MTLE Technology Practice Test

Unofficial practice for Minnesota's MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) test, the technology education field, codes 080 and 081.

Subtest

Subtest 1 (080): fundamentals, energy and power, transportation. Subtest 2 (081): communication, manufacturing and biotechnology, construction.

Early in a design project the team runs a feasibility assessment. On which two criteria does it decide whether the project can go on into the design phase?

Pick an answer, then press Check answer. Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason. Keys: A to D pick, Enter checks.

Print covers the next 25 questions. Share this set copies a link to the same questions in the same order.

Exam mode: 25 questions, 30 minutes.

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board or Pearson. Bank checked October 15, 2026.

Next step More energy and transportationMore communication technology

Subtest 1: all 25 questions

Fundamentals of technology 10

  • A class enterprise sells key rings. What is the point at which its total cost and total revenue are equal, so that there is neither profit nor loss? Wikipedia, Break-even point. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 1, objective 0003
  • A design team builds an early sample of a product to test a concept before committing to production. What is that sample called? Wikipedia, Prototype. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 1, objective 0002
  • A student manufacturing enterprise needs a bar chart that illustrates its project schedule, task by task. Which chart is that? Wikipedia, Gantt chart. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 1, objective 0003
Show all 25 questions (22 more)

Fundamentals of technology, continued

  • A team must choose among four candidate designs. It sets criteria, gives the more important criteria a higher weighting and ranks each design against them. Which tool is the team using? Wikipedia, Decision-matrix method. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 1, objective 0002
  • A technology teacher sets aside part of regular lessons to teach terms such as torque and tolerance directly, with repeated exposure to each new word in several contexts. Which recommendation of the IES guide Improving Adolescent Literacy does this follow? Institute of Education Sciences, Improving Adolescent Literacy: Effective Classroom and Intervention Practices, Recommendation 1. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 1, objective 0004
  • Before students read a technical manual on small engines, they fill in a three-column organizer: what they already know, what they want to know and, after reading, what they learned. What is it called? Wikipedia, KWL table. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 1, objective 0004
  • Before the open hearth furnace, which process was the first inexpensive industrial process for the mass production of steel from molten pig iron? Wikipedia, Bessemer process. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 1, objective 0001
  • Early in a design project the team runs a feasibility assessment. On which two criteria does it decide whether the project can go on into the design phase? Wikipedia, Engineering design process. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 1, objective 0002
  • In 1765 James Watt, who had repaired a model Newcomen engine and seen how inefficient it was, conceived which change to the steam engine? Wikipedia, Watt steam engine. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 1, objective 0001
  • Since 1955 the magnetite-rich horizons of an iron-bearing rock of the Mesabi Range in northeastern Minnesota have been mined to make iron ore pellets, by a process credited to Edward Wilson Davis of the University of Minnesota. What is the rock called? Wikipedia, Taconite. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 1, objective 0001

Energy and power technology 8

  • A 12-volt battery pushes a current of 3 amperes through a small DC motor. With power in watts equal to voltage times current, how many watts does the motor take? Wikipedia, Electric power. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 1, objective 0006
  • A class sorts energy and material resources into two columns. Timber cut no faster than it regrows goes in the renewable column, and groundwater pumped from certain aquifers goes with coal in the other. On what does the sorting rest? Wikipedia, Non-renewable resource. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 1, objective 0006
  • A student must check a circuit's voltage, then its resistance, then its current with one instrument. Which measuring instrument does all three? Wikipedia, Multimeter. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 1, objective 0005
  • Between the power plant, the long-distance lines and the neighborhood, the level of AC voltage is changed more than once. Which piece of equipment changes it? Wikipedia, Electric power transmission. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 1, objective 0005
  • In a four-stroke gasoline engine, which stroke comes directly after compression, when the spark plug ignites the air-fuel mixture and the piston produces the work that turns the crankshaft? Wikipedia, Four-stroke engine. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 1, objective 0007
  • Most hydroelectric power comes from which form of energy of dammed water, given up as the water drives a turbine and generator? Wikipedia, Hydroelectricity. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 1, objective 0006
  • Reassembling a small engine, a student uses a socket wrench with an indicating scale so that each head bolt is turned to the stated value and no further. What is this tool? Wikipedia, Torque wrench. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 1, objective 0005
  • Why is the voltage raised before electricity is sent over long-distance transmission lines? Wikipedia, Electric power transmission. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 1, objective 0007

