MTLE Physics (Grades 9-12)
MTLE Physics (Grades 9–12)
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ExploreAbout this exam
The MTLE Physics (Grades 9–12) is one of the content-area tests in the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations program, which Minnesota uses to evaluate candidates for a teaching license. It is aimed at people preparing to teach physics at the high school level and at candidates adding a physics licensure area. The test appears on the MTLE content-area list alongside Chemistry (Grades 9–12), Earth and Space Science (Grades 9–12), Life Science (Grades 9–12), and Middle Level Science (Grades 5–8), and it is listed under the Physics (Grades 9–12) entry on the MTLE Tests page. The official source pages confirm the test's existence and where it sits in the test catalog, but they do not publish the number of questions, the time limit, the fee, or the passing scale for this test; those details belong to the individual test page, which you should open from the Tests table. Preparation materials are grouped under the Prepare section, which offers study materials for each test, a full-length practice test, and a test preparation video. Because testing requirements depend on licensure type, confirm which tests your license requires before you schedule. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the MTLE program or its administrator.
What you'll study
About MTLE Physics (Grades 9-12) preparation
What is the MTLE Physics (Grades 9–12) test?
It is the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations content-area test listed for Physics (Grades 9–12). It appears in the content-area table on the MTLE Tests page, alongside other science tests such as Chemistry (Grades 9–12) and Earth and Space Science (Grades 9–12). Open the Physics entry in that table for the test-specific details.
Do I need the Physics test or the Middle Level Science test?
It depends on the license you are seeking. The MTLE site states that testing requirements are dependent on licensure type and directs candidates to read which tests are required for a Minnesota teaching license. Check your licensure area first, then confirm the matching test before you register.
How many questions are on the test, and how long is it?
The official MTLE pages retrieved for this profile do not state a question count or time limit for Physics (Grades 9–12). Rather than guess, treat those figures as unknown and read them from the Physics test page in the Tests table, which is where test-specific information such as when and where you can test is published.
How is the exam scored, and what score do I need to pass?
The MTLE Tests page states that each MTLE examination includes multiple subtests and that candidates must pass each subtest to pass the examination. The specific passing score for Physics is not given on the pages retrieved here. The site also posted announcements regarding MTLE passing scores dated 2/1/23 and 3/5/24, so verify current requirements on the official pages.
Can I retake the test if I fail?
Yes, retakes exist, and MTLE announced on 8/31/21 that retake vouchers are available for candidates retaking an exam after two failed attempts. The exact voucher terms and eligibility conditions are not described on the pages retrieved here, so review the MTLE Policies section before you assume you qualify.
Can I test from home?
Remote online proctoring is no longer an option. MTLE announced on 2/21/24 that the online proctoring method for remote testing retired on March 3, 2024, and that the last day to register for an online-proctored test was March 2, 2024. Plan to test at a test center; use the Tests page to find dates and sites.
What preparation materials does MTLE provide?
The Prepare section links to preparation materials for your test, a full-length practice test, and a test preparation video. MTLE has announced new practice tests at various points, so check the Physics entry for the most current set. Use the practice test to rehearse pacing under timed conditions before your appointment.
What order should I study in?
Start by opening the Physics test page to see the published content information and any preparation materials, then take a full-length practice test to find your weakest areas. Study those areas first, revisit the practice test, and finish with the preparation video and a timed review. Confirm your required tests before investing study time.
What are the most common mistakes candidates make?
Three stand out: assuming a question count, time limit, or passing score from an old source instead of the current Physics test page; registering for the wrong science test without checking licensure requirements; and planning for at-home proctoring, which retired on March 3, 2024. Verify each of these on the official MTLE pages before test day.
Is the Essential Academic Skills test part of this requirement?
The Minnesota NES Essential Academic Skills (EAS) test is listed on the MTLE site as available for testing through 8/18/2024, separate from the content-area tests. Whether you need it depends on your licensure type. Check the official guidance on which tests are required for a Minnesota teaching license rather than assuming.