Steps to Prepare for your High School Equivalency Exams

1. Determine which test is best for you, the GED exam or the HiSET exam.

2. Once you have decided, create an account through either ged.com or hiset.org respectively.

Students aged 16 or 17, must have an Underage Withdrawal Form completed by their current school district or homeschool organization. The can be obtained from your current school or the PACE program.

3. Register for an exam through either the GED or HiSET portal.

How to Create Your GED Account

• Go to ged.com
• Click on the Sign-Up button in the top right corner of the page, generating your username (your email) and password.  Save login and password in a safe place – you will need it in the future.
• Enter basic demographic information. i.e., address, birth date, social security number, etc.
• If you are unsure of your ability to pass, practice tests are available through GED known as GED Ready.
• If you require any accommodations, they will need to be requested through your GED account's accommodations portal.

How to Register for a GED Exam

• Log in into your GED account through the GED portal.
• Once logged in, you will see a "Schedule test" button. You have the option of testing online at home or in-person at a test center.
  • In order to test online at home, you must pass each subject on the GED Ready practice tests.
• When scheduling, you also have the option to take your exams in either English or Spanish.
• Next, select the desired subject you would like to test in, either Math, Language Arts, Science, or Social Studies.
• After selecting your test(s), you will be provided a list of the closest available testing locations.
  • When scheduling through the NMSU-A lab, your are able to schedule up to two (2) tests in one sitting.
• Continue by select the date and time you would like to test.
• The final step will be confirmation of the date and time you selected and will be directed to pay for your test(s).

How to Check-in at Test Time

• You will be required to provide one valid form of identification on the day of the test. The ID must be government-issued and non-expired. It must also include your name, address, date of birth, signature, and photograph. The following types of identification will be accepted:
  • Passport
  • Driver’s license
  • Learner’s Permit
  • National/State/Country Identification Card
  • Any other form of government-issued ID (national or foreign)
  If you do not provide the proper IDs at the testing center, you will not be allowed to test and will lose your testing fee.
• Arrive at the test center at least 15 minutes before the exam time.
• Bring only the ID with you. All other personal items must be left in your transportation or locked in the provided secure area.

GED Tests and Costs

• The exam consists of four tests:
  • Language Arts (150 minutes)
  • Science (90 minutes)
  • Math (90 minutes)
  • Social Studies (90 minutes).
• The cost of each test is $36, totaling $144 for the complete exam.
  • Payment is handled through the GED portal and can be made using a credit card, a debit card, or a voucher.
• Results are typically available immediately through your GED account.
• Rescheduling or canceling must be done more than 24 hours before the scheduled test.
• Cost covers up to three attempts per subject without a wait time. Subsequent attempts are subject to a 60-day waiting period and repayment for the test fee.