Top Strategies for Passing the MTEL Exam

MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills Reading Subtest

The MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills exam is offered year-round at locations across Massachusetts and in some out-of-state testing centers. It is a computer-based test that includes two subtests: reading and writing. The test is administered by Pearson, an international standardized testing company. The MTEL is required for candidates seeking licensure in the state of Massachusetts.

The reading subtest consists of 42 multiple-choice questions grouped into six objectives. The writing subtest consists of 35 multiple-choice questions and seven short-answer sentence correction questions, as well as two open-response assignments. Candidates can choose to take one subtest at a time or both at once.

It is important to practice frequently in order to improve your score. This can be done by taking a free MTEL Reading practice test online or by buying a high-quality MTEL study guide. These guides typically provide practice tests, question explanations, and a detailed answer key.

Many students who are pursuing a teaching career struggle to pass the MTEL because they do not have enough practice. Luckily, the majority of people who take the MTEL pass both sections on their first attempt.

MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills Test Dates

Many Lesley students find the MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills test difficult, even when they’ve taken it multiple times. For that reason, the University offers a variety of resources to help with preparation. These include MTEL workshops, study tips, and practice tests. Many of the practice tests come with online diagnostics to see where you need to focus your attention.

The MTEL is a broad-based test with a number of subject-specific subtests, depending upon the field you want to teach. These subject tests are based on what you’ll learn in your course work at Lesley and the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.

Once you’ve finished your MTEL, you can expect to receive your score report by email within a month of the date you took the exam.

MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills Questions and Answers

‥ Study; do yourself a favor.
‥ Ensure your own health.
‥ Make sure you’re getting enough rest, exercise, and healthy food.
‥ Purchase a study guide or pack of flashcards.

You must receive a minimum scaled score of 240 on each subtest in order to pass the exam.

Communication, speech, and language abilities are essential for young children’s general development. Fundamental building blocks for a child’s development include the capacity to talk clearly and analyze speech sounds, understand others, convey ideas, and communicate with others.

Children learn language and communication skills through play that help them listen more intently, interpret facial emotions, and read body language.

Using insightful concepts from TED Talks, the four-level 21st Century Communication course instructs students in critical thinking and effective communication. Students develop their listening and speaking abilities with the help of real-world examples of effective communication, which is essential for both academic and personal success.

Australian vocational students and workers can benchmark foundational skills with our free Language Literacy and Numeracy practice test — covering reading, writing, oral communication, numeracy, and learning strategies.

Students in reading intervention programs can build fluency with our free RAMP Reading Acceleration and Mastery Program practice test — covering phonics, decoding, comprehension strategies, and reading rate.

Walmart maintenance technician candidates often also prepare with our Ramsay practice test for the mechanical, electrical, and HVAC aptitude skills tested in industrial maintenance hiring.

Japanese students preparing for the Eiken English proficiency test also supplement with IELTS Practice Test 2026 to practice academic English reading and listening comprehension.

Related Teaching & Education Practice Tests

If you are preparing for a career in teaching & education, you may also find these related practice tests helpful:

Prepare for the PRAXIS - Praxis Teacher Certification — the Praxis teacher certification exams required for teacher licensing in over 40 US states.

Prepare for the FTCE - Florida Teacher Certification Examination — the Florida Teacher Certification Examination for educators seeking Florida teaching credentials.

Prepare for the TExES Exam — the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards for teacher certification in Texas public schools.

Prepare for the ParaPro Assessment Test — the ParaPro Assessment for teaching assistants and paraprofessionals in K-12 education.

Prepare for the PGCE - Postgraduate Certificate in Education — the Postgraduate Certificate in Education for teacher training in the United Kingdom.