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Basic Ed / ABE

Basic Ed / ABE

Brush up on your basic skills for free with Adult Basic Education.

Many jobs require solid reading, math, and writing skills. If you want to improve in these basic skills, there are free classes offered through the Adult Basic Education (ABE) program, created by the U.S. Department of Education.

How does ABE work?

  • To be eligible for ABE, you must be at least 16 years old, not enrolled in high school, and work below the 12th grade level in one or more of these areas: reading, math, writing English, speaking English.
  • ABE programs are free and available to the public through public schools, libraries, community-based organizations, and other groups.
  • Programs teach basic skills such as reading, math, high school equivalency preparation, and English as a Second Language (ESL) for non-native speakers.

Find Adult Basic Education programs near you. Or contact your nearest American Job Center to ask about local basic skills classes.