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General Education Development (GED)

You can get your GED diploma right here at the Northern College in Espanola. Here is some basic information to get you started:

Q: What are the GED Tests?
A: Purpose and Policy:

The Tests of General Educational Development (GED) measure knowledge in five different areas: writing, social studies, science, reading, and mathematics. An important feature of the GED Tests is an essay that documents your ability to write and communicate effectively. The battery of five GED Tests takes 7 hours and 35 minutes to complete.
The GED Tests are standardized and normed using national stratified random sample of graduating high school seniors. In order to pass the tests, the GED candidate must demonstrate a level of skill that meets or surpasses that demonstrated by approximately 67 percent of graduating high school seniors.
The GED Testing Service (a program of the not-for-profit American Council of Education) develops the policies and procedures for the administration of GED Testing.
Official GED Testing Centers operate under the joint supervision of the GED Testing Service and the New Mexico State Department of Education.

Q: Who can take the GED?
A: Eligibility Requirements for GED Testing:

GED Tests can be administered only by persons who have not graduated from an accredited high school or received a high school equivalency certifcate or diploma; and who are not currently enrolled in a regular high school; and who meet the state's minimum age requirement.
The minimum age is 17. Individuals under the age of 18 are required to obtain and submit a complete Underage Permission Form indicating parental consent and local district approval. Individuals residing at a NM Juvenile Correctional or Juvenile Residential facility are eligible for testing at age 16 with parental consent and the recommendation from authorized correctional official. New Mexico residency is not a requirement for testing.
All GED candidates must present two (2) forms of identification. At least one must be a government-issued photo identification (e.g., driver's license, state-issued ID, U.S. Passport) and must indicate name, date of birth, and signature. The second form of identification must verify two of the following: name, date of birth, social security number or signature.

Q: What do I get if I pass the GED Tests?
A: Title of credential issued:

Upon succesfully completing the GED Tests, the New Mexico High School Diploma is issued only to New Mexico residents. Residency is verified with a valid New Mexico Driver's License or a valid New Mexico Non-Driver's License (New Mexico ID).

Q: What is a passing score?
A: Minimum Test Score Requirements:

Minimum standard score of 410 on each test in the battery and an average standard score of at least 450 on the tests in the battery are required to pass the GED in New Mexico.
Testing with the Spanish-language version is available in some locations. Score requirements are the same as the English-language version. Additionally, a standard score of 410 is required on Test 6, English Proficiency.

Q: If I fail to pass the GED, when can I re-test?
A: Requirement for re-testing:

A person can take the GED Tests no more than three (3) times in a contract year (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31). Specific subject matter preparation is highly recommended and strongly encouraged prior to re-testing.
Test scores expire three (3) years from the date of initial testing.
All test scores from the current 1988 Series GED Tests expired on December 31, 2001.
Scores on the new 2002 GED Tests may not be combined with partial scores earned on previous series of the GED Tests.

Q: Where and when can I take the GED?
A: GED Official Testing Centers:

Application must be made at one of the Official GED Testing Centers located throughout New Mexico. Check with the testing center nearest you for specific dates, times and locations.

Q: How much does it cost to take the GED?
A: Testing fees:

Fees vary from testing center to testing center and are subject to change. Check with the testing center nearest you for specific costs.
Fees for re-testing also vary. Check with the individual testing centers for specific costs.

Q: Are Special Accommodations for GED testing allowed?
A: Applying for Special Accommodations:

Special accommodations for testing are available for eligible candidates and are determined on an individual basis.
Application for Special Accommodations for GED testing must be made at the Official GED Testing Center where the candidate wishes to take the test.

Q: Can I get a copy or duplicate of my original New Mexico High School Diploma?
A: Policy for issuance of credential:

Only one New Mexico High School Diploma is issued to New Mexico residents upon successfully completing the GED Tests.
New Mexico does not issue duplicate diplomas, but does issue additional official transcripts upon request.

Q: How do I get a copy of my transcripts?
A: Transcript Policy and Procedures:

For an Official Transcript, a person must obtain and submit a completed GED Transcript Request Form to the NM GED Testing Office. Telephone requests are not accepted.
Transcript requests require a minimum of two weeks to be processed.
There is no fee for transcripts.
The NM GED Testing Office maintains records only for candidates who have successfully completed the GED Tests. If a person has not completed the GED Tests a transcript must be requested from the Official GED Testing Center where the exam was administered.

Download the printable version of the application (PDF Document).

Elizabeth Pam Montrose
GED Examiner
921 Paseo de Onate
Espanola, NM 87532

Email: pam@nnmc.edu
Phone: (505) 747-2151
Fax: (505) 747-2180