Important Changes to the
Ability to Benefit Test

In order to receive Federal Financial Aid, a student must have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent. The Department of Education considers the following to be equivalent to a high school diploma:

• a General Education Development (GED) certificate, or

• completion of homeschooling or

• completion of the Ability to Benefit (ATB) test, or completion of 6.0 degree applicable units AND enrollment in an approved program of study PRIOR to July 1, 2012.

WHAT IF I DO NOT POSSESS A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR ITS EQUIVALENT?
If you do not have a high school diploma or its equivalent, you are NOT eligible for Federal financial aid.

WHAT IF I MEET ONE OF THE EQUIVALENCIES?
If you have taken and passed the Ability to Benefit test OR completed 6.0 degree applicable units AND were enrolled in an
eligible program of study prior to July 1, 2012, YOU MUST NOTIFY the Financial Aid Office for a review of your eligibility. You
will be required to provide proof of your high school diploma equivalency.

CAN I STILL TAKE THAT ATB TEST?
You have until June 30, 2012 to pass the ATB test of complete 6.0 degree applicable unites. You must also be enrolled in an
eligible program for study.

I'VE COMPLETED AND PASSED THE ATB TEST. NOW WHAT?
Once you have completed and passed the ATB test, you MUST notify the Financial Aid Office in order for your eligibility to be
reviewed. Your financial aid application will NOT be processed without notification from you.

WHAT IF I CANNOT PASS THE ATB TEST OR COMPLETE THE 6.0 UNITS BY JULY 1, 2012
Students without a high school diploma, who fail to complete the  ATB test requirement or complete 6.0 degree applicable
units by June 30, 2012, will be ineligible until they acquire a GED.

WHERE CAN I GET INFORMATION ABOUT THE GED?
For more information on how to obtain your GED, please visit College of the Canyons' Continuing Education website.