Teacher and Administrator Certification

Subject Area Tests

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

A Michigan Test for Teacher Certification subject area test must be passed in at least the major endorsement area(s) in order to earn initial teacher certification in Michigan. A passing score on the appropriate subject area test is also required to add an additional endorsement to an active Michigan certificate.

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.