In order to meet the licensure requirements, you must pass the appropriate Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL), or an approved alternative assessment.* Passing the MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills test (reading and writing subtests) is required for all types of licenses (teacher, specialist teacher, support personnel and administrator). In addition, a subject matter test(s) is required for teacher and specialist teacher licenses. For information about specific license requirements, including required tests, see the Department's Office of Educator Licensure web page.
*In October of 2020, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (the Board) approved a regulatory pilot to accept alternative assessments to the MTEL through June 30, 2024. The Board subsequently voted to extend the regulatory pilot through June 30, 2025. See Pilot of Alternative Assessments to the MTEL - Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) for more information. Please continue to check Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) for more updates on alternatives as they become available.
No. You may apply for a license before or after you take the tests. If you take an MTEL, your scores will automatically be sent to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and will be kept on file until you apply for your license. If you take one of the approved alternatives, please review Pilot of Alternative Assessments to the MTEL - Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) to learn how to have your scores reported. To apply for a license, refer to the Department's Office of Educator Licensure web page. If you are enrolled in a teacher preparation program, contact your academic advisor for information about program completion requirements.
Yes. The Evaluation Systems, Pearson MTEL registration process is separate from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's licensure application process. You must complete applications for both, individually. In order to facilitate the processing of your license application, and prevent delays, use the identical first and last name on both your MTEL registration and license application.
In October of 2020, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approved a regulatory pilot to accept alternative assessments to the MTEL through June 30, 2024, which was subsequently extended to June 30, 2025. See Pilot of Alternative Assessments to the MTEL - Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) for more information about the approved alternative assessments, including alternatives to the Communication and Literacy Skills test and candidate eligibility. Only approved alternative assessments can be used in lieu of the MTEL during the pilot period. Please continue to check Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) for more updates on alternatives as they become available.
Out-of-state candidates applying for an educator license in Massachusetts must pass all applicable MTEL tests or an approved alternative. However, for some MTEL tests offered in other states (e.g., Foundations of Reading [190], General Curriculum [03]), candidates may request to have their scores reported to the MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. Learn more about the Interstate Score Reporting Request.
No. Candidates who do not receive qualifying scores may retake the tests as often as necessary at regularly scheduled test administrations.
Last Updated: August 1, 2023
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149
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