MTEL General Science (64)

It is a computer-based test with 100 multiple-choice questions and 2 open-response assignments. One or more assignments let you handwrite and scan your responses. The appointment includes a 15-minute CBT tutorial and nondisclosure agreement plus 4 hours of testing time.

The total appointment time is 4 hours and 15 minutes. Of that, 15 minutes is for the CBT tutorial and nondisclosure agreement, and 4 hours is actual testing time. Plan arrival and check-in around the full appointment window.

The qualifying score is 240. Score reports are released on published CBT score report dates, which you can check on the MTEL score reporting page. If you do not pass, review your score report before deciding when to retake.

The fee is $139. Fee and payment information is available on the MTEL Test Fees and Payment Information page. Check that page before registering in case payment options or policies have been updated since you last tested.

No. Calculators are prohibited on General Science (64). A periodic table is provided on-screen with your test, and you can review it online now. Practice solving calculation-style items without a calculator so the arithmetic does not slow you down.

Testing is by appointment year-round, Monday through Saturday, excluding some holidays. Test centers are located in Massachusetts and nationwide. Use the appointment availability and test center search tools on the MTEL site to pick a date and location that fit your schedule.

Start with the preparation materials and tutorials linked from the General Science (64) test page. Then build a study plan around the test's content, practicing both multiple-choice reasoning and written responses. Because the open-response assignments require handwriting and scanning, rehearse that workflow before test day.

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. Practicing timed written responses will help you manage the 4 hours of testing time.

MTEL-Flex General Science (914 & 915) is not yet available. It opens only after the redeveloped General Science (64) test is operational, qualifying scores are set by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, and scores are reported. Eligibility requires having taken and not passed General Science (64) with a score within one standard error of measurement of the passing score.

No. 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. Answer every question as if it counts, since you cannot tell which items are unscored.