Earn Your High School Diploma or Equivalency Today!
The NOCE High School Diploma Program helps adults obtain their High School Diploma or equivalent by providing academic support and convenient classes for students.
Take the Next Step With Us!
- Be a graduate
- Earn more money
- Get a better job
- Transition to college
High School Diploma Program
The NOCE High School Diploma Program is for adults 18 or older to obtain their High School Diploma. The High School Diploma Program is tuition free.
GED/Hi-SET Program
The NOCE GED/HiSET Program is for adults 18 or older to obtain their GED or Hi/SET certificate. The GED/HiSET Program is tuition free.
College Preparation Program
The NOCE College Preparation Program provides students with an opportunity to develop their critical thinking and language skills to succeed in college-level credit courses. Noncredit College Prep Math and English courses are for students to build their foundational level mathematical, reading, and writing skills. The College Prep Program is tuition-free.
| Five Advantages to Obtaining a High School Diploma |
|---|
| 1) Higher Wages – High school diploma or GED/HiSET earners make 50% more per year on average than non-high school diploma or GED/HiSET earners. |
| 2) Employment – More and more employers are now requiring a high school diploma or GED/HiSET for employment or advancement on the job. |
| 3) Prepare for College – Going to college doesn’t have to be an unattainable dream! At NOCE, you can obtain your high school diploma or GED/HiSET and transition to college. Our counselors can help you create a Student Educational Plan to meet your goals at NOCE and beyond. |
| 4) Meet Lifelong Friends – People of all backgrounds and ages attend NOCE’s High School Diploma/GED/College Preparation Program. Come and meet new people and gain lifelong friends! |
| 5) Pride – Earning your high school diploma or GED/HiSET is a great achievement! It takes dedication and hard work, but once accomplished, your high school diploma or GED/HiSET certificate will open the door to your future. |
Basic Skills CASAS Assessment Information
CASAS Assessment Paused this Summer
Attention students in the High School Diploma and GED/HiSET Preparation Programs — The Basic Skills CASAS Assessment labs will be closed from May 22, 2026, to July 31, 2026.
Both in-person and online CASAS testing will be paused during the 2026 summertime period. CASAS testing will resume on Monday, August 3, 2026. Students may enroll and begin their program of study this summer without delay.
Need Assistance? Contact StarHelp at (714) 808-4679 or at starhelp@noce.edu
High School Diploma vs. GED/HiSET
The choice between earning a high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate (GED/HiSET) depends on your personal needs. However, here are some important factors to consider in making your decision:
| Frequently Asked Questions | High School Diploma | GED/HiSET |
|---|---|---|
| Time to Complete | The amount of time varies depending on the number of credits you need to complete your diploma, how many hours you can attend in-person per week, your skill levels in reading and math, and your ability to learn new material and stay focused throughout your program. | The amount of time it takes to prepare for and pass the GED/HiSET exam varies for each student. |
| Format | Work at your own pace! Use textbooks to study high school subjects, pass subject tests, and earn credits toward a diploma. To obtain a high school diploma, students must finish a series of courses. This program requires you to regularly attend a high school lab to work on these courses. Select high school subjects are offered online. | A high school equivalency (GED/HiSET) certificate is earned from the State of California by passing the series of GED or the HiSET exams. The free, GED/HiSET Preparation courses help you prepare for the exams. NOCE offers tutoring and academic support. For more information, visit: GED.com |
| Cost | The High School Diploma Program is free; textbooks and learning materials are provided for use in the High School labs at the Anaheim Campus and Cypress Center. | The cost for the HiSET exam or GED varies. Please visit, GED.com for the latest costs for receiving your GED certificate. |
| Location | The NOCE High School Diploma Program is available at the NOCE Centers in Anaheim and Cypress. | The GED/HiSET Prep Program is offered online. |
| Accommodations | You may qualify to receive special accommodations from our Disability Support Services Program if you have a verified disability. | You may qualify to receive special accommodations from our Disability Support Services Program if you have a verified disability. |
| Questions | If you have further questions, please call (714) 808-4679 | If you have further questions, please call (714) 808-4679 |
