Are you planning to take the MTTC Upper Elementary (3-6) exam? You’ve come to the right place! This article will summarize the structure of the test and provide valuable tips and resources to help you ace it.
The MTTC Upper Elementary (3-6) Education exam assesses whether you have the skills and content knowledge to teach upper elementary school students. This exam has four subtests, which cover professional skills, reading, math, science, and social studies. Despite the exam’s broad scope, try not to feel intimidated. Becoming familiar with the exam structure can boost your confidence, and a suite of effective study tools should also set you up for success.
Whether you’re new to this test or gearing up for a retake, let’s dive into the details of the MTTC Upper Elementary (3-6) exam and explore strategies for preparation and test-taking. By the end of this article, you’ll be armed with the knowledge and tools you need to tackle the exam with confidence. Let’s get started!
Overview of the MTTC Upper Elementary (3-6) Exam
Understanding what to expect on test day is important. This exam assesses your knowledge and skills in subject areas that are essential for elementary school students. Let’s take a broad look at the MTTC Upper Elementary Education test to help you prepare.
The MTTC Upper Elementary exam consists of 210 multiple-choice questions that cover various content areas. It is spread over four subtests:
- MTTC Upper Elementary (3-6): Subtest I (121) (Professional Knowledge and Skills)
- MTTC Upper Elementary (3-6): Subtest II (122) (Literacy)
- MTTC Upper Elementary (3-6): Subtest III (123) (Mathematics)
- MTTC Upper Elementary (3-6): Subtest IV (124) (Science & Social Studies)
For more detail on the content categories and topics covered on the MTTC Upper Elementary Ed exam, check out the official MTTC Upper Elementary (3-6) preparation materials. By understanding the content breakdown of each subtest, you can assign priority to areas where you may need additional practice and review. Overall, a balanced approach to studying these sections should lead you to success in the MTTC Upper Elementary (3-6) Education exam.
Time Limit
Subtests I and II each have a time limit of 1 hour and 15 minutes, while Subtests III and IV have time limits of 1 hour and 30 minutes. This amounts to a total test time of 5 hours and 30 minutes.
| Subtest |
Time Limit |
| Subtest I (117) |
1 Hour 15 Minutes |
| Subtest II (118) |
1 Hour 15 Minutes |
| Subtest III (119) |
1 Hour 30 Minutes |
| Subtest IV (120) |
1 Hour 30 Minutes |
Passing Score
To pass the MTTC Upper Elementary (3-6) exam, you must pass all four subtests. The minimum passing score for each subtest is 220.
Number of Questions
The MTTC Upper Elementary exam has a total of 210 multiple-choice questions spread across two subtests.
| Subtest |
Number Of Questions |
| Subtest I (117) |
50 Questions (All Multiple Choice) |
| Subtest II (118) |
50 Questions (All Multiple Choice) |
| Subtest III (119) |
50 Questions (All Multiple Choice) |
| Subtest IV (120) |
60 Questions (All Multiple Choice) |
Cost
Subtests I-III of the MTTC Upper Elementary (3-6) each cost $59, while Subtest IV costs $69. This amounts to a total exam cost of $246. You can take one exam at a time, or group them together – it’s up to you.
Check the MTTC website to find out more about paying for your exam, including information on payment methods.
Registration Information
You can register for the MTTC Upper Elementary Ed exam year round. Start the registration process by creating an account, and then choose a convenient time and place to test. You can also review MTTC test day requirements, including instructions for the kind of ID you’ll need to provide (such as a driver’s license or passport).
Scoring and Results
You should receive your official score report within about six weeks of testing. Your scores will be sent to any institution that you selected as a recipient when you registered, in addition to the Michigan Department of Education.
Visit the MTTC website to find the exact day your Lower Upper Elementary Education exam scores will be released. (Scroll down to “Score Reporting.”)
You can dig deeper into scores using our MTTC Upper Elementary (3-6) scoring guide.
Test Preparation Tips
Given its scope, preparing for the MTTC Upper Elementary Education exam may feel intimidating. However, the right strategies and mindset will give you the boost you need to succeed. Here are some preparation tips to make the most of your study time:
Reviewing Key Concepts and Skills
- Start familiarizing yourself with the MTTC Upper Elementary (3-6) exam outline and content areas. This will help you prioritize study topics and focus on areas that need attention.
- Create a study schedule and allocate dedicated time to each subtest and content area. It’s important that you be prepared for all topics you may encounter on this exam.
