Teacher and Administrator Certification

Michigan Certification Testing

Office of Teacher and Administrator Certification
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5260 USA
(269) 387-3473

To earn teacher certification in the state of Michigan, all candidates must meet specific testing requirements.

A passing score on the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification subject area test in at least the major area of study is required to earn teacher certification in the state of Michigan.

In addition to a passing score on the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification subject area test in their language, candidates in Spanish, French, German and Russian must achieve a minimum score of Advanced Low and candidates in Arabic, Chinese and Japanese must achieve a minimum score of Intermediate High on the Oral Proficiency Interview prior to internship and certification.

Official exam results must be sent directly to Western Michigan University from the testing companies prior to a recommendation for certification.

According to Michigan Educator Certification Administrative Rules(R 390.1115), subject area tests are valid for five years prior to initial certification or endorsement.

Note: Initial certification must be obtained within five years of program completion and testing. Failure to be certified within this time period will require a program review and a retake of the subject area test(s).

Secondary education

Candidates seeking initial secondary certification, including K-12, must pass the appropriate Michigan Test for Teacher Certification subject area test(s) in the major area(s) of preparation—regardless of areas in which they will intern teach—prior to certification.¹

In addition to a passing score on the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification subject area test in their language, candidates in Spanish, French, German and Russian must achieve a minimum score of Advanced Low and candidates in Arabic, Chinese and Japanese must achieve a minimum score of Intermediate High on the Oral Proficiency Interview prior to internship and certification

Elementary education

The elementary education test (#103) is mandatory for all candidates seeking elementary certification including early childhood and special education (undergraduate ONLY) candidates.

¹Public act 282 (1992) and 267 (1986).

Successful completion of an approved program and a passing score on the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification subject area test is required to add an endorsement(s) to an existing certificate.

Note: Students who need accommodations because of a documented disability must register early and should see registering for alternative testing arrangements.