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In May 2024, the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) program expanded to include tests for Elementary and Secondary (PK-12) School Administrator (ES) and Central Office School Administrator (CO) endorsements. Test MI139 is designed for the ES endorsement. Test MI140 is designed for the CO endorsement.
Testing requirements for the ES and CO endorsements will be phased in over time. Criteria for completing testing requirements depends on the implementation phase.
During Phase 1, candidates must make a good faith effort on the test to complete testing requirements.
In Phase 2, candidates must pass the test. As with all other MTTCs, candidates must earn a scaled score of 220 or more to pass.
Tests for the ES and CO endorsements will be phased in over time. (See "Completing Testing Requirements" for date-dependent definitions of meeting testing requirements.)
| Phase | Date | Implementation |
| 1 | May 2024 | Candidates may register and schedule tests for ES or CO endorsements. Candidates must make a good faith effort on the test to complete testing requirements. |
| 2 | TBA | Candidates must pass the test (i.e., earn a scaled score of 220 or more) to complete testing requirements. Candidates applying for the ES or CO endorsements must complete testing requirements to successfully apply for the ES or CO endorsements. |
The start date for Phase 2 is still to be announced; MDE will clearly communicate the start date of Phase 2 to in-state educator preparation providers (EPPs) approved to offer administrator preparation programs at least 60 days prior to when the test will be required. EPPs should use that time to alert their candidates of the change in requirements for certification. MDE will provide guidance to EPPs in communicating this change to candidates.
Approved administrator preparation programs should be communicating information about and preparing candidate for the new ES (M139) and CO (M140) certification tests now.
What financial support is available to candidates?
MDE distributed test vouchers to in-state EPPs for candidates to use during early phases of implementation. Candidates and their EPPs should note the expiration dates on these vouchers and schedule tests accordingly. Each EPP will determine its own criteria for providing vouchers to candidates.
Additionally, EPPs may choose to purchase test vouchers at any time, during any phase of implementation.
When will I receive my score?
Administrator tests for the MTTC program each include a constructed response item. Constructed response items are hand-scored, making it impossible to share preliminary score reports upon completing an exam. Official scores will be reported within six weeks of testing. Specific score reporting dates are available on the program website for MI139: Elementary and Secondary (PK-12) School Administrator and MI140: Central Office School Administrator.
My score report says I "Met the Minimum Requirement." Does that mean I passed?
During Phase 1, candidates must make a good faith effort on the test to meet the minimum requirement. Once a candidate has met the minimum requirement, they have completed testing requirements for the endorsement.
I met the minimum requirement for my test. What do I need to do next?
Testing is one requirement candidates need to complete to earn an endorsement. Your preparation program must also recommend you for the certification and endorsement. Please contact your EPP (or, for out-of-state candidates, your evaluation report) for guidance on additional requirements and next steps to receive your endorsement.
How long can I use my Administrator test result?
MTTC scores are valid for five years; however, exceptions can be made, as explained in MDE’s MTTC Five-Year Validity and Retesting policy. Candidates who complete testing requirements during Phase 1 will be able to apply that result toward an ES or CO application for up to five years from the date of testing. The change from Phase 1 to Phase 2 will result in a significant change to the test, so candidates who wait more than five years to apply their result will be required to retest.
I have an ES (or CO) endorsement. Will I need to take a test when I renew my certification?
No.
I completed testing requirements during Phase 1. Will I need to retest when I renew my certification?
No.
How do I know which test to take? When should I take my test?
Please refer to MDE's MTTC website for advice on which test(s) to take and when, as well as other frequently asked questions. On that page, candidates will also find important information about test registration, study materials, preparation webinars, alternative testing arrangements, and the MTTC five-year validity and retesting policy.
I completed an out-of-state program. Do I need to take a test? If so, which one?
An out-of-state candidate must apply for Michigan certification through the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS) before any testing guidance can be provided. After submission of the application, paying the evaluation fee, and sending in all requested documents, the application will be evaluated. Once the evaluation has been completed, the individual will be issued an evaluation report which discloses all testing requirements.
As a faculty member at an EPP, how can I help my candidates prepare for their test?
Faculty members and their candidates should familiarize themselves with the test objectives, test format, and sample questions, all of which are available on the program website for MI139: Elementary and Secondary (PK-12) School Administrator and MI140: Central Office School Administrator. Guidance on preparing for any MTTC test can be found on MDE's MTTC website, which includes information about test registration, study materials, alternative testing arrangements, preparation webinar videos and slides, and policies related to testing.
I am a faculty member for an administrator program. Where can I find test objectives to include in my course?
Test objectives are available on the program website for MI139: Elementary and Secondary (PK-12) School Administrator and MI140: Central Office School Administrator.
How can faculty get a copy of a practice test?
Practice tests are available for purchase through the MTTC program website. The for-purchase practice test contains the exact same questions as the practice test available to candidates through registration. The for-purchase practice test is given online and is only available for 120 days following the date of activation.
Faculty serving on MTTC committees, such as Content Advisory Committees, Standard Setting panels, or Equity and Access Committees will receive a voucher for a practice test as a thank you for their service to the program. Faculty can apply to serve on these committees by completing a brief application.
