Certification Office

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) about MTEL

Lesley's Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Student Guide [pdf] (available online or at the Certification Office, Room 2-076 in University Hall) contains answers to most questions. Also review the MTEL Questions and Answers on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website.

 

When should I take the MTEL test(s)?

The Lesley University MTEL policy states that all Lesley students enrolled in a first Initial Licensure program must pass all portions of the MTEL(s) to be eligible for student teaching or the practicum. All new applicants seeking admissions to a an Initial license program must submit evidence of having taken, or registered for, the Communication and Literacy Skills test.

Advance planning is critical. It helps to work backwards and consider the length of your program, when you plan to finish, when you plan to do your practicum, and how many MTEL(s) are required for your license. Communication & Literacy Skills, required for all licenses, has two subtests: Reading and Writing. The subtests can be taken together in one 4-hour testing administration, or separately in two different 4-hour test administrations. Education coursework is not required to pass the C&L test. The test is offered in a paper-based format and a computer-based option.

General Curriculum, required for the Elementary, Moderate and Severe Disabilities licenses also has two subtests: Math and Multi-Subject. The subtests can be taken together or separately. Talk with your Assistant Director for Academic Advising for help with scheduling MTELs. Also, if you have had testing accommodations in the past, or think you might need accommodations, you will require extra time and planning. Contact Lesley's Disabilities Services Office.

When is the next MTEL test date?

2011-2012 test dates are available at the MTEL Program Site [pdf]. All MTELs are offered in a paper-based format 5 times per year in Massachusetts. Communication & Literacy Skills and Foundations of Reading are offered in a computer-based format during 6 additional testing windows.

How do I register for the MTELs?

Register online at the MTEL program website. For candidates who have previously registered for the MTEL, telephone registration service is available for paper-based tests at 413.256.2892 or 866.565.4894, M-F 9 am - 5 pm.

Where should I send my MTEL test scores?

Your scores are automatically reported to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) by the testing company (Evaluation Systems, Pearson). You should apply for an Educator Licensure and Recruitment (ELAR) account at the ESE as soon as possible so your MTEL test scores can be housed there, along with other materials you submit for licensure. You must also indicate that you want Lesley to receive your scores. Lesley University's Institution Code is 30.

I am concerned that I failed the MTEL test. Should I sign up for the next test date before I find out my results?

You must wait 120 days after taking a computer-based test/subtest before retaking the same test/subtest on computer. If you are concerned that you failed a test, do not sign up for the next test date prior to receiving your test scores. If you did not pass, the late fees are automatically waived when registration deadlines and score reporting dates overlap. If, however, you sign up for the next administration before receiving your scores and it turns out that you passed the test, your registration fees will not be reimbursed. See Testing on Consecutive Dates on page 25 of the MTEL Test Registration Bulletin [pdf].

What MTEL tests are required for my license?

The Communication and Literacy MTEL is needed for all types of licenses (teachers, specialists, support personnel and administrators). In addition, Subject matter tests are required for all teaching and specialist teaching subject areas. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) website contains the list of required MTEL exams for each licensure area and page 2-3 of Lesley's MTEL Student Guide lists required MTELs for Lesley licensure programs.

How can I prepare for the MTELs?

The MTEL Program Web Site contains test objectives, test information booklets and practice tests. As you progress through your program, download the MTEL test objectives for each test, the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks for the subjects, and link those to your Lesley coursework so you can have a frame of reference for studying. Check out the MTEL Study Tips and the MTEL Student Guide on the Certification website. Take advantage of Lesley's MTEL Preparation Workshops, or workshops available through other schools. The MTEL program website has preparation tips on their website. Lesley students and alumni have access to free tutoring for Communication & Literacy through the Center for Academic Achievement, 23 Mellen Street, 617.349.8459.

What are the MTEL test objectives?

The objectives describe in detail what areas will be covered on each test. They are useful for preparing a study plan and are found at the MTEL Program Web Site.

I passed an educator test in another state. Do I still need to take the MTEL?

Yes, you must take and pass the MTEL. No other licensure test is considered comparable to the MTEL.

Are teachers required to take the MTEL test when they apply for certification in a new field?

The requirements for any license can be found at the Licensure-Help Online page of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website. In general, educators who hold an Initial license in any field, are required to take the Subject Matter Test if they seek certification in a new field.

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Although Lesley Certification Office has attempted to ensure that the information contained on the website is accurate and complete at the time of posting, the contents are subject to change at any time.

 
updated 01/30/12 | 02:50 PM