If you need help studying for the MTEL General Curriculum exam or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place!
Click below to take a free MTEL General Curriculum practice test!
What’s on the Exam?
First, let’s talk about the questions on the MTEL General Curriculum test. There are 122 questions in total, with most being multiple-choice and some being open-response.
120 questions
Multiple-choice questions require you to select the correct answer from a list of four options. There will only be one correct answer per question.
Open-Response
2 questions
The open-response questions require you to write your answer instead of selecting from a list of choices. Your response to these questions is generally expected to be 150–300 words.
The time limit for the test is 4 hours. There aren’t any scheduled breaks, but you’re free to take a restroom break if needed!
Let’s take a closer look at the two subtests within the exam:
1. Language Arts and History/Social Science (178)
61 questions
- Major genres and works of literature written for children
- Informational texts
- Effective writing and research characteristics
- Speaking and expressive communication techniques
- Listening and receptive communication techniques
History/Social Science (60%)
- Basic economics
- Physical and human geography
- The relationships between geography and culture
- Major develops throughout world history
- US and Massachusetts history
- Principles, structure, function, and development of the US government
Integration of Knowledge and Understanding (10%)
- Writing an analysis comparing the treatment of a given topic in primary and secondary sources
2. Mathematics, Science, and Technology/Engineering (278)
61 questions
- Number theory
- Numeration systems and operations
- Arithmetic properties
- Fractions, ratios, rates, and proportions
- Patterns
- Algebraic relationships
- Functions
- Geometry concepts
- Measurement and data
Science and Technology/Engineering (42%)
- Earth and space science principles
- Life science principles
- Physical science principles
- Engineering principles and practices
Integration of Knowledge and Understanding (10%)
- Writing an analysis of a scenario integrating science/engineering and mathematics content and practices
How to Register
To register for the test, you’ll need to create an account on the MTEL website. Once your account has been created, you can submit your application to take the test.
When you submit your registration, you will need to pay the $139 testing fee if you plan to take both subtests in one sitting. If you want to take each subtest separately, each one costs $69.50.
MTEL General Curriculum Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
MTEL Scores
The MTEL General Curriculum test is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
For every question you answer correctly, you get one point added to your raw score. At the end of the test, your final raw score will be converted to a scaled score. This scaled score will range somewhere between 100 and 300.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone that takes the test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
FAQs
How many questions are on the MTEL General Curriculum exam?
The exam contains 122 questions.
What is the time limit for the MTEL General Curriculum exam?
The exam is timed at 4 hours, whether you’re taking one subtests or both.
What is the passing score for the MTEL General Curriculum exam?
You’ll need to get a final scaled score of at least 240 on both subtests to pass the exam.
How much does the MTEL General Curriculum exam cost?
The full testing fee is $139 (or $69.50 per subtest).