Test Information Guide

Overview and Test Objectives
Field 21: Health/Family and Consumer Sciences

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: 28–30 multiple-choice questions
  • Subarea II: 20–22 multiple-choice questions
  • Subarea III: 28–30 multiple-choice questions
  • Subarea IV: 20–22 multiple-choice questions
  • 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 23%, Sub area II 19%, Sub area III 23%, Sub area IV 15%, 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 A Healthy Lifestyle 01–04 23%
II Family and Emotional Health 05–07 19%
III Safety and Prevention 08–11 23%
IV Resource Management and Community Health 12–14 15%
80%
Open-Response*
V Integration of Knowledge and Understanding 15 20%

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

Subarea I–A Healthy Lifestyle

Objective 0001: Understand human body systems and characteristics of human growth and development as they impact health decisions made throughout the life span.
For example:
Objective 0002: Understand the role of food science and proper nutrition in maintaining and enhancing health.
For example:
Objective 0003: Understand principles, components, and benefits of lifelong physical fitness.
For example:
Objective 0004: Understand human sexuality and strategies for promoting sexual and reproductive health.
For example:

Subarea II–Family and Emotional Health

Objective 0005: Understand principles and strategies for maintaining mental and emotional health and for managing stress.
For example:
Objective 0006: Understand factors that influence interpersonal relationships, including communication skills.
For example:
Objective 0007: Understand the significance of the family in society and parenting strategies and skills that support healthy family relationships.
For example:

Subarea III–Safety and Prevention

Objective 0008: Understand the nature, control, and prevention of illness and disease.
For example:
Objective 0009: Understand health risks associated with tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs and strategies and skills for the prevention of tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use.
For example:
Objective 0010: Understand principles, strategies, and techniques for enhancing safety, preventing and treating injuries, and responding to emergencies.
For example:
Objective 0011: Understand principles of conflict resolution and violence prevention.
For example:

Subarea IV–Resource Management and Community Health

Objective 0012: Understand consumer and environmental principles and skills for accessing, evaluating, and managing health and family resources.
For example:
Objective 0013: Understand the role of public health strategies in supporting safe communities.
For example:
Objective 0014: Understand key health and family and consumer sciences concepts and skills.
For example:

Subarea V–Integration of Knowledge and Understanding

Objective 0015: Prepare an organized, developed analysis on a topic related to one or more of the following: a healthy lifestyle, family and emotional health, safety and prevention, and resource management and community health.

(Refer to objectives 0001 through 0014 and associated descriptive statements.)