Test Information Guide

Overview and Test Objectives
Field 67: Chemistry

Test Overview

Table outlining the test format, number of questions, time, and passing score.
Format Computer-based test (CBT); 100 multiple-choice questions, 2 open-response items
Time 4 hours (does not include 15-minute CBT tutorial)
Passing Score 240

The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) are designed to measure a candidate's knowledge of the subject matter contained in the test objectives for each field. The MTEL are aligned with the Massachusetts educator licensure regulations and, as applicable, with the standards in the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks.

The test objectives specify the content to be covered on the test and are organized by major content subareas. The chart below shows the approximate percentage of the total test score derived from each of the subareas.

The test assesses a candidate's proficiency and depth of understanding of the subject at the level required for a baccalaureate major according to Massachusetts standards. Candidates are typically nearing completion of or have completed their undergraduate work when they take the test.

Pie chart of approximate test weighting outlined in the table below.

Test Objectives

Table outlining test content and subject weighting by sub area and objective.
Subareas Range of Objectives Approximate Test Weighting
Multiple-Choice
1 Matter and Its Interactions: Periodic Properties 01–02 12%
2 Matter and Its Interactions: Chemical Structure and Reactions 03–07 22%
3 Matter and Its Interactions: Substances, Mixtures, and Solutions 08–09 12%
4 Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions 10–12 15%
5 Energy in Chemical Systems 13–16 19%
80%
Open-Response
6 Integration of Knowledge and Understanding
Key Scientific Concepts 17 10%
Application of Science and Engineering Practices 18 10%
20%

 

Subarea 1–Matter and Its Interactions: Periodic Properties

0001—Apply knowledge of atomic and subatomic structure and the principles of quantum theory.

For example:

0002—Apply knowledge of periodic properties and the organization of the periodic table.

For example:

 

Subarea 2–Matter and Its Interactions: Chemical Structure and Reactions

0003—Apply knowledge of the nomenclature and structure of inorganic and organic compounds.

For example:

0004—Apply knowledge of chemical bonding and the relationship between bond type and the properties of substances.

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0005—Apply knowledge of physical and chemical properties and physical and chemical changes.

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0006—Apply knowledge of the types and characteristics of chemical reactions.

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0007—Apply knowledge of the quantitative relationships expressed in chemical equations.

For example:

 

Subarea 3–Matter and Its Interactions: Substances, Mixtures, and Solutions

0008—Apply knowledge of the mass relationships in chemical substances.

For example:

0009—Analyze the properties of solutions.

For example:

 

Subarea 4–Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions

0010—Apply knowledge of the kinetic molecular theory, the nature of phase changes, and the gas laws.

For example:

0011—Apply knowledge of the connection between molecular structure and forces between particles.

For example:

0012—Apply knowledge of the principles of chemical equilibrium.

For example:

 

Subarea 5–Energy in Chemical Systems

0013—Apply knowledge of the factors that affect reaction rates and methods of measuring reaction rates.

For example:

0014—Apply knowledge of the principles of thermodynamics and calorimetry.

For example:

0015—Apply knowledge of the energy relationships in chemical bonding and chemical reactions.

For example:

0016—Apply knowledge of oxidation-reduction reactions to electrochemistry.

For example:

 

Subarea 6–Integration of Knowledge and Understanding

0017—Prepare an organized, developed analysis of a key topic in chemistry related to Matter and Its Interactions: Periodic Properties or Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions.

For example:

0018—Prepare an organized, developed analysis of a key topic in chemistry related to Matter and Its Interactions: Chemical Structure and Reactions; Matter and Its Interactions: Substances, Mixtures, and Solutions; or Energy in Chemical Systems that emphasizes the application of science and engineering practices in a classroom setting.

For example: