get a library card
Looking for work while you study? Free job training
New to the U.S. or a refugee? Newcomer and refugee students

Free GED in Arizona

Are the classes free?

The steps

1. Find a class in your county

2. Enroll and go to orientation

3. Take the GED tests

4. Pass the Arizona Civics Test

5. Get your diploma

Adult education providers by county

ACYR Adult Education Program

Adult Literacy Plus of Southwest Arizona (ALPS)

Arizona Western College Adult Education

Central Arizona College Adult Education

Cochise College Adult Education

Coconino Community College Adult Education

East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) HSE/GED Program

Friendly House Adult Education

FXG Adult Education Program

Gila County Adult Education (Gila County School Superintendent)

Gilbert Adult Learning Program (Gilbert Public Schools)

Literacy Phoenix (Sunnyslope and Downtown)

Mesa Adult Education (Mesa Public Schools)

Mohave College Adult Education

Northland Pioneer College — College & Career Preparation / Adult Basic Education

Pima Community College — Adult Basic Education for College & Career (ABECC)

Queen Creek Adult Education Program (QCUSD)

Rio Salado College Adult Education (Maricopa Community Colleges)

Santa Cruz County Continuing Education (SCCCE)

Somerton Adult Education

Yavapai College Adult Basic Education

If you’re 16 or 17

Test fees

Help with test costs some providers list

ID for testing

Who can enroll in state-funded classes

Other ways to the same diploma

Also useful

Free GED in Arizona

Are the classes free?

The steps

1. Find a class in your county

2. Enroll and go to orientation

3. Take the GED tests

4. Pass the Arizona Civics Test

5. Get your diploma

Adult education providers by county

ACYR Adult Education Program

Adult Literacy Plus of Southwest Arizona (ALPS)

Arizona Western College Adult Education

Central Arizona College Adult Education

Cochise College Adult Education

Coconino Community College Adult Education

East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) HSE/GED Program

Friendly House Adult Education

FXG Adult Education Program

Gila County Adult Education (Gila County School Superintendent)

Gilbert Adult Learning Program (Gilbert Public Schools)

Literacy Phoenix (Sunnyslope and Downtown)

Mesa Adult Education (Mesa Public Schools)

Mohave College Adult Education

Northland Pioneer College — College & Career Preparation / Adult Basic Education

Pima Community College — Adult Basic Education for College & Career (ABECC)

Queen Creek Adult Education Program (QCUSD)

Rio Salado College Adult Education (Maricopa Community Colleges)

Santa Cruz County Continuing Education (SCCCE)

Somerton Adult Education

Yavapai College Adult Basic Education

If you’re 16 or 17

Test fees

Help with test costs some providers list

ID for testing

Who can enroll in state-funded classes

Other ways to the same diploma

Also useful