Exam Overview

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The MTTC Upper Elementary (3-6) Education test (121-124) is the Michigan certification test for teaching grades 3-6. It is made up of four separately timed subtests that cover professional knowledge, literacy, mathematics, and science and social studies. Every subtest is multiple choice, and most questions ask you to apply knowledge to a classroom situation.

As you prepare to become a teacher in Michigan, passing the MTTC is a key step toward meeting state certification requirements. It ensures that you possess the necessary academic foundation and pedagogical skills to provide high-quality education to young learners.

Exam Pattern

The test is divided into four subtests. Each one has its own appointment, fee and score, so you can schedule them on the same day or on different days.

MTTC Upper Elementary (3-6) Education at a glance
Subtest	Questions	Testing time	Appointment time	Fee
121 Professional Knowledge and Skills	50	1 hr 15 min	1 hr 30 min	$59
122 Literacy	50	1 hr 15 min	1 hr 30 min	$59
123 Mathematics	50	1 hr 30 min	1 hr 45 min	$59
124 Science and Social Studies	60	1 hr 30 min	1 hr 45 min	$69
All four subtests	210	5 hr 30 min	6 hr 30 min	$246

Subtests

210

Questions in all

220

Passing score (each)

All questions are multiple choice with four answer options. Appointment time adds 15 minutes for the computer tutorial and nondisclosure agreement. A calculator is not allowed on the Mathematics subtest.

What Each Subtest Measures

Official subareas and approximate weights
Subtest	Subarea	Approx. share
121 Professional Knowledge and Skills	I. Learner-Centered Supports (the whole child, the learning environment, instructional practice)	60%
	II. Professional Knowledge and Strategic Partnerships (ethics and professional growth, partnerships)	40%
122 Literacy	I. Literacy in Context (environments, culturally responsive practice, curriculum and assessment, motivation)	30%
	II. Literacy Skills (decoding, spelling, syntax, vocabulary)	30%
	III. Literacy Processes (fluency, comprehension, composition, speaking and listening)	40%
123 Mathematics	I. Mathematics-Specific Teaching Practices	20%
	II. Knowledge for Teaching Whole Numbers and Operations	40%
	III. Knowledge for Teaching Fractions, Decimals and Operations	40%
124 Science and Social Studies	I. Science: Three-Dimensional Science Learning	25%
	II. Science: Learners' Sense-Making and Science Teaching	25%
	III. Social Studies: Civic engagement, history, geography, civics and government, economics	50%

Questions per subtest

121 PKS

122 Literacy

123 Math

124 Sci & SS

Timing and Delivery

The test is computer based and taken by appointment at a Pearson testing center.
Testing time is 1 hour 15 minutes for subtests 121 and 122 (about 90 seconds per question) and 1 hour 30 minutes for subtests 123 and 124 (about 108 seconds and 90 seconds per question).
You can register for one subtest or several at a time, and you only retake the subtests you do not pass.
No calculator is permitted on subtest 123 Mathematics, so practice computing by hand.

Scoring

Passing Score

Scores are reported on a scale of 100 to 300. A scaled score of 220 is the minimum passing score for each subtest, and each subtest is passed separately.

Score Report

Your report shows pass or not pass for each subtest and a performance rating (from ++++ down to +) for each subarea, which tells you where to focus if you need to retest. A numeric total appears only if you did not pass.

Retaking a Subtest

If you do not pass a subtest, you can register for it again and retake only that subtest. Check the MTTC website for current registration and retake rules.

Score Validity

MTTC scores are valid for five years from the test date for use toward a Michigan certificate or endorsement.

Administered By

The MTTC program is run by the Michigan Department of Education with Pearson, which develops and administers the tests. You register, schedule and view scores through the official MTTC website (mttc.nesinc.com).

Importance of the Exam

The MTTC exam is important for several reasons:

Certification Requirement

To add the Upper Elementary (3-6) endorsement to a Michigan teaching certificate, you must pass the MTTC subtests the Michigan Department of Education requires for it. This exam verifies your knowledge in the subjects you will be teaching and ensures you meet the state’s professional teaching standards.

Professional Readiness

The exam assesses your understanding of both academic content and pedagogical strategies, which are crucial for effective teaching. By passing the exam, you demonstrate that you are prepared to handle the challenges of teaching upper elementary students.

Ensuring Quality Education

The MTTC plays an essential role in maintaining the quality of education in Michigan. It ensures that teachers possess the necessary skills to teach a wide range of subjects and manage classrooms effectively, ultimately benefiting the students they serve.

Career Advancement

Successfully passing the MTTC exam not only opens the door to certification but also enhances your qualifications as an educator. It is a valuable credential that can boost your career prospects and professional development.

Always Confirm Current Details

Fees, testing times and policies are set by the Michigan Department of Education and Pearson and can change. Confirm the current details on the MTTC website before you register.

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