Preparing for the MTEL

  • Educate yourself about Massachusetts state requirements.
  • Gather materials and read through them thoroughly. 
    Review the MTEL Test Information Guide  and Test Objectives. These resources contain information on test objectives for each exam, sample questions, and sample responses with examples of "weak" and "strong" essay responses.
  • Be wise about registering for tests 
    Register for the CLS and the Subject Matter Test separately so that you are not taking both in the same day. Candidates for admission to educator preparation programs should plan on taking the CLS test well ahead of when they will be applying for admission to a program. Scores are sent out approximately six weeks after the test administration. Allow for time to retake the test.
  • Practice taking sample tests via the Practice Tests on the MTEL website.
    You may also consider gathering similar sample tests to practice your test-taking skills:  GED test preparation booklets, similar tests from other states, exercises from grammar and style books, and the GRE subject matter tests. Also, many colleges in Massachusetts have test information available on their websites. Visit this website to take practice tests similar to some exercises on the MTEL.