Test Information Guide

Overview and Test Objectives
Field 53: Elementary Mathematics

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
Number of Questions
  • Subarea I: 37–39 multiple-choice questions
  • Subarea II: 30–32 multiple-choice questions
  • Subarea III: 30–32 multiple-choice questions
  • Subarea IV: 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 30%, Sub area II 25%, Sub area III 25%, and Sub area IV 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 Number Sense, Operations, and Data Analysis 01–06 30%
II Patterns, Relations, and Algebra 07–11 25%
III Geometry and Measurement 12–15 25%
80%
Open-Response*
IV Integration of Knowledge and Understanding 16 20%

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

Subarea I–Number Sense, Operations, and Data Analysis

Objective 0001: Understand number theory, the structure of numeration systems, and the properties of the real number system.
Objective 0002: Understand principles and operations related to integers.
Objective 0003: Understand principles and operations related to fractions.
Objective 0004: Understand principles and operations related to decimals and percents.
Objective 0005: Understand descriptive statistics and the methods used in collecting, organizing, reporting, and analyzing data.
Objective 0006: Understand the fundamental principles of probability.

Subarea II–Patterns, Relations, and Algebra

Objective 0007: Understand patterns and the properties of functions and relations.
Objective 0008: Understand how to manipulate and simplify algebraic expressions and translate problems into algebraic expressions, equations, and inequalities.
Objective 0009: Understand properties and applications of linear relations and functions.
Objective 0010: Understand properties and applications of ratios and proportions.
Objective 0011: Understand properties and applications of quadratic, exponential, polynomial, and rational functions and relations.

Subarea III–Geometry and Measurement

Objective 0012: Understand principles, concepts, and procedures related to measurement.
Objective 0013: Understand the principles of Euclidean geometry and use them to prove theorems.
Objective 0014: Apply Euclidean geometry to analyze the characteristics and properties of two- and three-dimensional shapes.
Objective 0015: Understand the principles and properties of coordinate and transformational geometry and use them to prove theorems.

Subarea IV–Integration of Knowledge and Understanding

Objective 0016: Prepare an organized, developed analysis on a topic related to one or more of the following: number sense, operations, and data analysis; patterns, relations, and algebra; and geometry and measurement.