About the MoCA & Signing Up

Your test needs to align with your certification area, so make sure that you and Dr. Welborn are on the same page about what test to take. She can be emailed at jaime.welborn@slu.edu if you have a question. 

• List of Tests: http://www.mo.nesinc.com/PageView.aspx?f=GEN_Tests.html 

Since the MoCA tests are all timed, it is worth it to check if you qualify to ask for extended testing time. Here is the link to more information: Alternative Testing Arrangements 

You can register by going to the MEGA website and clicking "Register" on the top. The first time, you will need to create an account. Once logged in, you can register for any of the available tests. When registering, please be sure to indicate that you are receiving your degree at Saint Louis University. This way, they will send us your score report. You will also want them to email you a PDF of your score report.  You should save this for your records. 

Test Location

There are three options for test location.

1. You have the option to take virtually through online proctoring. For many reasons we do not recommend this option. It is time-consuming to make sure the proctor can see what is in your room, and if your eyes are not on the screen at all times, your score can be thrown out. This risk doesn’t seem to be worth it when you are facing important deadlines for when to take it. You also do not get to use scrap paper, or find out immediately after if you passed or not.

2. At a Pearson Testing Center (with several individuals). 

3. *update: testing at SLU might no longer be available* At SLU, in our private test facility. The SLU facility testing sessions are only released upon request. Only one person at a time can test at the center. This is a great way to have a room to yourself while taking the test. If you are interested, see the directions below.

How to register at SLU

First, visit the Missouri Educator Gateway Assessments website to purchase your Content Test.

• Email scott.sewell@slu.edu and let him know you purchased the test and want to discuss scheduling at the SLU testing center

• He will respond and set up a time for you to call 314-977-2963 to schedule a time at the SLU Testing Center. After talking to Scott, you will finish the registration process.

• Here is how it works: Have access to a computer - You call- Scott opens a slot. As soon as he "opens" a time slot, anybody can sign up for space. So, by doing the registration over the phone, in real-time, with Scott, you can complete the process and get a spot at SLU. It only takes a few minutes to finish the registration.

Your deadline might be different than that of your classmates. The MAT program faculty are working with your employer and the state to craft your path to your teaching credential. The MoCA is a required part of your certification, but your deadline for passing the MoCA depends on many factors, make sure to take notes when MAT faculty are communicating with you about your deadline. 

You should plan to take a first attempt far before your deadline. Though we do not have statistics specifically about the MoCA passing rates, teacher certification tests, in general, have a nationwide average of only 45% passing on the first attempt. This article explains this, and that most students eventually pass, but it is important to keep in mind that you will likely have to take the test at least twice.

It is strategic to budget money for taking the test more than once, and also to not wait until the month before your deadline to take it for the first time.

Finding a Spot

In general, try to sign up at least a month in advance. This is especially important if you want to use the SLU testing center, spots fill up fast.

Retake Policy

You must wait 30 days before taking the MoCA again. See the testing policies for other important information. 

Score Reports

The score reports come out about once a month, so keep that in mind when deciding what date to take the test. To see the dates for score reporting, see this site, and in the “Missouri Content Assessments” section, click “View Score Report Dates”.

Testing centers will print out an initial report after your test to show you if you passed or did not pass. If you use online proctoring, you will not find out if you pass until you get your official score report.

In the score report, you will find out your score (100-300; 220 is passing) and a summary (using bar graphs) on how you did on each domain.