Prepare for Missouri Certification Tests

Before you can teach in Missouri, you’ll need to pass at least one test related to your subject area. If testing stresses you out, you’re definitely not alone. We’re here to help you find the right tools to ace your exams.

For most Missouri teachers, the most important tests will be the core academic skills test and the content area assessment.

We’ll go over each exam in detail—what they cover, who they’re for and what resources can help you prepare. 

Jump to:

• Core academic skills assessment
• Content area assessment
• Requirements for out-of-state educators
• Exam preparation and study materials
• What to expect on test day and how to submit your scores
• Explore more guides

What is the core academic skills test?

The core academic skills test is an exam you’ll take before you start an undergraduate teaching program. You do not need to take a core academic skills test if you already have a bachelor’s degree.

When you apply to a teaching program as an undergrad, you’ll need to submit scores from an approved test that covers basic skills in reading, writing, math and social studies. You may have already taken this exam—the ACT counts! If you haven’t taken the ACT, you can also take the Missouri General Education Assessment, or MoGEA.

When do I need to take the core academic skills test?

Usually, you’ll need to include your core academic skills scores with your teaching program application—so you’ll need to take the test, or get an official copy of your previous test scores, before you apply. Some programs only require you to be scheduled to take the test when you apply.

What score do I need?

Each teaching program sets its own required scores for both the ACT and MoGEA exams.

For the ACT, most programs require a score of at least 20. Programs generally require 170-220 for each section of the MoGEA. You can see a full list of score requirements for Missouri teaching programs at the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) statewide passing scores page.

What is the content area assessment?

To get certified to teach in Missouri, you’ll need to pass an exam in your subject area. This is to show that you know your subject matter well enough to teach it.   

In Missouri, the approved test is the Missouri Content Assessment, or MoCA. Depending on what you plan to teach, you might take multiple MoCA exams.

When do I take the MoCA?

The timing of your MoCA will depend on your teaching program. For some programs, you’ll need to pass your content exam before you apply. Other programs only require you to register for your content test before submitting your application. And in other programs, you’ll take the MoCA while you’re enrolled, before you start student teaching.

Check with the programs you’re considering to find out when you’ll need to take your content area test. 

Which MoCA do I need to take?

Your content area test will depend on the subject you plan to teach. Look at the Missouri Educator Gateway Assessments testing page to see a full list of test options, test codes and grade levels for each exam. 

Your Missouri certification process will depend on your experience and what certificate or license you hold. If you’re certified to teach in another state, the Missouri DESE will need to review your credentials. You’ll need to fill out a Non-Missouri Graduate Application as well as a Verification of Teaching Experience form.

In most cases, your previous certification will transfer to the equivalent Missouri certification, and you won’t need to take another test. Visit the Missouri DESE Becoming a Certified Teacher page for more details.

You’ve registered, studied and taken practice tests—and you’re ready for your exam! 

How should I prepare for test day?

Remember to take care of yourself before your test:

• Verify your test location. Even if you think you know where your exam is being held, double-check that the test center schedule hasn’t changed.
• Get plenty of sleep the night before.  
• Eat a decent breakfast the day of the test.
• Bring a water bottle.
• Show up early. If you’re late for your test, you won’t be allowed in. Hanging outside the testing center for 20 extra minutes is better than stressing yourself out minutes before you have to think critically for an exam. 
• Dress in layers. Test centers can be chilly, and you’d rather be able to remove a jacket than be uncomfortable for the duration of your exam.
• Bring required materials. You’ll need identification when you arrive for your test. Depending on your specific exam, you may also need other materials, like a calculator. Check out the ACT On Test Day page or the Missouri Educator Gateway Assessments Day of the Test page for more details about what you’ll need. 

Testing from home? 

Some of the suggestions above, such as getting enough sleep and eating a good breakfast, are important for at-home testing as well. You can also consider these at-home testing tips:

• Check your equipment. If you’re testing through your home computer, the testing company may require you to download specific software or other computer equipment. Make sure everything is running smoothly before test day, to save yourself a headache the day of the exam. Check your equipment at different times of day to ensure that you’ll have enough bandwidth to take your exam without interruptions. 
• Set up your examination space ahead of time. The test-maker may have specific requirements about how your computer or desk needs to be set up and what your testing room should look like. Make sure you understand these requirements ahead of time so you can start testing with confidence. 
• Find a quiet space. You may not be allowed to wear earbuds or headphones for your test—so make sure you’re in a place where you’ll be able to focus without distractions. 
• Log on early. Just like an exam at a test center, you’ll need to start your at-home test on time. Log on with plenty of time to spare, to make sure your computer won’t suddenly freeze or restart right when you need to start testing. 

When can I see my scores? 

Score availability will depend on which exam you take and when you take it. 

• MoGEA and MoCA: You can find your exact score report date on the Missouri Educator Gateway Assessments Scores page.  
• ACT: Learn how and when to see your score at the ACT Scores page.

How do I report my scores?

When you register for your exam, you can request that your scores get sent to your teaching program or prospective programs. The Missouri DESE will receive your scores automatically.

You may also need to report your scores on your program application itself. Your application checklist has a step for submitting scores!