Candidates for Michigan teacher certification must pass tests designed by the State of Michigan to ensure that certified teachers have the necessary basic skills and content knowledge to perform effectively in Michigan schools. The competency exams are known as the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC). The required tests include:

The Basic Skill Test

This test must be taken and all subtests passed by all candidates for Michigan certification before being admitted to the certification program. The test includes sub-tests in reading, writing, and math. If one or more subtests is failed, the particular subtest(s) can be retaken. Michigan State University students are encouraged to take the Basic Skills Test during their freshmen year but the test should be taken no later than the fall of the sophomore year.

Subject Area Test

Students must pass the required State of Michigan certification tests for elementary teaching or the appropriate major and minor subject area tests for secondary teaching prior to the internship year. Elementary Education interns who wish to be placed in 7th or 8th grade must also pass the test in their teaching major or minors prior to the internship year. For consideration for an internship placement, teacher candidates must take the required MTTC subject tests no later than the April test prior to the internship year.

Elementary Certification

For those seeking elementary certification, including special education and early childhood education, students must take and pass the MTTC in elementary education (test #83) as a condition for progression to the internship (TE501).

For elementary education students, passing the elementary education test is a requirement for completion of the teacher certification program and is the minimal requirement of the State of Michigan in order to receive certification to teach in grades K-5. If you additionally wish to be certified to teach in grades 6-8, you must pass appropriate tests in subject matter areas that you want included on the certificate (you must have completed approved teaching majors or minors in these areas). Students in special education or early childhood must pass tests in their respective area (e.g., HI, LD, or early childhood education) in order to be endorsed in those areas and eligible to teach in those areas. Passing these subject matter tests, however, is not required for program completion.

Secondary Certification 

For those seeking secondary certification, including Music, Audiology and Speech Sciences, and Art, students must take and pass the MTTC in both their major and minor as a condition for progression to the internship (TE 501, ASC 894A, MUS 495). For secondary education students, passing separate content area tests (e.g., major and minor) is a requirement for being certified to teach these specialty areas and is a requirement for completing MSU's teacher education program.

Other Information

MTTC Registration booklets are available on-line at www.mttc.nesinc.com . Information about test dates, costs, registering for the tests, and sample questions and objectives for the Basic Skills Test can be viewed and registration can be completed online. Test scores must be officially reported to Michigan State University.

Study guides, including test objectives and sample questions, for the subject area tests can be ordered through the test registration booklet or online at http://www.mttc.nesinc.com/MI_SG_opener.asp. An advisor in Room 134 Erickson Hall can assist candidates in determining the specific State of Michigan tests to take that correlate with their specific teaching major and/or minor(s).