Frequently Asked Questions

Individuals must be a legal Mississippi resident, at least 17 years of age, and score at least a bronze level on the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). Preference will be given to students who do not have a high school diploma.

Yes. MIBEST programs can admit a limited number of individuals with a high school credential if they meet the eligibility qualifications.

The Student Navigators work with each student to identify barriers and resources to address them. For example, some programs may cover books, childcare, program supplies (scrubs, work boots, hard hats, etc.), and others as resources allow.

Contact your local adult education program. Each program has dates set up for enrollment.

High school equivalency (HSE) exams are designed for out-of-school youth and adults without a high school diploma. HSE exams have eligibility requirements. Like taking a driving test, you must meet these eligibility requirements before you can test.

Age

HSE testing is only available to individuals eighteen (18) years of age and older.  To be eligible to take an HSE test all sixteen (16) and seventeen (17) year‐olds must meet the following requirements:

• Not currently enrolled in K-12 school.
• Provide documentation (withdrawal form) signed by the superintendent/designee certifying the applicant has been released from compulsory school attendance by the school board.
• Have a signed written consent form from a parent or legal guardian.

*** Individuals under the age of 16 are not eligible to test under any circumstances

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Residency

There are no residency requirements.

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Identification

A state-issued photo ID is needed to verify your identity and age on test day before testing can begin. Follow the requirements listed below:

• Original document; photocopied documents are not acceptable
• Cannot be expired
• Meet test vendor ID requirements
• Include
• Name
• Address
• Date of Birth
• Signature, and
• Photograph

The following types of identification will be accepted:

• Passport
• Driver’s license
• Learner’s Permit
• National/State/Country Identification Card
• Any other form of government‐issued ID that meets test vendor ID requirements

Yes, the GED and HiSET exams help you earn a high school equivalency credential that is accepted by colleges and universities.

No. The GED or HiSET exams are only given at approved testing centers by computer or paper. Check with your local Adult Education program for testing schedules.

The NCRC is a portable, evidence-based credential that certifies individuals have the essential workforce skills employers are looking from job candidates.

Individuals can take ACT’s online test, WorkKeys Assessments, which comprises of three components – Applied Math, Workplace Documents, and Graphic Literacy.

There are 4 levels – Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.  A score of 3 (Bronze) signifies an individual has the basic skills for 16% of the jobs in the United States. A score of 4 (Silver) signifies an individual has the basic skills for 67% of the jobs in the United States. A score of 5 (Gold) signifies an individual has the basic skills for 93% of the jobs in the United States. A score of 6 or 7 (Platinum) signifies an individual has the basic skills for 99% of the jobs in the United States.

According to ACT WorkReady Communities, over 2,000 employers recognize the NCRC in their hiring practices. Learn more at https://www.workreadycommunities.org/MS.

Yes. The Office of Adult Education has a contract with ACT to provide online study material called ACT WorkKeys Curriculum in all areas of the WorkKeys Assessments.

The course is designed to train and educate individuals in need of basic education and job readiness skills. Individuals have the opportunity to earn the National Career Readiness Certificate demonstrating to employers they have the skills needed to be successful in a job.

Even though the course prepares you for middle-skill employment, individuals who enroll and complete the Smart Start Pathway Course are seeing more advancement toward their high school equivalency diploma than those who do not complete the course.

The course can be taken face-to-face, hybrid, or in the online format, Canvas. Some programs offer Smart Start in 4-weeks, 6-weeks, and 8-weeks formats. Since there are so many options as well as attempting to meet the different needs of students, each program is different. We recommend you meet with your instructor to choose the route best for you.

Yes! You will need to confirm with your institution of choice; however, the Smart Start Pathway Course has an assigned college course number SSP 1003 that deems it eligible for college credit.

Smart Start is available completely online through the online format, Canvas. This allows for individuals to participate in the exact content that is taught in the face-to-face classroom. Since the online format is required to mirror the face-to-face class, you’ll need to make sure to meet with your instructor to sort out all the details.

These are terms that refer to English learners. (ESL – English as a Second Language; ELL – English Language Learners; ESOL – English for Speakers of Other Languages). We refer to our English classes as ESL classes.

Anyone seeking to learn and speak English and are 16 or older and not enrolled in a K-12 school. A social security number is not required to attend our classes, but a picture identification card is required. All are welcome!

We have specific curriculum to teach English language skills based on the individuals’ needs. The student is placed in a class that will work on the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Teachers focus on student goals when designing lessons. Students have the opportunity to work in computer software, by phone or computer, designed to meet their language learning needs.

The ESL teacher may speak the student’s native language, but usually does not. The ESL teacher has been trained in language learning strategies to help the student learn and practice speaking English.

We have classes specifically created for the ESL population where students can comfortably learn the English language. We have students attending from numerous countries.

We have flexible schedules to meet the needs of our students. Contact your local program to get a schedule for ESL classes. Most programs have day or evening classes.

You will need to contact the program in your area to receive information about registering for a class. Please click here to go to the map. Then click on the county you live in and call the contact number of the program nearest to you.