Learn how to earn your GED or HiSET, compare testing options, costs, and prep classes, and take the next step toward college or a new career.
It’s clearer than ever that earning a high school equivalency (HSE) is one of the most significant steps you can take toward a more secure financial future. Workers older than 25 with a high school education earn, on average, $9,984 more each year than those with less than a high school education, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Beyond a paycheck, a GED® or equivalent opens the door to college admissions and provides the minimum requirement for a growing number of jobs in the United States. Read on to feel more confident about pursuing high school equivalency.
Types of High School Equivalency: GED® vs. HiSET®
The General Educational Development (GED®) test is available online in English or Spanish and is typically taken at local testing centers. The GED® is made up of the following four subject area tests:
- Language Arts (Reading and Writing): Two hours, 35 minutes
- Science: One hour, 35 minutes
- Social Studies: One hour, 15 minutes
- Mathematics: Two hours
Each subject area test of the GED® has an associated fee and restrictions on how many times you can retake each test without additional costs. View the prices and rules for your state on ged.com.
Steps to Earn High School Equivalency
Earning your high school equivalency is a straightforward process, but it requires careful planning to ensure you don’t waste your time or money. Here’s the high school equivalency process broken down into five steps:
Step 1: Choose Your Pathway
First, decide whether the GED® or HiSET® is right for you. Consider whether you prefer the four-subject, computer-only GED®, or the five-subject HiSET®, which separates reading and writing and is available on paper. If you aren’t sure, the team at the San Juan College Academic and Career Engagement (ACE) Center can help you compare and determine where you’ll naturally perform best.
Step 2: Create Your Study Plan
Start by taking a free online practice test to identify your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you focus your study time. You can choose to study independently or enroll in a free preparation class where instructors will help explain tough concepts in math, science, and language arts.
Step 3: Create Your Online Account
Once you’ve chosen your test, create a profile on the official testing website:
- For the GED®, visit GED.com.
- For the HiSET®, visit HiSET.org.
Tip: This account is where you will schedule your exams, pay your fees, and eventually view your passing scores.
Step 4: Schedule and Take Your Exams
In New Mexico, you have the flexibility to take one subject area test at a time or tackle multiple in one day. Through your online portal, you can schedule to take your exams at a local testing center, such as the San Juan College Testing Center. Remember, on test day, you must bring a valid government-issued ID (like a driver’s license or passport).
Find a New Mexico GED® or HiSET® testing center near you.
Step 5: Claim Your Credential
Once you pass all the required subject tests, you've officially earned your high school equivalency! Depending on your state, your final equivalency transcript and diploma may be issued by different services, such as Diploma Sender. In New Mexico, your first set of official documents is free, but you must create an account on their website to claim them. Additional print copies may require a fee.
Types of GED® Preparation
In New Mexico, students are not required to take a prep class before testing, but many successful students do. Preparation styles vary based on how much time you have and how you learn best.
Self-Directed Online Study
For students with unpredictable or inconsistent schedules, online portals like GED.com or HiSET.org offer practice tests and study materials. This is a “do-it-yourself” approach that works well if you only have a few specific areas to brush up on.
Online Prep Classes
Many online platforms offer structured GED® and HiSET® preparation classes, either for free or for a fee. Different providers and platforms offer live or self-paced classes in all subject areas for high school equivalency.
Local Adult Education Programs
In contrast to potentially expensive online preparation programs, local community colleges and adult education centers provide structured learning environments. In these settings, you can receive one-on-one help and face time with experienced instructors who understand the specific challenges of the GED® and HiSET® exams.
Costs and Financial Resources
Students often worry about the cost of the high school equivalency exam and preparation. Fortunately, in many states and especially in New Mexico, there are ways to lower or even completely cover the costs for both studying and taking the test.
GED® and HiSET® Test Costs
These are the 2025 rates to take the GED® or HiSET® Exams in New Mexico. Review the GED® Testing Service website to view current fees and policies for your state.
Note: Prices may vary slightly based on the testing center's local administrative fees.
How to Get Free Test Preparation Classes
While the testing companies charge a fee for the official exam, your preparation does not have to be expensive. In New Mexico, you can access:
- Free State Vouchers: The NM Higher Education Department often offers vouchers to cover testing fees for students who qualify.
- Free Classes: Many local programs provide all books, instruction, and practice tests for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long it takes to study for the exams depends on your starting point, but most students finish taking exams within 2 to 3 months. The HiSET® allows you to retake the test within the same six-month period, and for the GED®, you can retake the test within the same year. Most states have removed the "three-year rule," meaning your passing scores no longer expire.
Yes. The New Mexico High School Equivalency Credential is legally recognized as the exact equivalent of a high school diploma. It is accepted by the military, 98% of U.S. colleges, and nearly all employers for hiring and promotion purposes.
Yes. Both the GED® and HiSET® are available in Spanish. In New Mexico, you can even choose to take some subjects in English and others in Spanish to earn your credential.
The minimum age is 16 years old. Students who are 16 or 17 must submit a New Mexico Underage Permission Form, which requires signatures from a parent or guardian and an official from the last school district attended to verify the student has withdrawn.
While you should always check your state's specific policies, many states do allow you to combine passing scores from the GED® or HiSET® subtests to complete your high school equivalency credential.
You can take a subject test up to three times in one year. After the second try, you must wait 60 days before attempting that specific subject again.
The main difference is the structure: the GED® has 4 sections (combining Reading and Writing), while the HiSET has 5 sections (separating Reading and Writing). The GED® is computer-only and features interactive questions (drag-and-drop), while the HiSET® is primarily multiple-choice and offers a paper-based testing option at some centers.
Both exams use a mix. The HiSET® is almost entirely multiple-choice except for one essay in the Writing section. The GED® uses multiple-choice but also includes items like fill-in-the-blank, drag-and-drop, and a formal essay in the Language Arts section.
While most degree programs require a diploma or GED®, many community colleges (including San Juan College) allow you to enroll in individual classes or certificate programs as a "non-degree seeking" student. However, to qualify for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA), you must typically earn your high school equivalency first.
After you pass all necessary tests, the GED® or HiSET testing service will usually contact you soon with directions on how to get your high school equivalency diploma. For instance, you might receive an email with instructions within a few business days. Ordering your official diploma and transcript may take extra time, depending on whether you choose an electronic or a printed copy.
Start Your Next Step at San Juan College
San Juan College offers free test preparation classes and expert GED® and HiSET® guidance at our Academic and Career Engagement (ACE) Center. Our staff and instructors are dedicated to helping adult learners in Farmington and the surrounding areas achieve success.
Start by applying and attending an information session, where we can help you navigate Underage Permission Forms, register for exams, or apply for state vouchers to cover your testing fees.