MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills (01) Exam Exam Guide
At a glance
- Questions
- 77
- Time limit
- 4h 15m
- Passing score
- 240 scaled score on each subtest
- Exam fee
- $112
- Governing body
- Massachusetts Department of Elementary and…
The MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills (01) Exam is the entry-level licensure test required of aspiring teachers in Massachusetts before they can be admitted to most educator preparation programs and, later, certified. It is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education through the MTEL program, with testing operations run by Pearson/Evaluation Systems.
Overview
The exam is split into two separate subtests that are each scored on their own: Reading and Writing. The Reading subtest consists of 42 multiple-choice questions covering comprehension and analysis of written passages. The Writing subtest combines 35 multiple-choice questions and 7 short-answer sentence correction items with 2 open-response writing assignments, so candidates are assessed on both editing skills and original composition.
- Reading subtest: 42 multiple-choice questions
- Writing subtest: 35 multiple-choice questions, 7 short-answer sentence correction items, 2 open-response assignments
Cost and registration
Registering for both subtests together costs $112. Candidates who prefer to take Reading and Writing on separate test dates pay $69.50 per subtest instead.
Exam format
The computer-based version of the exam runs 4 hours 15 minutes (255 minutes) total, which includes a 15-minute tutorial before the timed portion starts. An online-proctored option is also available in addition to standard computer-based testing. To pass, candidates must earn a scaled score of 240 on each subtest; Reading and Writing are graded independently, so a passing score on one does not carry over to the other.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the real MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills exam?
The Reading subtest has 42 multiple-choice questions. The Writing subtest has 35 multiple-choice questions, 7 short-answer sentence correction items, and 2 open-response writing assignments.
What score do I need to pass the MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills exam?
You need a scaled score of 240 on each subtest to pass. Reading and Writing are scored separately, so you must clear 240 on both.
How much does the MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills exam cost?
Taking both subtests together costs $112. If you take them separately, each subtest costs $69.50.
How long is the MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills exam?
The computer-based test runs 4 hours 15 minutes (255 minutes) total, which includes a 15-minute tutorial before the timed sections begin.
Is the MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills exam computer-based?
Yes. It's offered as computer-based testing, and an online-proctored option is also available.
How long do I have to wait to retake a failed subtest?
If you registered after July 22, 2024, you must wait 30 days before retaking the same subtest. Candidates registered before that date follow a 45-day wait instead.
Sources
- 1.MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills (101 & 201) Test Page — Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MTEL program, administered by Pearson/Evaluation Systems) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 2.MTEL Retake Policy — Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MTEL program, administered by Pearson/Evaluation Systems) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
Official sources
Every exam fact on this page traces to a primary document published by the body that administers the exam.
- MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills (101 & 201) Test PageMassachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MTEL program, administered by Pearson/Evaluation Systems)mtel.nesinc.com
- MTEL Test Results: Communication and Literacy Skills (July 21 - September 14, 2025)Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MTEL program, administered by Pearson/Evaluation Systems)doe.mass.edu
- MTEL Retake PolicyMassachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MTEL program, administered by Pearson/Evaluation Systems)mtel.nesinc.com
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