Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What programs do you offer?
  2. What is the cost of the Program?
  3. How long is the program?
  4. How do I qualify for admission?
  5. If I don’t work, how am I going to prove my income?
  6. Do you have day or evening classes?
  7. What is the class schedule?
  8. Do you offer job placement assistance?
  9. Do you offer financial assistance, MetroCards, or provide child care?
  10. If I do not have the appropriate TABE scores, can I retake the test?
  11. Do you offer certification to students who complete Microsoft Office Specialist training?
  12. Can I take the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) at this site?
  13. Are you a High School Equivalency (HSE) test site?
  14. How do I get an application for the HSE test?
  15. How do I get to MEOC?

1. What programs do you offer?
We offer both academic and career training (vocational) programs. Courses in our academic programs are designed to improve reading, writing and math skills. They are also designed to prepare students for the official High School Equivalency (HSE) exam and prepare students for college.
Click to view a full listing and description of our academic programs.

Our career training programs are designed to improve students’ employability by assisting them in acquiring and sharpening professional skills. All of our programs offer nationally or New York State recognized credentials (licensure or certification).
Click to view a full listing and description of our career training programs.

2. What is the cost of the Program?
Programs are offered at no-cost to qualifying New York State residents.  In addition, the cost of testing, licensure, and certification are provided by the MEOC for students who successfully complete a career training program.

There is a book deposit cost of $40.00 per semester. The book deposit is only refundable up to two weeks after the end of your courses or program and when the books are returned in good condition. Please refer to the Student Handbook (provided at Orientation and Registration) for the complete Book Return Policy.

3. How long is the program?
The fall and spring semesters are 15 weeks long and the summer session is 6 weeks. Our career training programs vary in length of time from one week to fifteen weeks.

4. How do I qualify for admission?
All prospective students must meet the following requirements:

  1. Demonstrate New York State residency for at least a year prior to enrollment and be 18 years of age or older
  2. Meet New York State income guidelines
  3. Non-college graduate (for all programs except ESOL and the ATTAIN Lab) or have fewer than 33 college credits for other programs.

Eligibility Requirements

5. If I don’t work, how am I going to prove my income?
We will accept a copy of IRS form 4506-T which has been filed by the student or family with the Internal Revenue Service; or, a copy of IRS letter 1722 indicating that the student (if independent) or parent did not file a return.
Exceptions:
If the student falls into one of the following categories, please provide documentation in place of Proof of Income.

  • The student’s family is the recipient of: (1) Family Assistance Program Aid; or (2) Safety Net Assistance through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, or a county department of social services; or (3) family daycare payments through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services Assistance, or a county department of social services;
  • The student is living with foster parents who do not provide financial support, and no monies are provided from the natural parents; or
  • The student is a ward of the State or a county.

Required Documents

6. Do you have day or evening classes?
Yes, we offer both day and evening classes during spring and fall semesters. Only day classes are offered in the summer.

7. What is the class schedule?
Your class schedule will depend on the program you are taking. You can discuss the details of your schedule with your academic advisor. In general, most academic and career training programs are in session for three to four hours, two to four days per week.

8. Do you offer job placement assistance?
Yes, we have Employment Advisors on staff who will assist you with job placement. We also have an Internship Coordinator to assist with internship opportunities.

9. Do you offer financial assistance, MetroCards, or provide child care?
The programs we offer are at no-cost to students and we do not provide MetroCards for transportation to and from the Center. There are some grant funded programs that may offer incentive MetroCards. Ask your Academic Advisor if you qualify.
If you are in need of child care assistance please speak with your Academic Advisor to review available options in the community.

10. If I do not have the appropriate TABE scores, can I retake the test?
We require certain math and reading levels for each of our programs. Students who do not achieve the appropriate scores can re-take the test in 60 days.

11. Do you offer certification to students who complete Microsoft Office Specialist training?
All MEOC career training programs offer a certification or licensure. Students who complete the coursework and practice exams as appropriate are given the opportunity to sit for certification or licensure exams for their specific program at no cost to the student.

12. Can I take the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) at this site?
Yes, we are a CLEP exam site. Click here for more information.

13. Are you a High School Equivalency (HSE) test site?
Yes, we are a High School Equivalency (HSE) testing site. If you are not a current student and are interested in taking the official HSE exam, submit an application to the chief examiner. You will receive a test date in the mail. If you are a current student in either the Intro to HSE or HSE program, you will receive more information about taking the HSE test during your program.

14. How do I get an application for the HSE test?
HSE test applications and other resources such as testing accommodations forms can be accessed through the New York State HSE.

15. How do I get to MEOC?
We can be easily reached by taking the 2, 3, A, B, C or D subway lines to the 125th Street station. Or by taking the M2, M3, M7, M10, M11, Bx. 15, M60, M100, M101, M102 bus lines to the intersection of 125th Street and Lenox Avenue or 125th Street and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard.