High School Equivalency Exam (HiSET/GED) Preparation

School of Adult & General Education (SAGE)

The Adult Basic Education (ABE) high-school equivalency (HSE) preparation program offers non-credit courses in Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies to students who are preparing for high-school equivalency exams, including the HiSET and GED. The program also offers instruction in reading and writing to students who are at a basic literacy level. Traditional classes, study groups, preparation for HSE in Spanish, and distance learning options are available. Classes are offered on an intensive 5 week schedule.

See Recommended Sequence of Courses

Educational Option Information

This program can be completed:

• Part-time or full-time

When can this program be started?

• Intensive classes meet four days per week.  Students may begin in CNM’s fall, spring or summer terms.

Primary course location:

• Main Campus; courses are also offered at Montoya, Westside and South Valley campuses.

Special Requirements

• New students must successfully complete an orientation and take the CASAS test to determine appropriate course placement. The test is administered again periodically to assess student progress.  
• Adult Basic Education HSE students do not follow the procedures outlined in this catalog for admission and registration. For information on how to enroll, interested students should contact the Adult Basic Education Program.

Cost and Financial Aid

• HiSET/GED preparation courses are non-credit and as such are not financial aid eligible. However, these courses are tuition-free.

What is the approximate cost of this educational option?

• Tuition: There is a $20 registration fee per term, but there is no tuition for these courses.
• Other: Textbooks for this program are provided at no cost to the student.

Students who are enrolled only in HSE preparation courses receive the same services as other CNM students (for example, library access), but are not eligible for financial aid. Also, students registering for HSE preparation classes do not follow the procedures outlined in this catalog for admission and registration. Interested students should contact the School of Adult & General Education for more information.

Educational Opportunities

• Students who complete the program and pass a high-school equivalency exam (like the HiSET/GED) are able to enroll in CNM certificate and degree programs.

Career Opportunities

• Students with a high-school equivalency diploma are significantly more likely to obtain employment.