Skip to main content

Test Information Guide

Overview and Test Objectives
Field 64: General Science

Test Overview

Table outlining the test format, number of questions, time, and passing score.
Format Computer-based test (CBT); 100 multiple-choice questions, 2 open-response items
Time 4 hours (does not include 15-minute CBT tutorial)
Passing Score 240

The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) are designed to measure a candidate's knowledge of the subject matter contained in the test objectives for each field. The MTEL are aligned with the Massachusetts educator licensure regulations and, as applicable, with the standards in the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks.

The test objectives specify the content to be covered on the test and are organized by major content subareas. The chart below shows the approximate percentage of the total test score derived from each of the subareas.

The test assesses a candidate's proficiency and depth of understanding of the subject at the level required for a baccalaureate major according to Massachusetts standards. Candidates are typically nearing completion of or have completed their undergraduate work when they take the test.

Pie chart of approximate test weighting.

Sub area 1 20%, Sub area 2 20%, Sub area 3 20%, Sub area 4 20%, and Sub area 5 20%.

Test Objectives

Table outlining test content and subject weighting by sub area and objective.
Subareas Range of Objectives Approximate Test Weighting
Multiple-Choice
1 Technology / Engineering 01to03 20%
2 Earth and Space Science 04to07 20%
3 Life Science 08to11 20%
4 Physical Science 12to16 20%
80%
Open-Response
5 Integration of Knowledge and Understanding
Key Concepts in Earth and Space Science, Life Science, or Physical Science 17 10%
Application of the Principles of Science Practices for Earth and Space Science, Life Science, or Physical Science 18 10%
20%

Subarea 1–Technology / Engineering

Objective 0001: Apply knowledge of engineering design.
For example:
Objective 0002: Demonstrate knowledge of tools, materials, and manufacturing.
For example:
Objective 0003: Demonstrate knowledge of technological systems.
For example:

Subarea 2–Earth and Space Science

Objective 0004: Demonstrate knowledge of the components of the solar system and universe and their interactions.
For example:
Objective 0005: Apply knowledge of Earth's geosphere, geologic history, and processes.
For example:
Objective 0006: Demonstrate knowledge of Earth's hydrosphere, atmosphere, weather, and climate.
For example:
Objective 0007: Demonstrate knowledge of natural resources, natural hazards, and human impacts on the environment.
For example:

Subarea 3–Life Science

Objective 0008: Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics and processes of living organisms.
For example:
Objective 0009: Apply knowledge of the characteristics of populations, communities, ecosystems, and biomes.
For example:
Objective 0010: Apply principles related to the inheritance of characteristics.
For example:
Objective 0011: Demonstrate knowledge of principles related to the theory of biological evolution.
For example:

Subarea 4–Physical Science

Objective 0012: Apply knowledge of the structure and properties of matter.
For example:
Objective 0013: Apply knowledge of the states of matter, particle motion, and heat.
For example:
Objective 0014: Apply knowledge of different forms of energy and the conservation of energy.
For example:
Objective 0015: Apply knowledge of the concepts of force, motion, work, and power.
For example:
Objective 0016: Apply knowledge of the characteristics and properties of waves, electricity, magnetism, and electromagnetism.
For example:

Subarea 5–Integration of Knowledge and Understanding

Objective 0017: Prepare an organized, developed analysis of a topic related to key concepts in Earth and Space Science, Life Science, or Physical Science.
For example:
Objective 0018: Prepare an organized, developed analysis of a topic related to key concepts in Earth and Space Science, Life Science, or Physical Science that emphasizes the application of the principles of science practices.
For example: