High School Equivalency
TotalTranscriptTM option is now available through Diploma Sender. TotalTranscript allows HSE attainment through taking exams from different publishers. For more information see TotalTranscript HSE Overview.
NOTICE: The three-year limit for passing all parts of the tests has been lifted for both GED and HiSET. There is no time limit to pass all parts of the tests to earn a high school equivalency certificate.
High School Equivalency Testing
In New Mexico, both the HiSET® and the GED® are state-approved High School Equivalency (HSE) exams. An official New Mexico High School Equivalency Certificate will be awarded to those who pass the exams.
In the United States, the GED® provided the only high school equivalency exams. This is why many people still broadly use the term "GED" to refer to any high school equivalency credential (e.g. "I need to get my GED"). There are now two nationally recognized different High School Equivalency (HSE) exams, each published by a different company: GED® and HiSET®. Each state makes its own decision regarding which test(s) it will offer, and passing any state-sanctioned test will lead to an official HSE credential issued by that state that is recognized in all other states.
New Mexico Higher Education Department provides vouchers for students who demonstrate the ability to pass the tests by taking official practice tests. For more information, see the voucher form.
General information for students is located on the HED website at https://hed.state.nm.us/students-parents/adult_education/for-adult-students-and-families/high-school-equivalency-hse.
Contact Person: Dr. Katya Backhaus, State High School Equivalency & Data Administrator
Email: katya.backhaus@hed.nm.gov
Phone: (505) 660 -8824
National External Diploma Program (NEDP) - Another way to earn a high school diploma.
NEDP_trifold_brochure_posting.pdfNEDP-OnePager-6-2015-Affiliate-fillable (2).pdfNEDP_18_by_24_poster_fillable_final.pdfNEDP_tear_off_flyer_final (1).pdf