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General Education Department (GED)
You can get your GED diploma right here at the Northern College in Espanola. Here is some basic information to get you started:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the GED Tests?
A: The General Education Development (GED) Test consists of five
Testing areas: Social Studies, Science, Reading, Writing & Mathematics.
The writing test contains an essay requirement. The essay measures ability to write and communicate effectively. The tests here at Northern are taken over a two day period on Tuesday and Thursday. The complete
battery takes about 8 and ½ hours to complete.
The GED Tests are standardized and normed using a national stratified
random sample of graduating high school seniors. In order to pass the
tests, a candidate must demonstrate a level of skill that meets or exceeds
the skills 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.
All Official GED Testing Centers in New Mexico operate under the joint
supervision of the GED Testing Service and the New Mexico State
Department of Education.
Q: Who can take the GED Test?
A: GED Test can only be administered 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 New Mexico minimum age requirement.
The minimum age is 18; however, 16 and 17 year olds can test but are
required to obtain and submit and completed Underage Verification Form.
The consent form is parental and local school district approval.
All GED candidates must present (2) forms of identification. One must be
a government-issued photo identification (e.g., driver’s license, State issued ID, U.S. Passport, Military ID) 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: Upon successful completion of the entire battery of tests, The New Mexico High School Diploma is issued. This is only issued to New Mexico Residents, which is verified by presentation of a New Mexico Diver’s License or a valid New Mexico ID.
Q: What is a passing score?
A: A minimum standard score of 410 on EACH test in the battery is required. An average standard score of at least 450 on the tests in the battery is required or a total standard score of 2250 is required to pass the GED in New Mexico.
Q: If I fail to pass the GED, when can I re-test?
A: There are two New Mexico policies established for retesting. One can retest in 30 days if you have a score of 410 or higher on at least four of the five tests in the battery. A 60 day wait is required if one has less than a 410 on more than four of the required five tests. GED preparation is highly recommended prior to re-testing.
A GED testing candidate can not take the GED tests more that (3) times in a contract year (Jan. 1 – Dec. 31)
Scores earned on the current 2002 GED Test may not be combined with scores earned on the 2012 series of the GED Tests. The 2012 series will be effective January 1, 2012.
Q: Where and when can I take the GED Test?
A: There are several Official GED Test Centers throughout New Mexico. Here at Northern New Mexico College tests are conducted two or three times most every month. To get on the testing schedule at Northern. The $60.00 testing fee must be paid in advance to Northern New Mexico College and presented to Northern’s Cashier. Once you have receipt for payment Stop by and see Pamela Montrose, Northern’s GED Examiner to schedule a date to test.
Special accommodations for testing can be provided for eligible candidates and are determined on an individual basis.
Applications for Special Accommodations for GED testing can be downloaded From: http:www.emsc.nysed.gov/ged/mods.shtml. Once the application is completed it must be presented to the GED testing center where you wish to take the test for processing.
Q: Can I get a duplicate Diploma?
A: Only the State GED office in Santa Fe, New Mexico can issue duplicates
Q: Can I get a duplicate Transcript?
A: You may request duplicate transcripts from the Test Center where you completed your GED. You may also obtain duplicate transcripts from the State GED office in Santa Fe, New Mexico, State Department of Education, 300 Don Gaspar, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501. lisa.salazar@state.nm.us
The NM GED Testing Office maintains records only for candidates who have successfully completed the GED Tests.
Registration Form
Download the printable version of the application (PDF Document).
Contact Person
Brenda Martinez
Student Success Center Coordinator
GED Chief Examiner
Northern New Mexico College
921 Paseo de Onate
Espanola, New Mexico 87532
505-747-2199
Fax 505-747-2273
Destiny Vigil
GED Examiner
Northern New Mexico College
921 Paseo de Onate
Espanola, New Mexico 87532
505-747-2154
505-747-2164
Fax 505-747-2273