Students who may be ready to take the Official GED Test must participate in a Test-Taking Strategies workshop. The workshop covers filling out the five page demographic form, strategies for answering multiple choice questions, practice with the type of calculator that is provided for the test, and practice with the special answer sheets.

The next step is to take the Official GED Practice Test. This test is a bit more than half the length of the actual GED test and is a very accurate indicator for how the test-taker would score on the actual test. It can only be taken after the workshop and takes from 3 to 4 1/2 hours to complete all five sections. The sections can be split up and do not need to be taken all in the same day. A tutor reviews the results and makes recommendations for additional study or to register for the test.

To register for the test, the student picks up his/her file, which includes the demographic form and Official Practice Test scores, from the Adult Education Center, pays the $40 fee at the Cashiers Office and then goes to Student Services with 2 forms of identification (one of which must be a government issued picture ID) to finish the registration process. The test is completed over a three-day period.

The completed test is sent to Oklahoma for evaluation, and scores are sent to the student in approximately 3 weeks. The New Mexico State Public Education Department (NMPED) also sends people who pass the Official GED Test a high school diploma. If the diploma is returned to NMPED, it is not sent again. It is important to make sure all information is correct and current to ensure that every test-taker receives GED results and a high school diploma when earned.

To celebrate, each year in May the Adult Education Center hosts a GED graduation. Please plan to attend.