MTTC

The MTTC is Michigan's teacher certification testing program; its official site hosts test lists, registration, score reports, and testing policies. It is separate from any individual preparation program's own requirements, so check with your adviser about how your program uses your scores, and check the MTTC site for the tests themselves.

The official program page does not publish a single format, item count, or time limit that applies across all tests. Those details vary by test and are listed on each test's own page under the Tests section, along with where and when you can test. Look up your specific test number before you plan your timing.

It depends entirely on the endorsement you are seeking. For example, the Lower Elementary Education (ZO) endorsement requires subtests 118, 119, and 120 plus either 117 or 121, while Upper Elementary Education (ZP) requires 122, 123, and 124 plus either 121 or 117. Confirm your own endorsement's combination with the Michigan Department of Education.

No. Senate Bill 889, signed June 26, 2018, eliminated the requirement that Michigan teacher candidates pass a basic skills examination, effective September 25, 2018. If you are working from older prep materials or advice that references a basic skills test, that guidance is out of date. Ask your preparation program adviser how the change affects your plan.

Possibly. Starting January 1, 2026, initial endorsements in several areas will require passing both a Professional Knowledge and Skills test and the specific subject test. The program directs candidates to its information on active endorsements and MTTC alignment to see which areas are affected, so verify your endorsement before scheduling.

The program announced a retake policy update that took effect September 26, 2025, but the announcement does not describe the revised terms. Because the old rules may no longer apply, read the current Policies section on the official MTTC site rather than relying on what other candidates tell you about waiting periods or attempt limits.

The official program page does not state a universal test fee, a passing standard, or a score validity period. Fees and score reporting schedules are set per test and published through the registration and scores sections. A fee reimbursement grant program was previously announced for candidates testing for the first time during the 2024–25 academic year, so check whether any similar program is active.

Registration for Social Studies (5–9) (141) opened October 6, 2026, and testing starts October 26, 2026. A study guide for that test is anticipated to be available starting Quarter 1, 2027, so early candidates may need to prepare from the general preparation materials in the meantime.

Work backward from your endorsement: identify each required test number, then pull that test's own preparation materials and full-length practice test rather than studying generically. If you face multiple subtests, take a practice test for each first and let the weakest domain drive your study sequence. The Prepare page also hosts strategy videos and periodic webinars.

Two things. First, assuming requirements are static: the basic skills requirement was eliminated in 2018, a retake policy change took effect in September 2025, and dual testing begins January 1, 2026 for several endorsements. Second, studying for a subject generally instead of for the specific test number and grade band you actually registered for.