Learn about the exams you need to take and how to prepare.
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.
Get a leg up on test requirements in your program checklist. If you have any questions about your teaching program applications, reach out to a TEACH Missouri coach or admissions staff for support. We’re here for you.
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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.
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.
If you’re not the most confident test-taker, that’s okay. There are a lot of resources and support to prepare! We’ll go over some general test strategies, and we’ll share specific resources for your particular exam.
Certification tests are required—but remember, your scores don’t necessarily reflect the kind of teacher you will be. Exams like the MoCA are just one more step on your way to certification, and you can take them more than once. You’re on a mission, and you’ve got this!
Once you know these important dates, we recommend adding at least an extra week or two of cushion. That way, if your test is rescheduled or your testing equipment isn’t working, you won’t be scrambling to take the test in time.
After you register for your test, you can work backward: Figure out how much time you have between now and your testing date. Then, make yourself a study schedule that maps out how and when you’ll study for your exam (more on that in Step 4!)
Check with your teaching program to find out when you need to have taken and passed the ACT, MoGEA or MoCA, and to verify which tests you’ll take.
If you’re taking the ACT, visit the ACT test registration page , where you’ll create an account and pay for your exam. The ACT exam fee is $60 for the full test, or $25 for a single exam.
If you’re taking the MoGEA or MoCA, head over to the Missouri Educator Gateway Assessments registration page . Once you create an account, you can schedule your test, access preparation materials and check your scores. The MoGEA test fee is $59 for all tests (math, reading, writing and social studies), or $25 for a single exam. The MoCA test fee is $73 .
All exams have options to request special accommodations, such as alternative testing locations or extra time. Learn more about available accommodations and how to request them for each exam: ACT Testing Accommodations MoGEA and MoCA Testing Accommodations
Make sure you schedule your exam far enough out so that your accommodations request can get processed. Depending on the exam, this extra processing time can be anywhere from ten days to six weeks.
Whichever test you’re taking, there are study guides to help you prepare. Some come directly from test-makers, while others come from other educational organizations and universities. We’ll share a few resources here.
Before you purchase any test prep materials, check with your program to see if any discount codes are available for your test prep option of choice.
You also have several test prep options from third-party companies. Here are a few suggestions to get started. While we have not personally vetted all of these resources, you may find them useful in your test preparation.
Free test prep options
Paid test prep options
TEACH Missouri offers $100 in reimbursement for any test fees that are required for you to apply and enroll in a teaching program. That could include registration fees and test prep materials for your MoGEA or ACT exam! (Reimbursements do not include tests that you take after you’ve enrolled.) Visit the TEACH Missouri Fee Reimbursements page to learn more about eligibility and how to apply.
You’ve registered, studied and taken practice tests—and you’re ready for your exam!
Remember to take care of yourself before your test:
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:
If you’re testing from home, try setting up your exam space the way it will look on test day, and use it to take practice tests! If you’re studying in your test environment, it can help you recall information when it’s time to take the test for real.
Score availability will depend on which exam you take and when you take it.
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!
Applications have a lot of steps, and we’re here to support you with all of them.
Check out more FREE tools to simplify the process.
