MTEL Physical Education (22) Practice Test
2025
Teacher Licensure Certification
Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure
MTEL is a suite of computer-based licensure tests required for prospective educators seeking Initial teaching licences in Massachusetts. Tests cover the Communication & Literacy Skills requirement plus subject-specific content knowledge and pedagogy. As of May 2026, some candidates may qualify to waive the Communication & Literacy Skills requirement entirely under a new alternative licensure pathway.
Free Practice Tests & Papers
2 availableExam Details & Pattern
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a candidate seeking an Initial educator licence in Massachusetts through a state-approved educator preparation programme or an alternative licensure route
- The Communication & Literacy Skills (CLS) test is mandatory for all candidates seeking any Initial teaching licence, regardless of subject area — unless the candidate qualifies for the new CLS waiver pathway introduced in 2026 (see Key Facts) or has passed an approved alternative assessment
- Subject-area tests must correspond to the endorsement sought; candidates may sit tests before, during, or after completing their preparation programme
- Registration is conducted through the official MTEL website; no prior degree is required to register, though licensure itself requires degree completion
Marking Scheme & Pattern
Communication & Literacy Skills (CLS) — ReadingMultiple-choice questions assessing reading comprehension and analysis
Communication & Literacy Skills (CLS) — WritingMultiple-choice + 2 open-response writing tasks (summary and composition)
Subject-Area Tests (general format)Multiple-choice questions + 1–4 open-response items depending on the subtest
ScoringScaled score of 100–300; passing score is 240
Negative MarkingNone — unanswered and incorrect questions are treated equally
Syllabus Overview
Communication & Literacy Skills — Reading
- Literal and inferential comprehension
- Analysis of rhetorical strategies and text structure
- Vocabulary in context
- Evaluation of arguments and evidence
- Synthesis of information across passages
Communication & Literacy Skills — Writing
- Grammar
- mechanics
- and usage
- Sentence revision and editing
- Summary writing of a provided passage
- Written composition (argumentative/analytical short essay)
Mathematics (Subject-Area)
- Number sense & operations
- Patterns
- relations & algebra
- Geometry & measurement
- Data analysis
- statistics & probability
- Trigonometry & pre-calculus (for higher-level tests)
- Calculus (MTELMathematics 09)
English (Subject-Area)
- Literature (American
- British
- World)
- Literary analysis and criticism
- Writing and rhetoric
- Language acquisition and linguistics
- Reading instruction pedagogy
Science & Technology/Engineering (Subject-Area)
- Life science
- Physical science
- Earth & space science
- Technology & engineering design
- Safety in laboratory settings
- Science inquiry & experimental design
History (Subject-Area)
- U.S. history
- World history
- Historical thinking skills
- Geography & civics
- Economics fundamentals
- Massachusetts curriculum frameworks alignment
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Communication & Literacy Skills (CLS) test mandatory for all Massachusetts teachers?
Yes, every candidate seeking an Initial educator licence in Massachusetts must pass both parts of the MTEL Communication & Literacy Skills test (Reading and Writing), regardless of the subject area they plan to teach.
What is the passing score for MTEL tests?
The passing scaled score for all MTEL tests is 240, on a scale of 100 to 300. Scores are reported as scaled scores, not raw percentages.
How many times can I retake an MTEL test?
There is no limit on the number of retakes. However, candidates must wait until the official score from their most recent attempt is released before registering for the same test again. A fee is charged for each attempt.
Is there a new way to skip the Communication & Literacy Skills (CLS) test in 2026?
Yes. On April 28, 2026, the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approved changes to educator licensure regulations (603 CMR 7.00) creating an alternative pathway that lets some candidates waive the CLS requirement if they meet one of four eligibility criteria. DESE expected to start accepting applications under this pathway from May 14, 2026. The waiver applies only to the Communication & Literacy Skills test, not subject-area tests — check the official MTEL alternative assessments page for the specific eligibility criteria and application steps.
Are Praxis or other non-MTEL tests still accepted as alternatives?
Yes, Praxis and certain other state-approved exams remain valid alternative assessments to the MTEL for meeting licensure testing requirements. However, three older alternative assessments — CASA, MoGEA, and WEST-B — are being retired effective July 5, 2026, so candidates planning to rely on those should confirm current options on the official MTEL alternative assessments page before registering.
