Feb 19 / Dr. Jason Ampel

Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Practice Test 2025

The MTTC (Michigan Test for Teacher Certification) is an exam series the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) requires for teacher certification. The tests ensure that teaching candidates have the necessary readiness and content knowledge to serve in the state's public schools. 

In addition, any certified teacher who wishes to work in a new area of education must take the appropriate MTTC. For example, a certified educator in English Language Art for grades 5-9 who wants to also teach the subject to high school students would need to pass the MTTC English Language Arts 7-12 (130) exam. 

Preparation is essential to achieving an MTTC passing score. Practice tests and quizzes are crucial elements of a study plan. 

In our guide, we will provide an overview of the MTTC and the benefits of practice tests and quizzes, provide tips on using them effectively, and go over other helpful exam preparation tips.

Overview of the MTTC

The MTTC is a subject-based exam series. Teacher candidates take the test or tests that apply to the area of education in which they seek certification. Deciding which exams apply to your career is made by considering the following:

  •    Grade levels you wish to teach (i.e., Elementary, Middle-School, High School)
  •    Subject areas (i.e., Math, History, Music, Spanish)
  •    Any specialized skills (i.e., Speech, Bilingual Education, Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Library Media)


The MTTC exam series contains subject area tests. Common exams include:

  •    Elementary Education (103)
  •    Early Childhood Education (106)
  •    Music Education (099)
  •    Geography (008)
  •    Mathematics 7-12 (131)
  •    Physical Science (097)
  •    Social Studies Secondary (084)


Unsure which exams apply to your career goals? Excellent sources to find advice include:


MTTC Exam Structure and Format

The MTTC exams are computer-based and generally contain 100-150 multiple-choice questions. MTTC exam time limits range from 2 to 4 and a half hours. 

Below is a breakdown of some popular MTTC exams, including the structure and format.

Reading (005)

  •    Format: Computer-based. 
  •    Questions: 100 multiple-choice. 
  •    Time: 2h 45m total

          - 15m for tutorial & nondisclosure agreement.
          - 2h 30m testing time. 

The MTTC Reading (005) is broken down into 6 sub-areas:

  1.    Meaning and Communication, 19%. 
  2.    Genres and Craft of Literature and Language, 15%. 
  3.    Skills and Processes, 18%. 
  4.    Instruction, 18%. 
  5.    Assessment, 15%. 
  6.    Professional, Program, and Curriculum Development, 15%

Mathematics Secondary (022)

  •    Format: Computer-based. 
  •   Questions: 100 multiple-choice. 
  •    Time: 2h 45m total

          - 15m for tutorial & nondisclosure agreement.
          - 2h 30m testing time. 

The MTTC Mathematics Secondary (022) is broken down into 4 sub-areas:

  1.    Mathematical Processes and Number Concepts, 22%. 
  2.    Patterns, Algebraic Relationships, and Functions, 28%. 
  3.    Measurement and Geometry, 22%. 
  4.    Data Analysis, Statistics, Probability, and Discrete Mathematics, 28%. 

Science 7-12 (138)

  •    Format: Computer-based. 
  •    Questions: 100 multiple-choice. 
  •    Time: 2h 45m total

          - 15m for tutorial & nondisclosure agreement.
          - 2h 30m testing time. 

The MTTC Science 7-12 (138) is broken down into 6 sub-areas:

  1.    Teaching and Learning of Science, 40%. 
  2.    Professional Knowledge and Skills for Science Teachers, 30%. 
  3.    Life Science Content Knowledge, 10%. 
  4.    Physical Science Content Knowledge, 10%
  5.    Earth and Space Science Content Knowledge, 10%.

Social Studies Secondary (084)

  •    Format: Computer-based. 
  •    Questions: 100 multiple-choice. 
  •    Time: 2h 45m total
          -     15m for tutorial & nondisclosure agreement.

         - 2h 30m testing time. 

The MTTC Social Studies (084) is broken down into 7 sub-areas:

  1.    Historical Perspectives, 10%.
  2.    World History, 18%. 
  3.    U.S. History, 18%. 
  4.    Geography, 18%. 
  5.    Political Science, 13%.
  6.    Economics, 13%. 
  7.    Inquiry, Interdisciplinary Perspectives, and Public Discourse, 10%.

Benefits of MTTC Practice Tests

Preparing for the MTTC requires a study plan that involves various learning strategies and evaluation techniques. Practice tests and quizzes are an essential ingredient in the preparation process.

There are numerous benefits to taking MTTC practice tests and quizzes, including:

  •    Diagnostic tools for identifying strengths and weaknesses.
  •    Familiarity with the test format and timing.
  •    Reducing test anxiety through preparation.
  •    Increasing confidence.
  •    Sharpening test-taking strategies and skills.

How to Use MTTC Practice Tests Effectively

Using MTTC practice tests effectively increases the value of your study time and reduces the cost of buying access to more practice tests and quizzes. 

Tips on using MTTC practice tests effectively include:

  •    Simulating test-day conditions.
  •    Reviewing answers and explanations.
  •    Track your progress.
  •    Creating and modifying study plans based on the results.

Recommended Practice Resources

Gathering study material is one of the first steps to preparing for the MTTC. To help you get started, here are some practice resources we recommend:

Additional Preparation Tips

Successful preparation for the MTTC requires an overall strategy. When creating your study plan, consider the following preparation tips:

  •    Setting study schedules: Plan your studying like it is an essential appointment. Put it into a calendar or a scheduling app. Treating like a meeting or medical test will prevent preparation time from being eaten up by everyday demands, like taking care of kids, looking after pets, or running errands. 
  •    Utilizing supplemental materials like flashcards: Boredom can lead to daydreaming, zoning out, going through the motions, and lack of retention of the study material. Ensure you stay sharp by using various tools, like videos, podcasts, study games, and webinars.
  •    Joining study groups or forums: Facebook, Reddit, and other platforms often have study groups where fellow teaching candidates, coaches, and mentors help each other prepare for MTTC exam day. 

Conclusion

Passing the MTTC is possible by following a study plan. Remember to schedule in-practice tests and quizzes as part of your preparation to ensure you are familiar with the format, increase confidence, reduce test anxiety, and help track your study progress. 

Contact The Learning Liaisons with any questions or to learn how we can help you meet your MTTC goals. We are always happy to help.