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Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification

Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification

Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 380.1531 requires a testing program as part of Michigan's teacher certification requirements to ensure that certified teachers can demonstrate the necessary professional readiness and content knowledge to serve in Michigan schools. The Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification (MTTC) program currently consists of subject area tests, which must be taken for each endorsement area a candidate is seeking. Individuals should not take an MTTC without first being directed to by either MDE or a preparation program. An individual cannot obtain a certificate or endorsement simply by passing an MTTC.

Test Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which tests should I take and when?

    MTTC Requirements for In-State Teacher Candidates

    • Individuals who are completing or have completed a Michigan-approved teacher preparation program, must contact their Michigan preparation provider with questions regarding testing, including information about when to take the tests. 
    • An academic advisor may request that an individual wait to take a subject area test until they have completed at least 90 percent of coursework in that program.

    Michigan-approved preparation provider contact information

    Which tests do I need for the American Sign Language (ASL) endorsement?
    • Candidates seeking the ASL endorsement need to have successfully completed the ASL program through a Michigan approved preparation provider.

    Chart of ASL certification proficiency assessment and required minimum proficiency levels

    I am excited to finish my World Language program. Which tests and proficiency levels are required for the endorsement?
    • Depending on the specific World Language, the assessments include the MTTC and Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI), with some exceptions detailed on MDE's OPI webpage.

    MTTC Requirements for Teacher Candidates from Another State, Country, or Federally Recognized Indian Tribe

    Candidates from teacher preparation programs in another state, country, or federally recognized Indian tribe (including online programs approved by other states) who do not have at least three (3) years of successful teaching experience within the validity and grade level of the teaching certificate held need to complete MTTC tests.

    An out-of-state candidate must apply for Michigan certification through the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS) before any testing guidance can be provided. After submission of the application, paying the evaluation fee, and sending in all requested documents, the application will be evaluated. Once the evaluation has been completed, the individual will be issued an evaluation report which discloses any/all testing requirements.

    Apply in MOECS

  • If I already have a Michigan teaching certificate, why am I required to take any tests?

    Teachers who hold a valid Michigan teaching certificate are required to take MTTC tests if they are adding a new endorsement to their certificate. A certified teacher who completes the additional preparation and applies for a new endorsement, will be required to pass only the test for the new subject area endorsement, if applicable.

  • How do I find test sites and register?

    Test site information and registration can be found on the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification website.

  • Are there materials to help me prepare for the test?

    Preparation materials are available from the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification website. Materials and supports may also be available from your teacher preparation provider.

  • I have taken the subject area MTTC, but did not pass. How can I tell what to study?

    Review the How to Read Your Score Report section of the Understanding Your Test Results webpage.

  • I need my test results for another state to confirm that I passed the MTTC tests and that MTTC tests are required for teacher certification in Michigan. How do I get this information?

    The Michigan Department of Education cannot send or communicate MTTC results to officials in another state. Examinees receive written official reports from Evaluations Systems group of Pearson. Those reports contain a printed statement recording whether or not an examinee has passed one or more MTTC tests. If the state does not accept this official score report from you, then you may request an additional official score report be sent to you directly. You should then contact Evaluation Systems Customer Contact Center at (800) 778-5315 to request a sealed hard copy sent via mail, which you can provide to the state agency yourself. The envelope will be stamped “Sealed Scores” to verify the official score report is from Evaluation Systems and has not been opened.

    The MDE will confirm MTTC tests are required for Michigan teacher certification. Some states have a form for that purpose. You may send that form via email to MDE-EducatorHelp@Michigan.gov or to:

    Michigan Department of Education
    Office of Educator Excellence
    P.O. Box 30008
    Lansing MI 48909

    If you do not have such a form, then you may send a written letter of request, including the name and address of the state official who needs the information, to the address above.

  • I have taken, and passed, the subject area test(s). How long are the test results valid?

    A passing score on a subject area test will remain valid for a period of five (5) years. After five years have elapsed and if a certificate or endorsement has not yet been issued, a teacher candidate may be required to retake the test until a passing score is achieved.

  • I have taken, but not yet passed, a subject area test. How many times may I take a test?

    There is no limit to the number of times you may retake any MTTC test. Any test may continue to be retaken until passed, however, after the fourth failure and every subsequent failure, it is recommended that the candidate seek academic counseling from college/university staff in an attempt to overcome testing deficiencies.

  • Where can I get more general information about licensure assessments?

    Pearson has developed a resource for understanding educator licensure assessments.

    Educator Licensure Assessments Supported by Pearson: FAQs