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?
Is there any way to have the test requirement 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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Registration

Are alternative testing arrangements provided?

Alternative testing arrangements may be provided for candidates who would not be able to test under standard conditions:

Examinees with physical disabilities (e.g., visual impairments, motor disabilities, illness, or injury) or cognitive or emotional disabilities (e.g., learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder).
Examinees for whom English is not a primary language.
Nursing mothers

If you have a documented disability or require accommodations and wish to request alternative testing arrangements, you may refer to the MTEL website for additional information.

Do I need a social security number to register for the tests?

No. If you do not have a social security number, request a temporary identification number from the Office of Educator Licensure by sending an email to Christiana.Erekosima@mass.gov .

Where can I find testing dates and locations?

To determine testing dates, please visit the MTEL website homepage, navigate to the dropdown search bar that reads, "Select your test" and click "Go." When you have reached the page for the MTEL that you are looking for, navigate to the "Test Dates" heading, where you can check appointment availability.

To determine testing locations, please visit the MTEL website homepage, navigate to the dropdown search bar that reads, "Select your test" and click "Go." Navigate to the "Test Centers" heading to search for test centers near you.

Why do I receive an error messag e when I attempt to register for my MTEL?

A Massachusetts Education Personnel ID (MEPID) is required to register for an MTEL. You will need to wait up 24 hours after receiving your MEPID to register.

Please check your ELAR profile to confirm that your MEPID, Social Security Number, name, and date of birth are an exact match between your MTEL account and ELAR account.

If you are still receiving an error after you have checked that all of your information is an exact match, please contact testhelp@doe.mass.edu who will review your profile for potential issues. This process may take several weeks to complete depending on the nature of the issue.

Are there any prerequisites for taking the MTEL?

You need a MEPID to register for an MTEL. There are no coursework or degree requirements to take an MTEL.

Can I take my MTEL remotely?

Select MTEL tests are available for online proctoring. Please visit the MTEL website's About Online Proctoring page for more information.

What can I do to prepare for my MTEL?

Please visit our Test Preparation Materials and Courses List page, which you can find using the menu on the left. The Right Start Foundations of Reading course is now available. The Department has a free online ESL test preparation course available. The Department is in the process of developing additional free, online test preparation courses for Foundations of Reading, General Curriculum, and Early Childhood MTELs and we hope to have it available on our website Spring of 2025.

Last Updated: March 31, 2025