High School Equivalency
New Mexico accepts two High School Equivalency (HSE) tests for earning High School diplomas and certification: the GED and the HiSET. Explanations for both are below. Exams are registered through candidate portals, and exams are taken at the SFCC Testing Center. There is no time limit to complete all exam sections for the GED or HiSET.
For more detailed information:
1. Contact the Adult Education Department
2. Visit the New Mexico Higher Education Department’s website for specific exam titles.
Before Registering
With a voucher, this exam may be free. Vouchers are available to newly registered students taking a HSE exam. For more information, check out the Higher Education Department’s (HED) website.
If you are under the age of 18 you must complete an underage permission form for the state of New Mexico. Please forward your form once complete to the testing center at testingcenter@sfcc.edu
The tabs below offer a comparison of the two HSE testing options.
About the GED Exam:
The GED® test is made up of 4 subjects, broken into separate exams. You don’t have to take all 4 tests at once – you can space them out however it suits you and go at your own pace. It is not recommended to take all four tests in one day.
How to Register:
- Set up an account at GED.com.
- If you are paying for the exam yourself you can go to your account and register for the exam immediately.
- If you are using vouchers you must wait to register after you receive your voucher numbers.
Log onto the GED website, for general information and free practice tests. It’s also a good idea to review the GED information specific to New Mexico.
Where to take the Exam:
Testers will take their exams at the SFCC Testing Center. Testers will need to register, pay, and book their exams through GED.
Required documentation:
- You must bring the following documents with you to the Testing Center on the day of your exam:
- One ID with photo and signature (cannot be a digital copy or photocopy)
Exam Availability:
GED exams are administered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at the Testing Center. GED exams are available on computer only. The GED consists of four tests:
- Reasoning through Language Arts: 150 minutes, includes a 45 minute essay.
- Mathematical Reasoning: 115 minutes
- Science: 90 minutes
- Social Studies: 70 minutes.
Costs:
- $36 per exam paid on your GED portal.
**All 4 exams = $144 total for GED*
Scores:
- GED Passing Score: 145 and above
- College Ready: 165-174
- College Ready + Credit: 175-200
GED Retake Policy (Per NMHED):
In New Mexico, there is no waiting period if you do not pass a subject area test the first time.
- If you did not pass one of your GED test subjects, you are given two subsequent retests, with no restrictions between retakes. If you fail the third or any subsequent retests, you must wait 60 days for your next attempt.
- https://ged.com/policies/new_mexico/ click on the Test Retake Policies button.
Visit https://ged.com/about_test/scores/ for more details.
About the Exam:
HiSET exams help testers earn state issued high school equivalency credentials allowing individuals to advance in their career, join the military, begin a training program, or continue their education.
How to Register:
- Set up an account at HiSET.org.
- If you are paying for the exam yourself you can go to your account and register for the exam immediately.
- If you are using vouchers you must wait to register after you receive your voucher numbers.
Log on to the HiSET website for general information and free practice tests. It’s also a good idea to review the HiSET information specific to New Mexico.
Where to take the Exam:
Testers will take their exams at the SFCC Testing Center. Testers will need to register, pay, and book their exams through HiSET.
Required documentation:
- You must bring the following documents with you to the Testing Center on the day of your exam:
- One ID with photo and signature (cannot be a digital copy or photocopy)
Exam Availability:
HiSET exams are administered at the Testing Center on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The HiSET consists of five tests:
- Language Arts-Reading: 40 multiple choice, 65 minutes
- Language Arts-Writing: 50 multiple choice(75 minutes) and one essay (45 minutes)
- Social Studies: 50 multiple choice, 70 minutes
- Science: 50 multiple choice, 80 minutes
- Math: 50 multiple choice (90 minutes) TI-30XS calculator is built into the exam, or can be provided by the Tester Center. Candidates may not bring their own calculator.
Costs:
- $23.00 per exam paid on your HiSET portal
- Total of 5 exams required.
- **All 5 exams = $115 total for GED*
Scores:
To pass HiSET, a student must meet three requirements:
- Score at least 8 out of 20 on each test
- Score at least 2 out of 6 on the essay
- Achieve a total score across all tests of at least 45
Retake Policy:
Candidates can take a test section up to 3 times in a calendar year. A request for State Administrator approval can be made on a case-by-case basis to test more than the limit. If this applies to you, please contact the Testing Center before scheduling your exam.
How to order your Diploma/ Transcript
- All current and previous high school equivalency scores can be ordered from the following websites: www.diplomasender.com
Current Students
- Register with www.diplomasender.com at any time. After you complete and pass all portions of your test, return to the website and order your transcript and diploma. The first copy of each is free of charge. You may order a physical or digital copy. Additional copies are $23 per document.
Former Students
- Register with www.diplomasender.com at any time to order copies of your transcript or diploma. The cost is $23 per document.
If you are continuing your higher education, you may provide unofficial transcripts to an SFCC Academic Advisor, showing math and English courses completed within the last three years. These courses may sometimes be used to determine placement.
GED and HiSET Math Exam:
TI 30 XS is the online calculator version used in GED and HiSET math exams. The Testing Center will provide an exhibit sheet that includes calculator function quick tips. If testers want to bring their own calculator, the TI 30 XS it is the only model of calculator allowed for the GED or HiSET math exam. The Test Center staff will need to inspect any calculator before a candidate can be admitted to the exam. The calculator memory must be cleared.
