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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

Registration and Preparation

Reports

Pursuant to MCL 380.1531(13) of the Revised School Code, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) prepares an annual report for the legislature on MTTC performance, test development activities, and revenue received from testing fees. MDE prepares a second annual report on cumulative MTTC performance over the previous three-year period as part of the Educator Preparation Institution Performance Score.

Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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

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

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

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

  • 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 report from you, then you may request an additional score report be sent to a certification official in the state reviewing your application for teacher certification.

    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.

  • 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.
  • 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.

  • Pearson has developed a resource for understanding educator licensure assessments.

    Educator Licensure Assessments Supported by Pearson: FAQs