Educator Services Licensure
Academic (PreK - 12)

Educators, including teachers, support personnel, and administrators are generally required to hold a license issued by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in order to be eligible to teach in the Massachusetts Public Schools. For thorough and specific information about the license you wish to obtain, visit the section of this website called Licensure Help. Educators can also Contact the Licensure Officeto learn about becoming licensed or renewing a license.

Applying Online

The Educator Licensing and Recruitment (ELAR) System allows current and prospective Massachusetts educators to complete most licensure related transactions on the Internet. Within ELAR, individuals may apply for new licenses, renew Professional licenses, check licensure status, edit personal information, post resumes, locate job openings, and more. Click on one of the links on the left to get started.

If you would rather mail a hard copy application, instead of applying online, download the printable PreK-12 Licensure Application   .

Types of Licenses

YOU MAY START HERE…
Preliminary License Valid for 5 years of employment For people who have not completed Approved Educator Preparation Program Requires A Bachelor's Degree Passing Score(s) on MTEL Additional Coursework for Some Licenses Video - Changing Careers to Become an Educator Temporary License Valid for 1 calendar year For experienced teachers from another state Requires 3 Years teaching under Valid Out-of-State License Possession of a valid educator license/certificate from another state/jurisdiction that is comparable to at least an Initial license in Massachusetts Met the terms of our interstate agreements
	…OR, YOU MAY START HERE
Initial License   Valid for 5 years of employment (May be extended one time for 5 additional years of employment) Requires A Bachelor's Degree Passing score(s) on MTEL Completion of a Educator Preparation Program Routes to Initial License View/Download a chart: | Video - Preparing to Become an Educator in College
Professional License   Valid for 5 calendar years Requires 3 Years of Employment Under an Initial License Completion of a Teacher Induction Program One of the Options for the Professional License Routes to Professional License View/Download a chart: |
Relicensure   Primary License: 150 PDPs (no longer 120) Each Addtional License: 30 PDPs/an Invalid status requires 150 PDPs Continuing Professional Development required to renew Professional licenses every 5 calendar years Recertification Guidelines Recertification FAQ    Application for Renewal of Professional License