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: April 28, 2026

7.09: Licenses and Routes for Administrators

For candidates who hold a Massachusetts administrator license, see 603 CMR 7.15 (3). For candidates who were prepared outside Massachusetts see 603 CMR 7.09(6).

(1) Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent (Levels: All)

  1. (a) Provisional License.
    1. Completion of at least three full years of employment in an executive management/leadership role or in a supervisory, teaching, or administrative role in a public/charter school, private school, higher education, or other educational setting accepted by the Department.
    2. Passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills Test or satisfying the requirements for the Alternative Licensure Pathway as outlined in 603 CMR 7.04 (2) (g).

  2. (b) Initial License.
    1. Possession of at least an Initial license in another educational role or Provisional Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent license and completion of three full years of employment in a district-wide, school-based, or other educational setting.
    2. Demonstration of successful application of the Professional Standards for Administrative Leadership set forth in 603 CMR 7.10 through completion of one of the following:
      1. An approved post-baccalaureate program of studies including a supervised practicum/practicum equivalent (500 hours) in the superintendent/assistant superintendent role.
      2. An administrative apprenticeship/internship (500 hours) in the superintendent/assistant superintendent role with a trained mentor, using Department guidelines.
      3. A Panel Review.
    3. Passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills Test or satisfying the requirements for the Alternative Licensure Pathway as outlined in 603 CMR 7.04 (2) (g).

  3. (c) Professional License.
    1. Possession of an Initial license as superintendent/assistant superintendent.
    2. Completion of a one-year induction program with a trained mentor.
    3. At least three full years of employment under the Initial superintendent/ assistant superintendent license.

(2) School Principal/Assistant School Principal (Levels: PreK–8; 5–12)

  1. (a) Provisional License.
    1. Prerequisite Experience. Completion of at least three full years of employment in a supervisory, teaching, or administrative role in a public school, private school, higher education, or other educational setting accepted by the Department.
    2. Demonstration of successful application of the Professional Standards for Administrative Leadership set forth in 603 CMR 7.10 through completion of one of the following:
      1. An approved post-baccalaureate program of studies including a supervised practicum/practicum equivalent (500 hours) in the principal/assistant principal role and at the level of the license sought.
      2. An administrative apprenticeship/internship (500 hours) in the principal/assistant principal role and at the level of the license sought with a trained mentor, using Department guidelines.
      3. A Panel Review. Eligibility for a Panel Review is limited to candidates who have completed one of the following:
        1. A post-baccalaureate program in management/administration at an accredited college or university.
        2. Three full years of employment in an executive management/ leadership, supervisory, or administrative role.
      4. For out-of-state candidates, completion of 603 CMR 7.09(6)(e)
    3. Passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills Test or satisfying the requirements for the Alternative Licensure Pathway as outlined in 603 CMR 7.04 (2) (g).
    4. Possession of an SEI Administrator or Teacher Endorsement.

  2. (b) Initial License.
    1. Prerequisite Experience. Completion of at least three full years of employment in an executive management/leadership role or in a supervisory, teaching, or administrative role in a public school, private school, higher education, or other educational setting accepted by the Department.
    2. Demonstration of successful application of the Professional Standards for Administrative Leadership set forth in 603 CMR 7.10 through completion of a Performance Assessment for Initial License and one of the following:
      1. An approved post-baccalaureate program of studies including a supervised practicum/practicum equivalent (500 hours) in the principal/assistant principal role and at the level of the license sought.
      2. An administrative apprenticeship/internship (500 hours) in the principal/assistant principal role and at the level of the license sought with a trained mentor, using Department guidelines.School Principal/Assistant School Principal (Levels: PreK–8; 5–12)
      3. A Panel Review. Eligibility for a Panel Review is limited to candidates who have completed one of the following:
        1. A post-baccalaureate program in management/administration at an accredited college or university.
        2. Three full years of employment in an executive management/ leadership, supervisory, or administrative role.
    3. Passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills Test or satisfying the requirements for the Alternative Licensure Pathway as outlined in 603 CMR 7.04 (2) (g).
    4. Possession of an SEI Administrator or Teacher Endorsement.

  3. (c) Professional License.
    1. Possession of an Initial license as principal/assistant principal.
    2. Completion of a one-year induction program with a trained mentor.
    3. At least three full years of employment under the Initial school principal/assistant principal license.

(3) Supervisor/Director (Levels: Dependent on Prerequisite License)

  1. (a) Validity. A Supervisor/Director license is required for individuals employed for one-half time or more as a director, department head, or curriculum specialist in the field and at the level of the prerequisite license(s).