Transportation technology 7

  • A hybrid car slows by driving its electric motor in reverse, as a generator, and stores the recaptured energy for later use. What is this energy recovery mechanism called? Wikipedia, Regenerative braking. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 1, objective 0010
  • A loaded steel barge floats on a river. By Archimedes' principle, the upward buoyant force on the barge is equal to what? Wikipedia, Buoyancy. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 1, objective 0009
  • A technician plugs a scan tool into a car's standardized digital communications port and reads diagnostic trouble codes. Which vehicle capability reports them? Wikipedia, On-board diagnostics. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 1, objective 0008
  • The Aerial Lift Bridge at the port of Duluth, Minnesota, opened in 1905 as the first bridge of one kind in the United States and was converted in 1929 and 1930 to the kind it is today. What is it today? Wikipedia, Aerial Lift Bridge. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 1, objective 0009
  • For a heavier-than-air craft in powered flight, which statement pairs the forces correctly? Wikipedia, Flight. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 1, objective 0009
  • To compare the drag of two model car bodies, students need an apparatus that produces a controlled stream of air for aerodynamic experiments. What is it? Wikipedia, Wind tunnel. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 1, objective 0008
  • Vessels on a river pass from one water level to another by entering a fixed chamber in which the water level can be varied. What is this device for raising and lowering watercraft called? Wikipedia, Lock (water navigation). Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 1, objective 0010

How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to Subtest 1 (test code 080) of the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations field Technology (Grades 5–12) in the test framework on the MTLE website (https://www.mtle.nesinc.com/Content/Worksheets/MN080_FrameworkWorksheet.html; test page https://www.mtle.nesinc.com/TestView.aspx?f=HTML_FRAG/MN080_TestPage.html, read 2026-10-15): 50 multiple-choice questions in 1 hour, passing score 231; Fundamentals of Technology (objectives 0001 to 0004, 20 questions, 40%), Energy and Power Technology (0005 to 0007, 15 questions, 30%) and Transportation Technology (0008 to 0010, 15 questions, 30%). This set holds 25: 10, 8 and 7. Every fact was read on the public page named under its question: the named Wikipedia articles and the Institute of Education Sciences guide Improving Adolescent Literacy. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.

Subtest 2: all 25 questions

Communication technology 9

  • A drawing shows an object's front, top and right side as separate two-dimensional pictures, each on a projection plane parallel to one of the object's coordinate axes. Which technique is this? Wikipedia, Multiview orthographic projection. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 2, objective 0012
  • A fiber-optic cable keeps light inside a core that is surrounded by cladding with a lower index of refraction. Which phenomenon keeps the light in the core? Wikipedia, Optical fiber. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 2, objective 0011
  • A newspaper prints a photograph in one ink color, yet the eye sees a range of greys. Which reprographic technique simulates continuous tone with dots that vary in size or in spacing? Wikipedia, Halftone. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 2, objective 0013
Show all 25 questions (22 more)

Communication technology, continued

  • A school interconnects the computers in one building and manages the network equipment itself. Which kind of network is this, as opposed to a wide area network? Wikipedia, Local area network. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 2, objective 0014
  • All term a class builds and rebuilds trial radio circuits on a reusable base that needs no soldering. What is this construction base for semi-permanent prototypes of electronic circuits called? Wikipedia, Breadboard. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 2, objective 0011
  • The byte, the unit of digital information once used to encode a single character of text, most commonly consists of how many bits? Wikipedia, Byte. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 2, objective 0014
  • In AM radio, which property of the wave is varied in proportion to the message signal? Wikipedia, Amplitude modulation. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 2, objective 0014
  • In the CMYK model used in color printing, C, M and Y are cyan, magenta and yellow inks. What is K? Wikipedia, CMYK color model. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 2, objective 0013
  • The word isometric comes from the Greek for equal measure. What does that say about an isometric drawing of a part? Wikipedia, Isometric projection. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 2, objective 0012

Manufacturing and biotechnology 9

  • A 3D printer builds a part from a digital model under computer control, adding material layer by layer. By what other name is this kind of manufacturing known? Wikipedia, 3D printing. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 2, objective 0017
  • A bicycle plant holds almost no stock of tires: each delivery arrives only as the assembly line needs it, which cuts cost and waste. Which approach is the plant using? Wikipedia, Lean manufacturing. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 2, objective 0016
  • A metal part has become too hard to work further. Which heat treatment raises its ductility and lowers its hardness, making it more workable? Wikipedia, Annealing (materials science). Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 2, objective 0017
  • After a fuel spill a crew puts bacteria, fungi or plants to work removing the pollutants from the soil. What is this use of a biological system called? Wikipedia, Bioremediation. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 2, objective 0018
  • To put the same four holes in two hundred identical brackets, a shop clamps on a custom-made template that guides the twist drill to each hole center. What is this tool called? Wikipedia, Jig (tool). Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 2, objective 0015
  • Which idea, basic to mass production, means making components to specifications so nearly identical that any one fits any assembly of the same type without custom fitting? Wikipedia, Interchangeable parts. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 2, objective 0016
  • Which machine tool rotates the workpiece about an axis so that tools applied to it can cut, sand, drill or turn an object symmetrical about that axis? Wikipedia, Lathe. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 2, objective 0015
  • Which manufacturing process produces parts by injecting molten material, most commonly a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer, into a mould? Wikipedia, Injection moulding. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 2, objective 0017
  • Yeast converts sugars such as glucose into cellular energy in the absence of oxygen and produces ethanol. Which other by-product does this fermentation give off? Wikipedia, Ethanol fermentation. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 2, objective 0018

