High School Equivalency (HSE)

GED® Test

The GED® test includes four subject tests: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science.

You must pass all four subject tests with a score of 145 or higher to earn your HSE credential through the GED® pathway.

To get started, create an account at GED.com. Please save your GED® ID number, as you may need it when accessing your records through Diploma Sender or contacting the State Office for assistance.

Eligible New Mexico test-takers can access GED Ready® practice tests and official GED® tests at no cost through the New Mexico State subsidy.

To receive a State-subsidized official GED® test, you must first take the GED Ready® practice test for that subject and earn a score of 145 or higher. This requirement applies to each subject individually.

Please note: When scheduling a State-subsidized test, you may initially see the regular price. Continue through checkout, where the New Mexico subsidy should be applied and the total should show $0. If the subsidy does not appear, do not submit payment. Contact the Adult Education Division at adult.education@hed.nm.gov for assistance.

Participation in the New Mexico State subsidy is optional. If you do not want to use the State subsidy or complete the GED Ready® requirement, you may choose to opt out and pay for your official GED® tests out of pocket. To opt out, email adult.education@hed.nm.gov, state that you do not wish to use the State subsidy, and include your GED® ID number. This will allow the State Office to locate your account and remove the subsidy restriction as quickly as possible. Once the restriction is removed, you can schedule and pay for your official GED® tests.

GED® tests are available in English and Spanish, and you may choose the language for each subject test.

GED® tests can be taken in person at an authorized GED® testing center. Online-proctored testing may also be available to test-takers who meet GED® online testing requirements. Take The Ged Test Online

If you do not pass an official GED® subject test, you may retake it. For in-person testing, you may take the same subject up to three times before a 60-day waiting period is required.

Online-proctored testing has different retake requirements. Test-takers should review the current GED® online testing and retake requirements before scheduling another online attempt.

HiSET® Test

The HiSET® is a High School Equivalency (HSE) assessment and an authorized pathway to earning an HSE credential in New Mexico.

The HiSET® includes five subject tests: Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts – Reading, and Language Arts – Writing. You do not have to take all five tests at once or in a specific order.

To pass the HiSET®, you must earn a score of at least 8 out of 20 on each subject test, a minimum score of 2 out of 6 on the Writing essay, and a total combined score of at least 45 across all five subject tests.

To register for the HiSET®, create an account at HiSET.org. Please save your HiSET® ID number, as you may need it to access your HSE records and credential through Diploma Sender.

HiSET® testing is available at approved testing centers and through remote proctoring, subject to availability and applicable testing requirements.

HiSET® tests are available in English and Spanish, and you may choose the language for each subject test.

Test-takers may take the same HiSET® subject test up to three times during each six-month testing period. The first testing period is January 1 through June 30, and the second is July 1 through December 31. If you have taken the same subject test three times during one of these periods, you must wait until the next testing period begins before taking that subject again.

National External Diploma Program (NEDP®)

The National External Diploma Program (NEDP®) is an alternative pathway to earning a New Mexico High School Equivalency credential. Unlike the GED® and HiSET®, NEDP® is a competency-based program that allows participants to demonstrate high school-level skills through real-life and work-related activities rather than traditional high-stakes testing. Please note: Although the credential earned through NEDP® is called a “New Mexico Adult High School Diploma,” it is not a New Mexico high school diploma, which can only be earned through a high school accredited by the New Mexico Public Education Department. The NEDP® credential is a state-authorized alternative similar to the High School Equivalency (HSE) credentials earned through GED® and HiSET®.

Before beginning the program, participants complete diagnostic assessments in Math, Reading, and Writing to determine readiness for NEDP®.

NEDP® is designed for self-directed adults and out-of-school youth who can use their life and work experiences to demonstrate academic and work-related practical skills.

NEDP® is offered remotely, so participants must have access to a computer and reliable internet connection and be comfortable completing work online.

The program offers flexible scheduling and allows participants to work at their own pace. Completion time varies, but the program generally takes approximately 6 to 10 months when participants dedicate about 6 hours per week to completing their work.

NEDP® participants work with trained staff throughout the program to demonstrate the competencies required to earn their New Mexico HSE credential.

If you are interested in the NEDP® pathway, please email the New Mexico Higher Education Department Adult Education Division at adult.education@hed.nm.gov. Include your first and last name and let us know that you are interested in NEDP. Our team will provide information about the next steps and connect you with the appropriate program.