End of Course Exams Information

If you are a Ninth grader for the first time in 2023-2024 or later, you must take this new exam. Basically, if you will be graduating in 2027 or later, you have to take these tests before you graduate.

You won’t take the EOC until you take Biology B or NSL Government B. Most students take Biology in 9th grade and NSL in 10th grade. But your high school or program may do things in a different order, so they will let you know when you’re taking the class.

If you are taking AP Government, you must take either the MCAP Government or the AP Government test, but your score will not be factored into your final grade.

The EOC will include questions about what you learned in both semester A and semester B of the course. Even though your score only affects your Semester B grade, it also includes topics from Semester A. Your teachers know what topics will be covered on the exams and will teach you what you need to know. You can prepare by doing your best to understand the course material, ask questions when unsure, and review Semester A and Semester B material before taking the EOC.

The state has also provided MCAP Practice Tests for students who want to practice, familiarize themselves with the testing software, and learn the content on the test.

You have three options for retaking the course and the EOC. Remember, however, that the EOC includes Semester A content, and the longer you wait to retake the course, the more you’ll probably forget! So, the best advice is to retake the course and the exam as soon as possible!

You have three options:

• Summer School
• During the school year as part of your class schedule
• Online Pathway to Graduation

Your counselor should contact you to give you options to recover your credit for these required courses. They will work with you and your family to figure out the best option for retaking the class and the exam.

The MCPS FAQ has more details about these options, so check it out if you want more information.

No. Even though you don’t have to pass the exam, you must still take it and pass the course as part of your graduation requirements. Without the exam, there is no course credit, and there is no diploma.

If you skip it, your teachers and administrators will communicate with you and your family to make sure you take it. It is much more convenient to take it when you are scheduled to take it than to need to reschedule a makeup.

If you miss it for a reason beyond your control, you can schedule a makeup, and your school will tell you how to do that.

You’ll see it first on your fourth marking period Report Card. You’ll see both the exam grade and your final semester grade. If your final grade is an E, go back to the question of “What if I fail” to see your options.. It will also be added to your transcript (document that is sent to colleges to show your grades).

The second place you’ll see it is when you get a report showing how you did that is sent to your home in the fall. This will have more information about your score and what it means about what you learned in the courses.