Test Information Guide

Overview and Test Objectives
Field 69: Physics

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 30%, Sub area 2 20%, Sub area 3 23%, Sub area 4 12%, Sub area 5 17%, Sub area 6 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 Matter and Its Interactions 01to02 11%
2 Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions 03to05 17%
3 Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions in Fields and Circuits 06to09 23%
4 Energy 10to11 12%
5 Waves and Their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer 12to14 17%
80%
Open-Response
6 Integration of Knowledge and Understanding
Key Scientific Concepts 15 10%
Application of Science and Engineering Practices 16 10%
20%

 

Subarea 1–Matter and Its Interactions

0001—Apply knowledge of atomic and nuclear physics.

For example:

0002—Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of modern physics.

For example:

 

Subarea 2–Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions

0003—Apply knowledge of kinematics to interpret motion.

For example:

0004—Apply knowledge of forces and Newton's laws.

For example:

0005—Apply knowledge of linear momentum, angular momentum, and rotational dynamics.

For example:

 

Subarea 3–Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions in Fields and Circuits

0006—Apply knowledge of gravitational forces and circular motion.

For example:

0007—Apply knowledge of electrostatics, electric fields, and electric potential.

For example:

0008—Apply knowledge of magnetic fields and electromagnetism.

For example:

0009—Apply knowledge of electric circuits.

For example:

 

Subarea 4–Energy

0010—Apply knowledge of energy, power, and the conservation of energy.

For example:

0011—Apply knowledge of the basic laws of thermodynamics and the kinetic molecular theory.

For example:

 

Subarea 5–Waves and Their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer

0012—Apply knowledge of simple harmonic motion and wave properties and characteristics.

For example:

0013—Apply knowledge of wave interactions and phenomena.

For example:

0014—Apply knowledge of electromagnetic waves and the electromagnetic spectrum.

For example:

 

Subarea 6–Integration of Knowledge and Understanding

0015—Prepare an organized, developed analysis of a key topic in physics related to Matter and Its Interactions, Energy, or Waves and Their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer.

For example:

0016—Prepare an organized, developed analysis of a key topic in physics related to Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions or Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions in Fields and Circuits that emphasizes the application of science and engineering practices in a classroom setting.

For example: