Individuals seeking to obtain their Missouri High School Equivalency Certificate by taking the General Educational Development (GED©) test have until the end of 2013 to pass the current test series, known as the 2002 Series GED© Test. The current test will be replaced with a new assessment beginning January 2, 2014.

The new test will continue determining high school equivalency, but will also measure the knowledge and skills necessary for college- and career-readiness.

In 2011, 61.8 percent of Missouri test-takers indicated postsecondary education as a reason for taking the GED© test. College- and career-readiness is a primary goal for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Top 10 by 20 initiative, which calls for education in the state to rank in the top 10 nationwide by 2020.

“The GED© test opens doors to college, better jobs, the respect adults deserve and the satisfaction of earning a high school credential,” said Tom Robbins, director of adult education and high school equivalency testing at the Department.

The 2014 GED© assessment will cover four content areas - literacy, mathematics, science and social studies - and will be entirely computer-based. While the new test will be administered via computer, test-takers will still be required to visit an official testing center to take the test. The cost is $28 per section or $140 for the entire test.

Those who have taken the 2002 Series GED© Test, but not scored well enough to receive their certificate, have until the end of 2013 to pass or their test section scores will expire and they will be required to start over with the new assessment in 2014.

“We want to be sure GED© test-takers are aware of the current test expiration deadline," said Robbins. “The Department can help adult learners prepare to take the parts of the GED© test they still need to pass. Support is available right here in Missouri.”

Over 350,000 Missourians have earned their high school equivalency certificate since the GED© test’s inception in 1942. More information about the GED© test can be found at ged.mo.gov or finishtheged.com.