MTTC Test Results, Scores and Passing Rates — What You Need To Know

The MTTC, or Michigan Test for Teacher Certification, tests prerequisite knowledge and skills for new teacher candidates in the state of Michigan. Learning about how the exams are scored is one of the easiest ways to improve your results. This article will walk you through MTTC test results. We will cover MTTC scoring, how long it takes to get score reports, and how hard it is to pass MTTC exams.

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How Are the MTTC Exams Scored?

There are many different MTTC exams, each with a different test structure. Despite their differences, all MTTC exam scores are scaled, which means that individual differences between test forms should not affect your score. The scaled score is calculated from the number of questions answered correctly out of the total number of scored questions and converted to a score between 100 and 300. Since no points are deducted for incorrect answers, it’s better to answer all questions than it is to leave questions blank, even when you’re not sure of the right answer. You can find more information about how to answer all questions in this testing approach.

For all MTTC tests, a score of 220 or higher is designated as passing.

In addition to multiple-choice or selected-response questions (SRQs), world language tests such as Spanish (028), French (023), and Arabic (102) include constructed-response questions (CRQs). These are open-ended or essay questions that are evaluated by professionals in the subject area. CRQs are scored from 1 to 4 points, and this score is included in the total scaled score for the exam.

How Long Does It Take To Get MTTC Scores?

Generally, it takes about four weeks to receive MTTC test scores. The score report date depends on the testing window, and your exact MTTC score reporting dates can be found on the MTTC website. Score reports will be automatically available in your online account and can be emailed on request.

What Score Do You Need To Pass the MTTC Test?

You need to score 220 points to pass an MTTC test. All subject area assessments have the same passing score.

How Long Do You Have To Wait Before You Can Retake an MTTC Exam?

You must wait 30 days before retaking an MTTC exam. Use the waiting period to reevaluate the weaknesses in your study plan, access MTTC study guides and practice problems, and learn more about the  MTTC practice test.

How Do You Interpret an MTTC Score Report?

Reading a score report can be confusing. The first thing to look for is the status, which will say “Passed” or “Did not pass.” Passing score reports will not include a numeric score. This is to prevent the score from being used in hiring and promotional opportunities. Examinees that receive less than 220 points will see their total numeric score.

The performance index section of the score report gives a breakdown of test performance across different subareas. One to four plus symbols are used to represent performance in each multiple-choice subareas. For example, “++++” indicates that most questions were answered correctly. It is important to note that different subareas may have different numbers of questions. Constructed-response questions (when applicable) will also be included in the performance index. An annotated example score report is available on the MTTC website.

How Hard Is It To Pass an MTTC Exam?

Each person will experience the MTTC exam differently. Academic background, professional experience, MTTC test prep, and test-day conditions can all affect how hard or easy an exam feels. This is why it is so important to adequately prepare for your test. The most recent MTTC pass fail rates available from the Michigan Office of Educator Excellence are from 2019-2020. The average initial pass rate is 81.8%, but keep in mind that this is the pass rate for those elect not to cancel their scores. While state MTTC pass fail rates are generally high, they vary by section. For example, the initial pass rate for Social Studies elementary education was 60.6%, while the initial pass rate for learning disabilities was 93.4%.

Remember, failing an exam with a high pass rate is still possible. Prepare for success by making an MTTC study plan ahead of time and sticking to it! The best way to gain confidence for your exam is by using a comprehensive MTTC study guide.

For more information about test prep and test-taking strategies, check out our comprehensive testing tips!