  2. (b) Initial License.
    1. Prerequisite Licenses. Possession of at least a Provisional license as follows:
      1. Pupil personnel directors:
        1. School psychologist,
        2. School counselor, or
        3. School social worker/school adjustment counselor
      2. School counselor directors:
        1. School counselor or
        2. School social worker/school adjustment counselor
      3. Directors, department heads, and curriculum specialists:
        1. Teacher
        2. Specialist Teacher
        3. School Nurse
    2. Prerequisite Experience. Completion of three full years of employment in a leadership, supervisory, teaching, or administrative role in a public school, private school, higher education, or other educational setting accepted by the Department.
    3. Demonstration of successful application of the Professional Standards for Administrative Leadership set forth in 603 CMR 7.10 through completion of one of the following:
      1. An approved post-baccalaureate program of studies including a supervised practicum/practicum equivalent (300 hours) in the supervisor/director role.
      2. An administrative apprenticeship/internship (300 hours) in a supervisor/director role for the license sought with a trained mentor, using Department guidelines.
      3. A Panel Review. Eligibility for a Panel Review is limited to those candidates who have either completed a post-baccalaureate program in management/administration at an accredited institution or have three full years of employment in an executive management/leadership, supervisory, or administrative role.
    4. Passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills Test or satisfying the requirements for the Alternative Licensure Pathway as outlined in 603 CMR 7.04 (2) (g).
    5. For those directors, department heads, and curriculum specialists supervising or evaluating core academic teachers, possession of an SEI Administrator or Teacher Endorsement.
    6. Additional requirements for directors, department heads, and curriculum specialists in the core academic subjects at the secondary level (5–12): possession of an appropriate prerequisite teaching license at the initial or professional level and three years of teaching experience in the role of the prerequisite license.

  3. (c) Professional License.
    1. Possession of an Initial license as supervisor/director.
    2. Completion of a one-year induction program with a trained mentor.
    3. At least three full years of employment under the Initial supervisor/director license.

(4) Special Education Administrator (Levels: All)

  1. (a) Initial License.
    1. Prerequisite Experience.
      1. Possession of at least an Initial license in special education, or as school counselor, school principal/assistant school principal, school psychologist, school social worker/school adjustment counselor, or speech, language and hearing disorders teacher and completion of three full years of employment in a district-wide, school-based, or other educational setting, or
      2. Completion of at least three full years of employment in law, public policy, higher education, or other related field accepted by the Department.
    2. Demonstration of successful application of the Professional Standards for Administrative Leadership set forth in 603 CMR 7.10 and appropriate knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and issues through completion of one of the following:
      1. An approved post-baccalaureate program of studies including a supervised practicum/practicum equivalent (500 hours) in the special education administrator role.
      2. An administrative apprenticeship/internship (500 hours) in the special education administrator role, with a trained mentor, using Department guidelines.
      3. A Panel Review. Eligibility for a Panel Review is limited to those candidates who have either completed a post-baccalaureate program in management/administration at an accredited college or university or have three full years of employment in an executive management/leadership, supervisory, or administrative role.
    3. Passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills Test or satisfying the requirements for the Alternative Licensure Pathway as outlined in 603 CMR 7.04 (2) (g).

  2. (b) Professional License.
    1. Possession of an Initial license as special education administrator.
    2. Completion of a one-year induction program with a trained mentor.
    3. At least three full years of employment under the Initial special education administrator license.

(5) School Business Administrator (Levels: All)

  1. (a) Initial License.
    1. Prerequisite Experience.
      1. Possession of at least an Initial license in another educational role and completion of three full years of employment in a district-wide, school-based, or other educational setting, or
      2. Completion of at least three full years of employment in a business management/administrative role in a business, educational, or other setting accepted by the Department.
    2. Subject Matter Knowledge as outlined in the Subject Matter Knowledge Guidelines.
    3. Demonstration of successful application of appropriate Professional Standards for Administrative Leadership set forth in 603 CMR 7.10, as determined in Department guidelines, and successful application of school business administrator subject matter knowledge through completion of one of the following:
      1. An approved post-baccalaureate program of studies including a supervised practicum/practicum equivalent (300 hours) in the school business administrator role.
      2. An administrative apprenticeship/internship (300 hours) in the school business administrator role with a trained mentor, using Department guidelines.
      3. A Panel Review. Eligibility for a Panel Review is limited to those candidates who have either completed a post-baccalaureate program in management/administration at an accredited college or university or have three full years of employment in an executive management/leadership, supervisory, or administrative role.
    4. Passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills Test or satisfying the requirements for the Alternative Licensure Pathway as outlined in 603 CMR 7.04 (2) (g).

  2. (b) Professional License.
    1. Possession of an Initial license as school business administrator.
    2. Completion of a one-year induction program with a trained mentor.
    3. At least three full years of employment under the Initial school business administrator license.

(6) Candidates from outside Massachusetts shall meet the following requirements:

  1. (a) Passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills Test or satisfying the requirements for the Alternative Licensure Pathway as outlined in 603 CMR 7.04 (2) (g).

  2. (b) For those with less than three years of experience in the role of the administrator license sought, demonstration of successful application of the Professional Standards for Administrative Leadership set forth in 603 CMR 7.10 through completion of a Performance Assessment for Initial License.

  3. (c) Completion of the appropriate prerequisite experience and/or license set forth in 7.09 for the license sought.

  4. (d) For Principals/Assistant Principals and Supervisor/Directors supervising or evaluating core academic teachers, possession of an SEI Administrator or SEI Teacher Endorsement.

  5. (e) 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.

(7) The Commissioner may waive the requirements listed in 603 CMR 7.09 (1) through (5) for candidates with significant leadership/managerial experience who meet the standards through both their experience and their formal education.

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: May 22, 2026

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