If you were unable to finish your high school education in a traditional manner due to life circumstances or personal choice, you may still receive a high school equivalency diploma by completing the GED examination. In Missouri, the GED test is overseen by the Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education and tests are located throughout the state for those who are eligible.
Missouri GED Test Eligibility and Requirements:
To take the Missouri GED examination you must be at least 18 years of age or older; however, if you are 16 and 17 years of age you may be able to qualify for the examination. Those who are 17 years of age may take the Missouri GED examination if you are officially withdrawn from school and are currently enrolled in the Missouri GED Option Program. If you are 16 years of age, you may take the Missouri GED examination if you have successfully passed a minimum of 16 credit units toward a high school diploma and you have written permission to take the GED examination from the principle of your high school or from the district superintendent.
You must also be an official resident of Missouri to take the Missouri GED examination. To prove your residency, you are required to show the GED testing facility a government-issued photo identification card that proves not only your identity but also your residency. If you do not have this documentation, contact the Missouri GED testing facility nearest you to inquire about acceptable documentation.
Registering for the Missouri GED Test:
To register for the Missouri GED examination you must complete the GED Demographic Information Packet, which is located at any Adult Education and Literacy Center. You must also fill out the Missouri GED examination application packet, which is available at most high schools, public libraries, adult education and literacy centers as well as online on the Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education website; a link is available in the Sources section below.
Once you have filled out both application packets you must located the Missouri GED testing facility nearest you where you will take the test. Upon arriving at the GED testing facility you must provide the center with the approved GED application, completed demographic form and a current Missouri driver’s license or state-issued identification card.
Passing the Missouri GED Test:
Like all other GED examinations held throughout the country, the Missouri GED test consists of five subject areas. Each of these five exams are graded separately, and you must have a minimum passing score of 410 on each section and an average sectional score of 450. You must also have a total passing score of 2250. If you did not parts or all of the examination you may be able to retake the Missouri GED examination.
SOURCES:
Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education: GED Testing Facts
http://dese.mo.gov/divcareered/ged_facts.htm
Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education: GED Testing – Taking the Test
http://dese.mo.gov/divcareered/ged_take_the_test.htm
Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education: Application for Missouri Certificate of High School Equivalence:
http://dese.mo.gov/divcareered/documents/GED_application.pdf
Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education: GED Testing Centers
http://dese.mo.gov/divcareered/ged_testing_centers_map.htm
