The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has selected a new high school equivalency test. The state's current test, the GED®, is set to expire at the end of 2013.

Beginning January 2014, Missouri's new high school equivalency test will be the HiSET test developed by Educational Testing Service (ETS).

The cost of the new test will be $95, which includes a $60 registration fee for the cost of the test and $7 for each of the five test sections to cover the costs of administering the test. Because examinees do not have to complete the entire test at one time, they can take the test in sections.

The $60 registration fee will allow individuals to test three times during a 12-month period. Examinees who do not pass the test the first time can retake the entire test or any of the test sections two more times within the 12-month period by paying an additional $7-per-section fee.

Testing sites for the new exam are still being determined. Additional information about the test will be provided as it becomes available.

In March 2011, the American Council on Education GED Testing Services (GEDTS) and Pearson announced plans to create a for-profit organization to develop a new computer-based high school equivalency test to replace the current GED test in January 2014. Shortly after the announcement, GEDTS revealed that the price of its new test would be $120, not including any state administrative fees.

As a result, the Department used the state's bid process to choose Educational Testing Service to provide a new high school equivalency test for Missouri at a cost of $95.

Missourians wanting to obtain their high school equivalency before the current GED test expires must apply by September 1, 2013. Those who have taken the test but not passed all the test sections have until November 4, 2013, to apply to retest.

Individuals who have taken the test but not scored well enough on all sections of the test to receive their certificate have until the end of the year to pass the exam. If they do not pass the GED® by January 1, 2014, scores from the current test sections will not transfer to the new one.

For more information about obtaining a high school equivalency certificate, visit the Department website or call 573-751-3504.