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The MTEL (Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure) provides the necessary licensure testing requirements for prospective educators seeking to become teachers in the state of Massachusetts. The tests measure prospective educators' competence in communicating with students, their caregivers, and other teachers in grade levels from pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade, as well as competence in MTEL subject areas of their choosing. As of the fall of 2020, prospective educators are eligible to take the MTEL online from the comfort of their own homes via MTEL online proctoring, in addition to the standard computer-based format at testing centers throughout the state. The MTEL also consists of options for prospective teachers interested in vocation-specific and adult basic education. MTEL subject tests, ranging from biology and chemistry through mathematics, reading and technology, and engineering, will be further refined with the assistance of currently licensed educators in the state through 2023.
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Create AccountThe MTEL exam consists of multiple choice and open-ended response questions measuring competencies in communication and literacy skills through one of five testing options as well as testing in adult basic and vocational technical education for prospective teachers seeking accreditation in these areas. Approximately 50 MTEL subject tests are also available for prospective teachers interested in receiving accreditation for subjects ranging from the natural sciences through non-English languages, among others.
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Create AccountWhat MTELs do I need to take? Generally, MTEL requirements include achieving the MTEL passing score on the reading and writing subtests of one of five available testing options measuring communication and literacy skills. Although optional, prospective teachers may also achieve accreditation by passing MTEL subject matter exams relevant to subjects specific to their areas of teaching interest as well as the Adult Basic Education and Vocational Technical exams for prospective teachers seeking licensure in these areas.
Fortunately, preparation resources are available at no cost from the websites of both the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. These resources are provided to aid test takers in meeting the requirements for licensure in pre-K through 12th grade, adult basic or vocational technical education in the state of Massachusetts.
Most MTEL Test Massachusetts study guides provide specific details on exam content to aid in study and preparation. This information is usually broken down by subtest or subarea and when reviewed can show what topics one has a handle on and what they need to look into further.
MTEL practice tests are also essential for effective MTEL study. They enable prospective educators to gauge progress and identify areas where additional review may be needed. These materials are also available at no cost at the websites listed above.
Preparation courses provide a more in-depth approach to MTEL exam study and preparation. They involve a more structured and immersive experience to assist a prospective educator in exam preparation that may complement existing informational guides and practice tests. Often, these materials are also made available through the preparation course itself. For a comprehensive list of available preparation courses, please consult the website of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. There, prospective teachers may find available courses from such well known and highly accredited programs as Lesley University and the University of Massachusetts, among others.
While preparation leading up to exam day is essential to achieving the best possible outcome when taking the MTEL teacher and MTEL subject tests, is it also vital to review test taking strategies for the exam day itself. Key test taking strategies for the MTEL exam, as well as all professional accreditation and standardized tests that are applicable include: 1) paying close attention to all directions for each section of the exam, 2) utilizing the process of elimination to arrive at the best possible answer choice, and 3) creating outlines beforehand of any content for responses to open-ended questions.
By reading directions for each section of the exam closely, test-takers can be assured that they will not spend valuable time backtracking over misunderstood questions. By utilizing the process of elimination, prospective educators will save time by narrowing down the range of the best possible choices for every question. Finally, by creating outlines of any open-ended response content, test-takers can save time by planning in advance exactly what they wish to say in response to any summary or essay response prompt.
Preparation when taking any MTEL teacher test should involve follow-through past exam day itself. That way, one can be assured that they have done everything possible to maximize the outcome of their own MTEL study strategy.
Generally speaking, it is best to arrive early on the day of the MTEL exam so that one is calm and prepared for the test itself. Prospective educators are required to arrive at their MTEL testing centers no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled start time and should bring one example of government-issued identification with them, such as a non-expired driver's license or passport. Failure to do so will result in the test-taker being designated as absent for the exam without being eligible for a refund.
Taking the MTEL has now become easier through the availability of online testing. Anyone with the appropriate technology, such as a desktop or laptop computer with a single monitor and an internet connection, is eligible to complete the MTEL exam through MTEL online proctoring from the comfort of their own home, school, or workplace. While some exams involving the use of some technologies, such as audio, are not currently available, an extended rollout of online testing availability took place for most MTEL exams through the end of 2021.
Reviewing testing, score reporting and registration policies before taking the MTEL exam is essential to ensure a smooth testing experience. Failure to do so may result in the inability to take the exam on test day, being ineligible for a refund of registration fees, and revocation of reported test scores. Prospective educators may review all policies on the website of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure.
During their MTEL registration, prospective educators registering to take the exam should first create an account through the website of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure. There, prospective teachers can create a profile which will enable them to obtain a MEPID number associated with the school district, charter school or other entity with whom they are employed. The MEPID enables the prospective educator to register for the MTEL exams required for their desired licensure as a teacher in Massachusetts public and charter schools.
Although in some cases MTEL test results will be available immediately, it generally takes approximately two weeks to a month to receive a score report through email following successful completion of the MTEL exam. Score reports are available for two years following the MTEL test dates and are made available to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and any education preparation programs indicated by the prospective educator during registration. They are also maintained in the prospective teacher's file following their application for a license as an educator in the state of Massachusetts.
Although score reports are provided via email without additional fee following successful completion of the MTEL exam, prospective educators and teachers may request additional copies of their MTEL test results for a fee of $10 using a VISA or MasterCard credit or debit card. For prospective educators who chose to take the nationally-standardized, non-MTEL option to complete the skills requirement for MTEL Communication and Literacy, the fee is $40. Regardless of payment, a history of score reports on a pass/fail basis is always available in one's account during the two year period when score reports remain available for access.
While the MTEL exam can be challenging to pass, as with any standardized exam for professional licensure, it can be a rewarding process to prepare for the exam with the appropriate tools and guidance such as those provided in this article. Through the use of the resources provided here, one can improve their own chances of succeeding on the exam and as an educator in the state of Massachusetts.
The MTEL exam is now available to be taken online! Online testing through the use of a desktop or laptop computer with a single monitor and internet connection from the convenience of a prospective educator's home, school, or workplace is available.
Although there is some variation among the testing options available to meet the communication and literacy skills requirement of the exam, most MTEL exams cost between $100 to $150 to register. The nationally-standardized options for the communication and literacy skills portion of the exam, including the CASA, Essential Academic Skills Subtests I and II, MoGEA, and the WEST-B, all of which consist of both Reading and Writing subtest portions, vary from $25 per subtest to $75 for both subtests combined.
A passing score for most MTEL tests, including the testing options to meet the communication and literacy skills requirement and subject matter exams, is 240 on each subtest of any individual exam. This score represents a scaled score that reflects the correct number of responses needed to be completed in order to pass. The actual number of correct responses needed to be completed on any exam varies from test to test.
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