MTLE Earth and Space Science (Grades 9-12)
MTLE Earth and Space Science (Grades 9–12)
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Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
ExploreExam-day guide
Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
The Earth and Space Science (Grades 9–12) test is one of the content-area examinations listed in the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE) program, which is how Minnesota verifies subject-matter knowledge for teacher licensure. It is intended for candidates seeking a Grades 9–12 license to teach Earth and space science, and it sits alongside other secondary science content tests such as Life Science, Chemistry, and Physics. Which tests you must take depends on the licensure type you are pursuing, so confirm your own requirement list before scheduling. MTLE examinations are organized as subtests, and passing an examination requires passing each of its subtests, so a strong performance on one section cannot offset a weak one. The public program pages give test dates, test sites, registration, score reporting, and preparation materials, including practice tests and a preparation video, for each test. Because the program does not publish the Earth and space science subtest structure, item count, or time limit on these pages, plan your preparation around the official preparation materials linked from the test page rather than secondhand summaries, and treat any specific figure you encounter elsewhere as unverified until you confirm it at the source.
What you'll study
About MTLE Earth and Space Science (Grades 9-12) preparation
Who needs the Earth and Space Science (Grades 9–12) test?
It is the content-area test for candidates seeking a Minnesota license to teach Earth and space science at the secondary level. Testing requirements depend on licensure type, so check the state's list of which tests apply to your license before you register.
How is the MTLE structured and scored?
Each MTLE examination includes multiple subtests, and to pass an examination candidates must pass each subtest. That means every subtest counts individually. The program pages do not list subtest counts for this test, so confirm the structure on the test's own page.
What score do I need to pass?
The program has posted an announcement regarding MTLE passing scores, but the public pages do not state the passing score itself. Do not rely on figures from older prep materials; confirm the current requirement through the official scores and policies pages before your test date.
Can I retake the test if I do not pass?
Retakes are possible, and retake vouchers are available for candidates retaking an exam after two failed attempts. Plan your study time so a retake is a backup rather than the strategy, and review your score report to see which subtest pulled your result down.
How should I sequence my studying?
Start from the official preparation materials and any practice test offered for this test, then build a study plan around the weakest areas those reveal. Because each subtest must be passed separately, give attention to every section rather than over-investing in the one you enjoy most.
What is the most common way candidates fall short?
Treating the exam as a single score. Candidates who excel in one area sometimes assume it will carry them, but passing requires passing each subtest. A second common problem is preparing from outdated third-party summaries instead of current official materials.
Is the test available online?
Online proctoring for remote MTLE testing was retired on March 3, 2024, and the last day to register for an online-proctored test was March 2, 2024. Plan on an in-person test site, and check current test dates and sites when you register.
Where do I find test dates, sites, and prep materials?
All three are linked from the program site: select your test to see when and where you can take it and to access preparation materials, including practice tests and a test preparation video. Registration, scores, and policies each have their own pages.
Does this page represent the testing program?
No. This is independent study material for candidates searching this exam. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the testing program or the state, and official pages are the only authoritative source for requirements, dates, fees, and scoring.