External Diploma Program (EDP)

Like the GED Program, the EDP provides adult learners with an alternative means of receiving a high school diploma.

The EDP is different from the GED Program because it gives students educational credit for life experiences and professional skills.  Rather than taking a single examination, students take diagnostic tests in reading, writing and math, and are assessed for competency in 65 areas ranging from communication to computation to technological awareness.

How does it work?

The program consists of two phases: the Diagnostic Phase and the Assessment Phase.

During the Diagnostic Phase, an EDP advisor evaluates the participant’s basic skills in reading, writing and mathematics, and completes a survey of prior life experiences.

The Assessment Phase begins once the participant has met the requirements of the Diagnostic Phase. During this phase, the participant demonstrates writing, speaking, mathematics, problem-solving, reading and critical-thinking skills through the performance of real-life tasks.

Embedded in these real-life tasks are 65 individual competencies. A trained EDP assessor determines whether the participant has demonstrated each of these competencies with 100 percent accuracy.

The Assessment Phase also requires that each participant satisfy an individualized competency. This is verified through an assessment in one of the following: 

• Occupational/vocational competencies
• Specialized competencies
• Advanced academic competency

Academy of Hope partners with Ballou STAY High School to offer this program.

Who does it serve?

EDP is available to District of Columbia residents who are 25 years or older and who demonstrate high school-level reading skills. 

If you are interested in the EDP, please call (202) 269-6623.