MTEL Early Childhood

It is a computer-based test with 100 multiple-choice questions and 2 open-response assignments. You get 4 hours of testing time within a 4 hours and 15 minutes appointment, and 15 minutes of that is the CBT tutorial and nondisclosure agreement. At least one assignment allows handwritten, scanned responses, so review the scanning instructions.

The Early Childhood (02) test has retired. Registration is open for the redeveloped test, which appears in the MTEL test list as Early Childhood (72), with testing starting February 6, 2023. Check the official MTEL site and your licensure program's requirements to confirm which test your application needs.

The qualifying score is 240. Score reports are released on scheduled dates rather than immediately, so plan your registration around the score report release schedule published on the MTEL site if you have a licensure or hiring deadline. Review the CBT score report release dates before you book.

The fee is $139. Appointments are available by appointment year-round, Monday through Saturday, excluding some holidays, at test centers located in Massachusetts and nationwide. Check appointment availability early, since seats at convenient centers and dates can fill. Fee and payment details are on the official MTEL site.

The mixed format is the usual difficulty: many candidates prepare only for multiple choice and then lose points on the two open-response assignments. Others mismanage the 4 hours and leave no time to write. Practice handwriting and scanning responses, and rehearse pacing so both sections get real attention.

Start with the official test framework and preparation materials for your test, then build a study plan around the domains it lists. Work domain by domain, and add timed practice sets plus at least a few full-length rehearsals that include open-response writing. Practice tests are the best way to find weak areas early.

Retake rules are governed by MTEL policies, so review them on the official site before scheduling again. Separately, MTEL-Flex Early Childhood (924 & 925) is an option for candidates whose score on select MTEL fields is very close to the passing score and who meet the eligibility criteria. Registration opened 6/2/26.

Not necessarily. Tests may include questions that will not count toward candidates' scores; these are placed on the test to collect information about how well they perform under actual testing conditions. Treat every question as if it counts, since you cannot tell which ones are unscored.

This test includes one or more assignments that allow you to handwrite and scan your responses. Review the tutorial video and scanning instructions in advance; the instructions are also available during your test. Practice writing full responses by hand within time limits so the scanning step does not eat into your writing time.