PreK-12 License Types

Preliminary License - valid for 5 years of employment

You must have a bachelor's degree
You must have completed Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure
Some licenses require additional coursework

Please note:
There are a variety of Massachusetts approved programs that train you to receive an initial license. Programs include higher education degree programs as well as school district programs that are coupled with teaching positions. As you continue through these help pages you will find more details about these programs.

Initial license - valid for 5 years of employment
There are three avenues to receive an Initial license:

You can receive a Preliminary license and be employed by a school district. You can be employed as a teacher of record or as an apprentice. In either case the district must have an approved program that will train you within 5 years to be eligible for an initial license.
Individuals who have completed an approved college education program and individuals teaching in other states may be eligible to go directly to an Initial license.
Individuals who received a temporary license can be employed by a school district for 1 year. During that year they must complete the teacher test(s) and may then be eligible for an Initial license.

Professional License - renewed every 5 years
To move from an Initial License to a Professional license:

You must have completed a 1 year mentor induction program
You must have worked for 3 years under the initial license
You must have completed either a master's degree or Performance Assessment Program
Note: there are additional options and requirements for administrative and support licenses

Types of Licenses