What Is the Format?
You will be tested in four different areas on the GED exam: Social Studies, Science, Reasoning through Language Arts (RLA), and Mathematical Reasoning. Total time for the test is about seven and a half hours. The question types include extended response, drag-and-drop, drop-down, fill-in-the-blank, hot spot, multiple choice, and short answer. There will be one 45 minute essay question in the RLA portion of the GED.
How Is the Exam Scored and What if I Don't Pass?
When you take the GED, you are not just being tested against yourself using the normal 'A', 'B', 'C', etc. grading method. Instead, you are compared against a large sample of graduating high school seniors, in which your score on the exam is standardized to match their results. This translates into the minimum test score you need to pass in each section of the GED, which is 150. In addition, New Mexico requires you receive a total standard score of 600.
If you don't pass a section on the first try, you will have two additional attempts. After that, you'll have to wait 60 days to retake it again.
Who Is Eligible?
New Mexico's Public Education Department stipulates that the GED test can be administered if you meet the following requirements:
- You have a state-issued photo ID
- You meet the state's minimum age requirement (explained below)
New Mexico has a minimum age requirement of 16 to take the GED. If you are 18 or older, then the above requirements are all you need to meet. If you are under 18, you must submit an Underage/Hardship Permission Form to indicate parental consent and approval by your local school district. You do not have to be a resident of New Mexico to take New Mexico's GED.
How Do I Register for the GED and What Does It Cost?
You will need to register at the GED Testing Service website at www.ged.com. The fee is $30 per subject or $120 for the entire battery of tests. The fee for any retest varies by testing center. The New Mexico Public Education Department provides an online list of all of the testing centers in New Mexico (http://ped.state.nm.us/).
How Do I Prepare?
The following two ways to prepare for the GED are the most popular: independently or via a preparation class. If you choose to study independently, you can visit your local library and use the GED study materials there, or you can go online and take free practice tests at GED study sites or order study materials. The GED Testing Service also offers study materials at www.gedmarketplace.com.
If you wish to enroll in a GED preparation class, contact your local testing center about any preparation classes they may offer. In addition, check your local community college and adult learning center to see if they offer GED preparation classes.