- Give special attention to core skills in each subject area, such as key terms and techniques, math procedures, and scientific principles. These basic skills are like building blocks for the rest of your review.
- Mix it up! Don’t limit yourself to reading one exam prep resource. Broaden your knowledge with textbooks, online resources, and study guides.
Practicing Sample Questions and Practice Tests
- Make regular use of sample questions and full-length practice tests for all four subtests to ensure you’re comfortable with the exam’s format and timing. Review your performance afterward, identifying subjects and content areas where you may need improvement. Be sure that you understand the reasoning behind correct answers before moving on.
- If you’re unable to finish the overall exam within 5 hours and 30 minutes, or are struggling to meet the time limit for a particular subtest, avoid attempting a drastic time cut. Try gradually accelerating your pace instead.
- Use official MTTC exam preparation materials. Studying content that aligns with the real Upper Elementary Education exam will help prevent surprises on test day.
Developing Effective Study Strategies
- Break down your study materials into smaller, manageable chunks. It’s better to dedicate 20 minutes to studying every night than to burn out after 10 hours of nonstop prep.
- For each subject area, focus on main ideas and explore how concepts interrelate. Without these building blocks in place, you’ll struggle to retain details.
- Use diagrams, charts, and flashcards to organize concepts. Visualizing complex ideas can make them easier to remember.
- Engage in active learning techniques, such as summarizing content in your own words, teaching concepts to someone else, or participating in study groups. These strategies can deepen your understanding and retention of the material.
Managing Test Anxiety and Stress
- Test anxiety is a common challenge, but there are ways to calm your nerves. Before and during the exam, practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, and positive self-talk.
- Be sure you get enough sleep the night before the exam. A lack of sleep can seriously affect your focus and cognitive performance.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle leading up to the exam. Eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and stay hydrated. Physical well-being can positively influence your mental state.
Remember, everyone’s study journey is unique. Find the best methods for you and adapt them to your learning style. Stay organized, stay consistent, and stay positive. Be confident that you have the power to succeed on the MTTC Upper Elementary Ed exam.
Important Exam Day Instructions
Before your MTTC Upper Elementary (3-6) exam, review all pre-test instructions carefully. Allow ample time for travel—and verify that you’re headed to the right location! Take care not to arrive late, or you’ll risk having your exam canceled.
Checking Required Documents
On the day of the exam, double-check that you have all you need before leaving home. Essential items can include:
- Valid identification: You must present a current, government-issued photo ID that bears your legal name and signature. Examples of valid ID could include a driver’s license or passport.
- Necessary materials: To combat cold exam rooms, the MTTC website recommends bringing clothing you can layer. You should also be sure to wear soft-soled shoes to keep the testing space quiet.
- Please note that you should not bring a calculator to this exam, even though it includes math content. You will be required to use an on-screen calculator.
Review the official instructions to learn more about testing policies and what to bring to the exam site.
Understanding Exam Format and Instructions
To prevent confusion on test day, familiarize yourself with the format and basic instructions of the Upper Elementary Education exam well in advance. Key things to remember include:
- Time limits: Be aware of the time limits for each subtest and plan your time accordingly. Pace yourself to ensure you have enough time for each question.
- Marking scheme: Make sure you understand how to mark selections properly on your screen. MTTC content exams take place exclusively via computer.
- Special instructions: Pay attention to any special instructions provided by the exam proctors, such as rules around breaks or how to use the on-screen calculator.
Managing Time Effectively
Time management is crucial during the exam to ensure enough time to answer all the questions. Here are some tips for managing your time effectively:
- Read and understand the instructions: Take a moment at the beginning to go over all instructions thoroughly. This will help prevent errors and wasted time.
- Pace yourself: Be aware of the time limit and set your pace accordingly. You will have 5 hours and 30 minutes to answer all 210 multiple-choice questions.
- Know when to move on: There is no guessing penalty on the MTTC Upper Elementary Ed exam, so if you’re stuck on a question, it’s in your best interest to guess.
On test day, you can use these tips to streamline your test-taking process and maximize your chances of success. Working efficiently, staying calm, and maintaining focus are all essential to doing well on the Upper Elementary (3-6) exam.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the MTTC Upper Elementary (3-6) exam evaluates aspiring educators’ knowledge and proficiency in various content areas. If you familiarize yourself with the exam structure, review all content standards, and follow our prep tips, you can approach the Upper Elementary Education exam with confidence, increasing your chances of success.
More MTTC Upper Elementary (3-6) Resources!
