The MTEL Foundations of Reading (Test 90) is required for teacher licensure in Massachusetts and is administered by Pearson VUE. The passing score is 240 on a 100–300 scale, and approximately 61% of first-time test-takers pass according to DESE data. The exam covers phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension — all within a 4-hour testing window. This guide explains exactly what score you need, how to study, and what to do if you need to retake.
The MTEL Foundations of Reading exam is scored on a scale of 100 to 300. The minimum passing score set by Massachusetts DESE is 240. This score reflects the level of reading science knowledge deemed necessary for effective reading instruction.
Score interpretation:
Scores are reported approximately 4 weeks after the exam date through your DESE candidate portal. There is no official breakdown provided showing which specific subsections you passed or failed — only an overall scaled score and, for failed attempts, general diagnostic feedback by sub-area.
The exam is offered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers in Massachusetts and online via remote proctoring. Registration is through the MTEL website at mtel.nesinc.com.
The MTEL Foundations of Reading covers five major content areas, each weighted differently on the exam:
In addition to multiple-choice questions, the exam includes two constructed-response questions (short written essays), which together are worth approximately 30% of the total score. Strong written analysis of reading passages is essential for passing.
The most effective study approach for the MTEL Foundations of Reading combines content mastery with exam skills training:
1. Master the Science of Reading framework. The exam is built on the Science of Reading (structured literacy) model. Focus on understanding the theoretical basis for how children learn to read — not just classroom teaching activities. Key models to study: the Simple View of Reading (Gough and Tunmer), Scarborough's Reading Rope, and the National Reading Panel's five pillars of reading instruction.
2. Use flashcards for technical phonics terms. The phonics section tests precise knowledge of terms like onset-rime, closed syllable, vowel digraph, schwa, morpheme, and grapheme-phoneme correspondence. Create flashcard sets and drill until these terms are automatic.
3. Practice constructed responses weekly. Write one timed response per week in the weeks leading up to your exam. Use the official sample prompts from Pearson. Score your own responses using the scoring rubric included in the preparation guide.
4. Take full-length timed practice exams. The 4-hour testing block is physically and mentally demanding. Simulate this in your preparation at least twice before your actual exam date.
Candidates who do not pass may retake the MTEL Foundations of Reading after a mandatory 45-day waiting period. There is no limit to the number of retakes, but each attempt costs $115. Candidates who have failed should:
Many candidates who fail by fewer than 20 points (240 passing, scored 220–239) report that improving their constructed-response scores in a second attempt was the key to passing. Written response quality is the most improvable section with targeted practice.