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The Department has moved to 135 Santilli Highway in Everett. The Department's office and Licensure Welcome Center are open. The new location has free parking and is a short walk from the Wellington station on the MBTA's Orange Line.
Education Laws and Regulations

603 CMR 7.00:

Educator Licensure and Preparation Program Approval Regulations

Section:

  • 7.01: Purpose
  • 7.02: Definitions
  • 7.03: Educator Preparation Program Approval
  • 7.04: Types of Educator Licenses, Requirements for Licensure, Licenses Issued, and Requirements for Field-Based Experience
  • 7.05: Routes to an Initial Teacher License and Specialist Teacher Licenses
  • 7.06: Subject Matter Knowledge Requirements for Teachers
  • 7.07: Specialist Teacher Licenses
  • 7.08: Professional Standards for Teachers
  • 7.09: Licenses and Routes for Administrators
  • 7.10: Professional Standards for Administrative Leadership
  • 7.11: Professional Support Personnel Licenses
  • 7.12: Standards for Induction Programs for Teachers
  • 7.13: Standards for Induction Programs for Administrators
  • 7.14: Endorsements
  • 7.15: General Provisions
  • View All Sections

Most Recently Amended by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education: June 27, 2023

7.05: Routes to Initial Teacher and Specialist Teacher Licenses

(1) Route One is for teacher candidates who complete a Massachusetts approved preparation program as set forth in 7.03. Teacher candidates seeking licensure under Route One shall meet the following requirements:

  1. (a) Bachelor's degree.

  2. (b) Completion of an approved program as set forth in 7.03.

  3. (c) Passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills test.

  4. (d) Passing score on the subject matter knowledge test(s) appropriate to the license sought, based on the subject matter knowledge requirements set forth in the Subject Matter Knowledge Guidelines.

  5. (e) For core academic teachers, possession of an SEI Teacher Endorsement.

(2) Route Two is the Performance Review Program for Initial Licensure (PRPIL) process for teacher candidates who hold a Provisional license and are hired as teachers of record. The PRPIL process is through a Department approved provider. Candidates seeking licensure under Route Two shall meet the following eligibility requirements:

  1. (a) Possession of a Provisional license in the field and at the level of the license sought. See 603 CMR 7.04 (3) (a).

  2. (b) At least three full years of employment in the role of a Provisional license issued under 603 CMR 7.04(3)(a).

  3. (c) Documentation of seminars, courses, and experience relevant to the Professional Standards for Teachers in 603 7.08 (1) through (3).

  4. (d) A recommendation from the principal, superintendent or assistant superintendent of the current school/district where the candidate is employed under the Provisional license in the role of the license sought.

  5. (e) Completion of an induction and mentoring program as set forth under 603 CMR 7.12.

  6. (f) For core academic teachers, possession of an SEI Teacher Endorsement.

(3) Route Three is for candidates from outside Massachusetts. Candidates seeking licensure under Route Three shall meet the following requirements:

  1. (a) Evidence of one of the following:
    1. Completion of a state-approved educator preparation program in a state with which Massachusetts has signed the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement or other agreement accepted by the Commissioner.
    2. Completion of an educator preparation program sponsored by a college or university outside Massachusetts that has been accredited by a national organization accepted by the Commissioner.
    3. Possession of the equivalent of at least an Initial license/certificate issued by a state with which Massachusetts has signed the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement or other agreement accepted by the Commissioner.
    4. For educators prepared outside of the United States, completion of a Panel Review in accordance with Department guidelines.

  2. (b) Passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills test.

  3. (c) Passing score on the subject matter knowledge test(s) appropriate to the license sought, where available, based on the subject matter knowledge requirements set forth in the Subject Matter Knowledge Guidelines.

  4. (d) For core academic teachers, possession of an SEI Teacher Endorsement.

Regulatory Authority:
M.G.L. c. 69, § 1B; c. 69, §§ 1J and 1K, as amended by St. 2010; c. 12, § 3; c. 71, § 38G, as amended by St. 2022, c. 154, § 10; c. 71, 38G ½; c. 71A, § 10; c. 76, § 19.

Disclaimer:
 For an official copy of these regulations, please contact the State House Bookstore, at 617-727-2834 or visit Massachusetts State Bookstore.

Last Updated: July 17, 2023

 
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Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149

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TTY: (800) 439-2370

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