MTTC School Counselor (051)
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ExploreAbout this exam
School Counselor (051) is one of the subject tests listed in the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) program, which is administered for the Michigan Department of Education through Pearson. The test code 051 appears in the official MTTC test table alongside other endorsement-area tests, so candidates can find it in the test list, the registration flow, and the score-reporting system. It is intended for prospective school counselors seeking Michigan school counselor endorsement; the MTTC site directs candidates to "Read about which tests are required for teacher certification in Michigan" to confirm their own requirements, and questions about testing and endorsements can be directed to the Michigan Department of Education. The official source pages do not publish the 051 content domains, item count, time limit, passing score, or fee, so this guide does not state them. Preparation should start from the official 051 preparation materials and practice test linked from the MTTC Prepare page, then move to domain-level study and timed practice. Note that starting January 1, 2026, initial endorsements in several areas require passing both a Professional Knowledge and Skills test and the specific subject test, so confirm which combination applies to you before scheduling.
What you'll study
About MTTC School Counselor (051) preparation
What is the MTTC School Counselor (051) test?
It is the School Counselor test in the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification program, identified by test code 051 in the official MTTC test table. It is the subject-area test associated with school counselor endorsement. Check the MTTC "What tests do I need to take?" page and your preparation program adviser to confirm it is required for your endorsement path.
What is the test format?
The official MTTC pages retrieved for this guide do not state the format, item count, or time limit for test 051. Rather than rely on secondhand numbers, open the 051 test page from the MTTC test table, which carries the current official description, and review the testing policies page before you register.
How much does it cost and how long is it?
The source pages do not list a fee or a time limit for 051, so no figure is given here. The MTTC site notes that candidates taking an MTTC test for the first time during the 2024–25 academic year may be eligible for reimbursement of test fees under a grant program; check the program guidelines and application process on the MTTC site.
What score do I need to pass?
The passing score for 051 is not published in the source pages used here. Score scales and passing requirements are set through the Michigan Department of Education and appear on your official score report and the MTTC scores pages. Review the score report schedules there so you know when results arrive relative to any application deadline.
Can I retake the test if I do not pass?
Yes, retaking is possible, but the rules changed: the MTTC site announced a "Retake Policy Update: Starting 9/26/2025 there will be changes to the MTTC retake policy." Read the current retake policy on the MTTC Policies page before you re-register, because waiting periods and registration limits are governed by that policy.
Do I also need a Professional Knowledge and Skills test?
Possibly. The MTTC site states that starting January 1, 2026, initial endorsements in several areas require passing both a Professional Knowledge and Skills test and the specific subject test. The Professional Knowledge and Skills tests are offered as (5–9) 135 and (7–12) 136. Confirm your specific endorsement requirements with the Michigan Department of Education.
How should I organize my study time?
Begin with the official 051 preparation materials and practice test available through the MTTC Prepare page, since those define the content you will actually see. Then build a study plan around your weakest areas, and finish with timed practice under test-like conditions. A basic-skills exam is no longer required: Senate Bill 889 eliminated that requirement effective September 25, 2018.
What mistakes cause candidates to fall short?
Common problems are studying from unofficial summaries instead of the official 051 preparation materials, ignoring the retake and registration policies until after a disappointing score, and missing that some endorsements now pair a subject test with a Professional Knowledge and Skills test. Verify requirements and deadlines early, and register as soon as your preferred date and site are confirmed.
Where do I register and check dates and sites?
Use the MTTC website: the Tests section links to information for each test, including when and where you can test, and the Register section starts the online registration process. Score reports and testing history are available under Scores, and testing, registration, and score reporting rules are under Policies. Select School Counselor (051) from the test list.