MTTC Tests

Between 1976 and 1995, several laws were passed in Michigan mandating a testing program as part of the state's teacher certification requirements. These tests are designed to ensure that all certified teachers are qualified and that they have the content knowledge and basic skills necessary to serve in Michigan schools. The MTTC (Michigan Test for Teacher Certification) tests are the only exams that fulfill the testing requirement for the certification of teachers in Michigan.

While some people may be able to take a MTTC test and succeed with minimal preparation, most test takers will benefit from allocating time to study beforehand and reading through a MTTC Test Study Guide or practicing with a set of MTTC Exam Flashcards. Regardless of your studying techniques, be sure that you plan ahead and leave yourself enough time in advance of the test day to become adequately prepared. Last minute studying is likely to be rushed and does not maximize your chances of being successful.

The MTTC tests are criterion-referenced, which means that they measure a candidate's ability in relation to an established standard rather than in relation to the performance of others. The exams are also objective-based, which means that the questions are matched to objectives set up by practicing Michigan educators and teacher educators.

The MTTC tests are made up of subject-area exams, including the world language tests, and a test of Basic Skills. The subject-area tests have only multiple-choice questions, with the exception of the world language tests, which have both multiple-choice questions and at least two performance assignments. In the Basic Skills test, the Reading and Mathematics sections are made up of multiple-choice questions, and the Writing section is made up of a written performance assignment.

MTTC Exam Study Guide | MTTC Test Flashcards

Before a teacher candidate can enroll in student teaching, he or she must pass the Basic Skills test. Together, the Reading and Mathematics sections of the Basic Skills test have approximately 85 multiple-choice questions. The Writing section is a written assignment. To get a passing grade on the MTTC test of Basic Skills, the candidate must pass all sections.

For an elementary-level teaching certificate, the candidate must pass both the Basic Skills test and the Elementary Education test. Those candidates who want to teach specific subjects in grades 6-8 must also pass the corresponding subject area test. For a secondary-level teaching certificate, the candidates must pass the Basic Skills test and the corresponding subject-area test(s) for the area(s) in which they want to be certified.

Candidates who do not pass an MTTC test may retake it. There is no limit to the number of times the test can be retaken. However, according to the Michigan Department of Education, "after the fourth failure and every subsequent failure . . . the individual must seek academic counseling from college/university staff in an attempt to overcome testing deficiencies."