Frequently Asked Questions

ABE Board

NMSU Grants Campus

What are the GED Tests?
Purposes: The General Education Development (GED) tests measure knowledge in five different areas: writing, social studies, science, reading, and mathematics. An important test feature is an essay that documents your ability to write and communicate efficiently. The battery of five GED tests take approximately 7 hours and 10 minutes to complete.

Who can enroll in the GED program?
Eligibility requirements for GED Testing:
GED tests can be administered only to persons who have not graduated from an accredited high school or received a high school equivalency certificate 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 16. Individuals under the age of 18 are required to obtain and submit a completed Underage Permission Form indicating parental consent and local school district approval. New Mexico residency is not a requirement for testing. However, a NM Diploma is issued only to those who have a NM driver's License or ID.

Where do I get an Underage Permission Form?
From the ABE Office, second floor, Room 120 of the Walter Martinez Building, NMSU Grants. Office hours are 8:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday through Thursday and Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

To Complete the Underage Permission Form

  • Call the Grants/Cibola School Administrative office to make an appointment and get the superintendent's signature.
  • Return signed and completed Underage Permission Form to the ABE Office.
  • A parent or legal guardian must accompany an underage student to enroll.

    • All GED candidates must present two (2)forms of identification

  • The first: must be a government-issued photo ID (example; a valid driver's license, a state-issued ID which shows name, date of birth, and signature.)
  • The second identification: must verify two of the following: name, date of birth, Social Security number or signature. (example; Social Security Card.)

    • What do I get if I pass the GED Tests?
    Title of Credential issued: Upon successful completion of all sections of the GED Tests; a New Mexico High School Diploma is issued to New Mexico residents. Residency is verified with a valid New Mexico Driver's License or a valid New Mexico ID. All others will receive passing score certificates.

    How much does it cost to take the GED Tests?
    The TABE pre-test, tutoring sessions, classes, materials and practice tests are all available FREE!

    GED Testing Fees:
    NMSU Grants charges $35.00 for the battery of five (5) test sections while individual sections cost $7.00. Re-tests cost $7.00 per section taken.

    NMSU Grants Guidelines and Procedures:
    Please Note--Before GED testing will be allowed, NMSU Grants requires that all test applicants be enrolled in the NMSU Grants ABE Program, or a partner program. Students must have completed a program of study and passed the Official GED Practice Tests in each subject area.

    No Walk-ins allowed for GED Testing

    All information about the GED test will be presented at the GED Workshop the Thursday before the exams. For further information about testing, contact the ABE Office at 287-6662


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