Office of Educator Licensure

Alternative Licensure Frequently Asked Questions: Alternative Licensure Pathway to Waiver the Communications & Literacy Skills Test

1. Who is eligible to waive the Communication and Literacy Skills (C&L) test?

   Any aspiring or currently employed educator seeking licensure who meets one of the four requirements to waive the C&L test:

   • Completion of a Massachusetts approved educator preparation program;
   • A master's or doctorate degree from an accredited college or university;
   • A teaching license from another state that is comparable to a Massachusetts Initial or Professional license;
   • Two years of related instructional experience within one Massachusetts school district with a recommendation from a school administrator.

2. How do I apply to waive the C&L test and is there a fee to apply for the C&L waiver?

   There is no cost to apply for the Communication and Literacy Skills (C&L) waiver. Educators and candidates for licensure can apply for the C&L waiver via ELAR and when doing so, they will select from one of the four pathways that apply to them. The Licensure Office will review the request and look for the supporting evidence applicable to the pathway selected prior to granting the "waiver."

3. When will this be available?

   For the C&L waiver, the Licensure Office anticipates being able to offer this option within about two weeks (by May 14, 2026) from Board approval.

4. Does a foreign degree count?

   For the C&L waiver, the graduate degree earned outside of the United States (U.S.), the language of instruction must be in English.

   To determine if a foreign degree is equivalent to a U.S degree, a foreign degree equivalency report is necessary. There are a variety of agencies approved by DESE and these agencies have a variety of services that they offer. If you are seeking a C&L "waiver", please be sure to seek a review that includes information regarding the language of instruction.

5. If I utilized this new pathway for the C&L test for a teacher license and I later want to obtain an administrator license, will I need to pass the C&L MTEL?

   No, if you receive a C&L "waiver" via this new pathway, the C&L requirement is considered to have been met for every application where a passing score on that test is required. Satisfying the C&L requirement can be applied to multiple applications.

6. Are there any other licensure tests that can be waived?

   No, the Communication & Literacy Skills test is the only test that can be waived via the Alternative Licensure Pathway.

7. If in the future, a similar provision is developed for subject matter licensure tests, could I use these pathways to waive both the C&L test and a subject matter test or multiple subject matter tests?

   No, per the legislation authorizing the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to develop this new pathway, only one test can be "waived."

   However, an eligible applicant could waive the C&L test and choose to use an Alternative Assessment to satisfy the subject matter testing requirements. There is no limit on how many Alternative Assessments can be used.

8. I heard there are additional alternative assessments to the MTEL, is there a limit on using an alternative licensure assessment?

   In addition to this new pathway to waive the C&L test, yes, there are additional Alternative Assessments and options exist for both the C&L test and many subject matter tests. There is no limit on how many times an Alternative Assessment can be used.