Massachusetts Tests for Educator License (MTEL) is a standardized test initiated by the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This test is developed to maintain teaching standards and credentials. There are three types of certifications – Academic, Vocational Technical Education and Adult Basic Education which are covered under this test. The academic certifications refer to licenses for teachers, administrators and specialist teachers of grades from PreK to 12. The vocational technical education certifications are required by teachers, administrators and cooperative education coordinators of state approved vocational technical education programs. Adult basic education is a voluntary license which may be a part of hiring criteria by some employers.
Eligibility-
There are different eligibility criteria for different certifications. These certifications are one of the requirements for achieving teaching credentials. The candidates have to satisfy the educational qualification and other requirements as well.
Test Overview-
MTEL tests are categorized into four categories-
Academic Subject matter tests: – These tests are required for academic certifications. These tests are conducted for examining knowledge and skills in specific subject areas. One has to select the tests according to their certification requirement. For example, the subject tests for physics are available at two levels 5-8 and 8-12 for certification of physics teacher. The subject matter tests required for different certifications are indexed at the official website of department of elementary and secondary education. Follow this link: http://www.doe.mass.edu/mtel/testrequire.html.
Communication and Literacy skills test: – This test examines the ability to communicate effectively in American English, which is must for educating in state’s public schools. It consists of two subtests- reading and writing. The reading subtest is based on reading comprehension. The questions in the writing section pertain to grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, sentence construction and usage of language.
Vocational Technical Literacy Skills Test: – This test is required for teaching in vocational technical education programs. It consists of two subtests- reading and writing.
Adult Basic Education Test: – It is a test for voluntary license. The content of this test is derived from subjects like English, social science, history, science and mathematics.
Test Format-
MTEL tests consist of multiple choice questions or multiple choices and open response questions both. Each test has its own content and format according to the objective of a test.
Marking Scheme-
The test scores are scaled in a range from 100 to 300. The passing score for any MTEL test is 240. The result of a test is sent to the candidate, institutions or employers mentioned by the candidate while registration and Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Schedule-
MCAT tests are available in both paper based and computer based testing. There are fixed test dates when these tests are conducted. The registrations are available in regular, late and emergency periods and can be done via internet, mail or telephone. The registration through telephone is available only for emergency periods.
Exam Fees-
MCAT registration fee is $30. The academic subject matter tests and adult basic education test costs $100 each. The fees for reading and writing subtests of Communication and Literacy Skills test are $30 and $40 respectively (Test fees of Vocational Technical Literacy Skills test are same). There are additional charges for late registration, emergency registration, change of registration, re-scoring, clearing an account and ordering an additional copy of test results.