ABE Types of Licenses

Provisional License:

The entry level Provisional License is valid for five years and is non-renewable. It is issued to a person who holds a bachelor's or master's degree and has passed the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL).

Application Criteria

1. Submission of a completed Application for Adult Basic Education License.
2. Submission of an official transcript verifying a bachelor's or a master's degree.
3. Passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills Test.
4. Passing score on the ABE subject matter test

Professional License:

The Professional License is valid for five years and is renewable for additional five-year terms. It is issued to a person who holds a bachelor's or master's degree, has passed the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) and a performance assessment. There are four routes through which prospective and experienced ABE teachers may pursue a Professional license. To determine the route for which you are eligible, refer to the ABE Licensure Requirements.

ABE teacher licensure is currently voluntary in Massachusetts. While the state does not require ABE teachers to hold a license, individual agencies may choose to require their teachers to be licensed.

Please contact the Department at licenseabe@doe.mass.edu with any questions.