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Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC)

The MTTC Basic Skills and Subject Area tests are offered on Calvin's campus five times each year. Michigan law mandates a testing program for students who wish to be teachers. These tests are meant to ensure that each certified teacher has the necessary basic skills and subject area knowledge to serve in Michigan's schools. These tests are designed and implemented by the Michigan Department of Education.

Save all official MTTC score reports in a safe place because you may need them for employment or teacher certification in other states.

2012-2013 MTTC Registration Information

Basic Skills

Before students are admitted to Calvin's Teacher Education Program, they must pass the MTTC Basic Skills tests in math, writing and reading. These tests are typically passed during a student's first or second year at Calvin. They must be passed before a student is permitted to take 300-level education courses such as EDUC 302 and EDUC 303. Students who are not able to take the paper test at Calvin will need to register for the computer-based testing in order to pass the tests prior to the EDUC 302-303 semester. Students may retake section(s) that they fail as many times as necessary.

  • The Basic Skills test fee is $49.
  • If you would like to take the test at Calvin, select "paper-based testing." Computer-based testing is more expensive and is not offered on Calvin's campus.
  • Students may register at www.mttc.nesinc.com or by mail using the booklet available in the Education Department office.
  • During the registration process, be sure to identify yourself as a Calvin student and also request that your scores be sent to Calvin.
  • Canadians: please register using your U.S. social security number - not your Canadian social insurance number.
  • The Basic Skills study guide is available on the MTTC website. Study guide booklets are also available at the Hekman Library Reserve Desk on the second floor and can be checked out for one day. Additional practice tests are available online for a fee. education.com provides helpful practice problems. The ACT website offers additional practice questions in reading, writing, and math.
  • The tests are completed in Hiemenga Hall.
  • Basic Skills Test passing scores are valid indefinitely.
  • MTTC frequently asked questions

Subject Area Tests

In order to be certified, students must pass the MTTC subject area tests that correspond to the major and minor field(s) of study. These tests should not be taken until the final year of the program, but it is highly recommended that students pass their MTTC subject area test(s) before student teaching.

  • Find out which subject tests you need to take
  • Subject area test scores are valid for five years from the date of testing (students need to be recommended for certification within those five years).
  • Register at www.mttc.nesinc.com or by mail using the booklet available in the Education Department office.
  • The fee for each subject test is $74.
  • During the registration process, be sure to identify yourself as a Calvin student and also request that your scores be sent to Calvin.
  • Canadians: please register using your U.S. social security number - not your Canadian social insurance number.
  • Be sure to review the appropriate study guides. Study guide booklets are also available at the Hekman Library Reserve Desk on the second floor and can be checked out for one day. Depending on your subject area, you may find helpful practice problems at education.com . The ACT website offers additional practice questions in math, English, and science.
  • The tests are completed in Hiemenga Hall.
  • MTTC frequently asked questions

Elementary Education Students

Students seeking elementary certification must also take the Elementary Education MTTC test. When registering for the Elementary Education test, report elementary education as a "major."

Cognitive Impairment Program Students

Students in the Cognitive Impairment program must complete the Cognitive Impairment test (#56) and the Elementary Education test (#83).

Special Education Students

Candidates interested in teaching grades 9-12 special education in a Michigan public school may need to take additional MTTC tests later in consultation with the hiring school (mathematics, integrated science and/or language arts).

If you have questions, contact Calvin's Teacher Certification Office at (616) 526-6208 or certification@calvin.edu.