Educator Effectiveness

Frequently Asked Questions

General Licensure

  • What tests am I required to take for a Massachusetts educator license?
  • Do I have to take the tests before I apply for a license?
  • Do I have to apply separately for my license?
  • If I apply for licensure in Massachusetts after having prepared in another state, do I have to take the MTEL?
  • Am I required to pass a test more than once?

Registration

  • Are alternative testing arrangements provided?
  • Do I need a social security number to register for the tests?
  • Where can I find testing dates and locations?
  • Why do I receive an error messag e when I attempt to register for my MTEL?
  • Are there any prerequisites for taking the MTEL?
  • Can I take my MTEL remotely?
  • What can I do to prepare for my MTEL?

Test Scores

  • What if I don't pass?
  • Can the test requirement be waived?
  • How can I get a copy of my score report?
  • Can I view the test?
  • When will I be able to view my MTEL score report?
  • Why isn't my MTEL score reported in my ELAR account?

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General Licensure

What tests am I required to take for a Massachusetts educator license?

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) or an approved alternative assessment, is required for all types of licenses (teacher, specialist teacher, support personnel and administrator). An alternative licensure pathway allowing for the waiver of the Communication and Literacy Skills MTEL is available for candidates who meet specific eligibility criteria. 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. Approved alternative assessments are available for a subset of subject matter knowledge tests.

Do I have to take the tests before I apply for a license?

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 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.

Do I have to apply separately for my license?

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.

If I apply for licensure in Massachusetts after having prepared in another state, do I have to take the MTEL?

Educators who have obtained certification equivalent to an initial or professional Massachusetts (MA) license in another state or territory in the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as approved by the department may waive the requirement for the Communication and Literacy Skills MTEL. Massachusetts accepts some approved alternative assessments that educators may have used in other states. Please see Approved Alternative Assessments to the Communication and Literacy Skills MTEL - Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) for tests that may be accepted in lieu of the Communication and Literacy Skills MTEL, and approved alternative assessments for a list of subject matter knowledge tests that may be accepted in lieu of the required MTELs.

In addition, for some MTEL tests offered in other states (e.g., Foundations of Reading [190]), candidates may request to have their scores reported to the MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. Learn more about the Interstate Score Reporting Request .

Am I required to pass a test more than once?

No. Candidates who do not receive qualifying scores may retake the tests as often as necessary at regularly scheduled test administrations.

Last Updated: June 25, 2026

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