The Basic Skills Programs provide opportunities for upgrading reading, mathematics, English, and life skills. Assessment is a basic part of all these programs. The Adult Basic Education (ABE) Program supports academic remediation in reading comprehension, mathematics, and language skills and provides pre-GED instruction.

The General Educational Development (GED) Program offers instruction in five subject areas in preparation for taking the high school diploma equivalency (GED) test. Instruction for Basic Skills Programs can be delivered on campus and at community learning centers or workplace sites when there is sufficient demand.

At the GED Testing Center, students can take the tests of General Educational Development (GED). The tests cover:

• Writing Skills
• Mathematics 
• Social Studies 
• Science  
• Reading

With passing scores, the student earns a GED which is awarded by the North Carolina Community College System. This certificate is generally accepted on an equal basis with a traditional diploma for employment, promotion, or further education.

To be eligible for testing, an applicant must: 

• be at least 18 years old (16- and 17-year-olds may test with special permission). 
• be a current North Carolina resident. 
• be certified to test through the GED Preparation Program (Call 254-1921, Ext. GED). 
• pay the testing fees ($7.50 for initial testing and $2.50 for retesting in Writing Skills) at the Continuing Education Business Office, Pines Building, Room 205D or the Business Office in the Bailey Student Services Center and be prepared to present evidence of payment to the test center personnel. 

English as a Second Language (ESL) is intended to improve the English reading, speaking, and writing skills of non-native students. American culture, history, and
life skills are also taught.

The Compensatory Education Program is an academic program specifically for adults with intellectual disabilities. The program features lessons in community living, consumer education, health, language, mathematics, social science, and vocational education. Emphasis is placed on helping each student become as independent as possible, primarily by improving academic, social, survival, and independent-living skills. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) classes are provided to improve and enhance the skills of adult survivors of traumatic brain injuries. Classes focus on memory, social, and time-management skills as well as community living, consumer education, health, language, and math.