Construction technology 7

  • A roof truss is typically built of five or more triangular units of straight members joined at nodes. With the loads applied at the nodes, which forces do the members carry? Wikipedia, Truss. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 2, objective 0020
  • A structural load that is permanent and immovable, short of redesign or renovation, is classed as which kind of load? Wikipedia, Structural load. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 2, objective 0020
  • In scheduling a building project by the critical path method, the critical path is found by identifying which stretch of dependent activities? Wikipedia, Critical path method. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 2, objective 0021
  • The National Transportation Safety Board cited a design flaw as the likely cause of the 2007 collapse of the I-35W Mississippi River bridge in Minneapolis. Which part of the steel truss did it single out? Wikipedia, I-35W Mississippi River bridge. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 2, objective 0020
  • Plywood is made of thin plies of wood veneer glued together. How is the grain of each layer usually set against the layers next to it? Wikipedia, Plywood. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 2, objective 0019
  • Which wooden framing method, the standard today, frames each floor level as a separate unit, unlike balloon framing, whose studs run two stories from sill to plate? Wikipedia, Framing (construction). Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 2, objective 0021
  • Why are steel reinforcing bars embedded in a concrete beam? Wikipedia, Reinforced concrete. Written to the MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12) framework, Subtest 2, objective 0019

How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to Subtest 2 (test code 081) of the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations field Technology (Grades 5–12) in the test framework on the MTLE website (https://www.mtle.nesinc.com/Content/Worksheets/MN080_FrameworkWorksheet.html; test page https://www.mtle.nesinc.com/TestView.aspx?f=HTML_FRAG/MN080_TestPage.html, read 2026-10-15): 50 multiple-choice questions in 1 hour, passing score 231; Communication Technology (objectives 0011 to 0014, 18 questions, 36%), Manufacturing and Biotechnology (0015 to 0018, 18 questions, 36%) and Construction Technology (0019 to 0021, 14 questions, 28%). This set holds 25: 9, 9 and 7. Every fact was read in the Wikipedia article named under its question. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.

How it works

An unofficial MTLE Technology practice test for the Grades 5–12 technology education field, with 25 questions for each of its two subtests. It has no link to the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board or Pearson.

Read the full guide

MTLE Technology (Grades 5–12): six areas over two subtests

As the framework stood on October 15, 2026, Subtest 1 (code 080) is Fundamentals of Technology 40%, Energy and Power Technology 30% and Transportation Technology 30%. Subtest 2 (code 081) is Communication Technology 36%, Manufacturing and Biotechnology 36% and Construction Technology 28%. Our sets split 10, 8 and 7, then 9, 9 and 7.

Minnesota cases in the bank

Three questions use Minnesota's own technology: taconite pellets from the Mesabi Range, Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge and the gusset plate named in the federal finding on the I-35W bridge. Objective 0004 is content-area reading, so two questions are about helping students read technical text.

  • This is the technology education test: design, energy, transport, manufacturing and construction. It is not a computer certification.
  • MTLE lists Computer, Keyboarding, and Related Technology (Grades K–12) as a separate test.

Questions and answers

Is this MTLE Technology practice test free?

Yes. There is no charge and no account. Its 50 questions were written here from the framework's 21 objectives, and each explanation names the public page behind the answer. Nothing is copied from the real test or its official practice material.

How many questions does the MTLE Technology test have?

100 in all: 50 multiple-choice questions on each of two subtests, with an hour of testing time per subtest and 15 minutes before it for the tutorial and nondisclosure agreement.

What is the MTLE Technology passing score?

231 on each subtest, according to the test page as read on October 15, 2026, and a license takes both. Scores here are simple counts of right answers and do not map onto that scale.

What does MTLE Technology Subtest 1 cover?

Ten objectives: the history of technology, engineering design, business and workplace skills, content-area reading, then the tools, principles and processes of energy and power technology and of transportation technology.

What can a Minnesota technology teacher teach?

Minnesota Rules 8710.4850 authorizes a teacher of technology to teach grades 5 through 12 in the areas of transportation, construction, power and energy, communications, manufacturing, biotechnology and other contemporary and emerging technologies.

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