The information below is intended to provide you with general assistance in obtaining an additional Massachusetts license. For information regarding specific licensure requirements, please use the Licensure Requirements Tool.
A teacher holding a provisional license in Massachusetts can obtain another provisional license by satisfying the general requirements (see Licensure Requirements Tool). The following information applies only to educators who hold at least an initial or professional license in Massachusetts.
To assist you in determining what constitutes a new field vs. a new level, here are some examples:
New Field: Holding only an initial biology (5-8) license and seeking an initial English (5-8) license
New Field: Holding only a professional history (8-12) license and seeking an initial chemistry (8-12) license
Please note that an educator who holds a professional teaching license has the option of applying for either a professional or initial teaching license.
New Level: Holding only an initial physics (5-8) license and seeking an initial physics (8-12) license
New Level: Holding only a professional earth science (8-12) license and seeking a professional earth science (5-8) license
New Field & Level: Holding only an initial elementary (1-6) license and seeking an initial early childhood (PreK-2) license
New Field & Level: Holding only an initial mathematics (5-8) license and seeking a theater (all) license
A teacher holding a Massachusetts initial or professional license in one field may earn a license of the same type and at the same level in a new field by passing any required MTEL test or in the case that there is no subject matter test, by passing a competency review.
Several licenses have supplementary requirements. To add an early childhood, English as a Second Language (ESL), or elementary license, a teacher will need to complete an appropriate practicum/practicum-equivalent, or internship of 150 hours in the role of the license sought.
To add a moderate disabilities, severe disabilities, deaf and hard-of-hearing, or visually -impaired license, a teacher will need to complete a competency review as well as an appropriate practicum/practicum-equivalent, or internship of 150 hours in the role of the license sought.
In general, a teacher holding an initial or professional license at one grade level may earn a license of the same type and in the same field at a new grade level by passing any required MTEL test or in the case that there is no subject matter test, by passing a competency review. Furthermore, the teacher will need to complete one of the following: (a) a seminar/institute/course addressing the curriculum and developmental characteristics of the new age group or (b) a practicum/practicum equivalent or internship of 150 hours in the role of the license sought.
Please note: that a guidance counselor holding an Initial or Professional license at one grade level may also earn a license of the same type and in the same field at a new grade level by completing (a) or (b).
Teachers holding an initial or professional license in one field may earn a license of the same type in a new field and at a new grade level by meeting the combination of requirements above.
Last Updated: September 30, 2018
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148-4906
Voice: (781) 338-3000 TTY: (800) 439-2370
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