If you need help studying for the MTEL History/Social Science 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 History/Social Science practice test!
What’s on the Exam?
First, let’s talk about the questions on the MTEL History/Social Science test. There are 102 questions in total, with most being multiple-choice and some being open-response.
100 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 different sections of the test:
1. World History
20% of the exam
- Major developments in world history up until mid-14th century CE
- Major developments in world history from mid-14th century to mid-19th century CE
- Major developments in modern world history
2. US History
20% of the exam
- Major developments in North America before 1789
- Major developments in United States from 1789 to 1918
- Major developments in United States from 1918 to present day
3. World Geography and Economics
20% of the exam
- Physical and human geography across the world
- The relationship between geography and culture across the world
- Different economic systems
- The interactions of supply and demand
- The role of government in market economies
- Types of financial investments
- The role of banks in market economies
4. Civic Life and Government
20% of the exam
- The origin of the US constitutional government
- Principles, purposes, and institutions of Massachusetts and US government
- The rights and responsibilities of US citizenship
- Effective history and social science instruction
5. Integration of Knowledge and Understanding
20% of the exam
- World history after the mid-14th century CE
- US history
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.
MTEL History Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
MTEL Scores
The MTEL History/Social Science 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 History/Social Science exam?
The exam contains 102 questions.
What is the time limit for the MTEL History/Social Science exam?
The exam is timed at 4 hours.
What is the passing score for the MTEL History/Social Science exam?
You’ll need to get a final scaled score of at least 240 to pass.
How much does the MTEL History/Social Science exam cost?
The testing fee is $139.