Test Information Guide

Overview and Test Objectives
Field 22: Physical Education

Test Overview

Table outlining the test format, number of questions, time, and passing score.
Format Computer-based test (CBT) and online proctored test; 100 multiple-choice questions, 2 open-response items
Number of Questions
  • Subarea I: 24–26 multiple-choice items
  • Subarea II: 24–26 multiple-choice items
  • Subarea III: 24–26 multiple-choice items
  • Subarea IV: 24–26 multiple-choice items
  • Subarea V: 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 I 20%, Sub area II 20%, Sub area III 20%, Sub area IV 20%, and Sub area V 20%.

Test Objectives

Table outlining test content and subject weighting by sub area and objective.
Subareas Range of Objectives Approximate Test Weighting
Multiple-Choice
I Physical Development and Motor Learning 01–04 20%
II Movement Activities 05–08 20%
III Principles of Physical Fitness 09–12 20%
IV The Physical Education Program 13–16 20%
80%
Open-Response*
V Integration of Knowledge and Understanding 17 20%

*The open-response items may relate to topics covered in any of the subareas.

Subarea I–Physical Development and Motor Learning

Objective 0001: Understand human growth and development and the body systems that produce movement.

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Objective 0002: Understand principles and characteristics of motor development and motor learning.

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Objective 0003: Understand critical elements and sequences of locomotor, nonlocomotor, and manipulative skills.

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Objective 0004: Understand principles of biomechanics and kinesiology and their applications to movement activities.

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Subarea II–Movement Activities

Objective 0005: Understand techniques, skills, activities, and safety practices for rhythmic movement and dance.

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Objective 0006: Understand techniques, skills, activities, and safety practices for sports and games.

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Objective 0007: Understand techniques, skills, activities, and safety practices for aquatics, group and recreational activities, outdoor pursuits, and adventure learning.

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Objective 0008: Understand the relationship between movement activities and the development of responsible personal and social behaviors and traits.

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Subarea III–Principles of Physical Fitness

Objective 0009: Understand principles of exercise physiology, physical fitness, and fitness training.

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Objective 0010: Understand principles, procedures, and activities for developing cardiorespiratory fitness and personal fitness plans.

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Objective 0011: Understand principles and activities for promoting flexibility, muscular strength, and endurance.

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Objective 0012: Understand principles of nutrition and strategies and activities for developing and maintaining healthy levels of body composition.

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Subarea IV–The Physical Education Program

Objective 0013: Understand the history, foundations, goals, and purposes of physical education.

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Objective 0014: Understand physical education instruction, including how to adapt activities to address special needs and promote maximum inclusion.

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Objective 0015: Understand physical education assessment strategies and techniques.

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Objective 0016: Understand legal, ethical, and safety standards and issues in physical education.

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Subarea V–Integration of Knowledge and Understanding

In addition to answering multiple-choice items, candidates will prepare written responses to questions addressing content summarized in the objective below.
Objective 0017: Prepare an organized, developed analysis on a topic related to one or more of the following: physical development and motor learning, movement activities, principles of physical fitness, and the physical education program.

(Refer to objectives 0001 through 0016 and associated descriptive statements.)