MTEL tests offered include a test of communication and literacy skills as well as tests of subject matter knowledge. The tests are designed to ensure that Massachusetts educators can communicate adequately with students, parents/guardians, and other educators and that they are knowledgeable in the subject matter of the license sought. With a license, candidates may be legally employed in Massachusetts public schools.
As part of the current license requirements, candidates seeking a first Massachusetts Academic PreK–12 license (except a temporary license) must achieve a passing score on both subtests of the Communication and Literacy Skills test OR both subtests of one of the other options to meet this requirement (listed below) AND any relevant Academic PreK–12 subject matter test(s). Note that candidates who have taken and passed certain tests in other states (e.g., Foundations of Reading, General Curriculum) may request to have their test results evaluated against the qualifying score for the corresponding MTEL test to determine their passing status on this test.
You may apply for an educator license at any time , before or after taking the MTEL. However, candidates seeking their first Massachusetts license must achieve a passing score on one of the options to meet the Communication and Literacy Skills testing requirement (listed above) before their license application can be reviewed. Please note, all candidates must create an ELAR profile and be assigned a MEPID in order to register for the MTEL.
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If you are enrolled in a Massachusetts educator preparation program, contact your program advisor or licensure officer to help you determine requirements for program completion, as well as the tests required for Massachusetts licensure. Contact information can be found in the Department's Educator Preparation Programs Directory .
The Vocational Technical Education Regulations require vocational technical teachers to pass, as part of the licensing requirements, both subtests of the Communication and Literacy Skills test OR both subtests of one of the options to meet this requirement (listed below) as well as a written and performance test in the subject area taught. These tests are designed to ensure that Massachusetts vocational technical teachers can communicate adequately with students, parents/guardians, and other educators and that they are knowledgeable in the subject area of the license sought.
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The MTEL program for adult basic education includes a test of reading and writing as well as a test of subject matter knowledge. The tests are designed to ensure that Massachusetts adult basic education teachers can communicate adequately with students, employers, community members, and other educators and that they are knowledgeable in the subject matter of the license sought. The overall purpose of the tests is to ensure that all newly licensed adult basic education teachers know the necessary subject matter so that they can help their students meet the content standards set forth in the College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Basic Education.
A general license for adult basic educators is available from, but not required by, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; however, individual employers may require the license as part of their hiring criteria.
Candidates seeking a Provisional or a Professional Adult Basic Education license must achieve a passing score on both subtests of the Communication and Literacy Skills test OR both subtests of one of the options to meet this requirement (listed below) AND the Adult Basic Education subject matter test.
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Candidates who are unsure of the route for which they qualify to pursue the Professional-level license can receive a complete evaluation of their credentials by submitting a license application to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Educator Licensure, 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148-4906, Attn: Adult Basic Education Licensure. Please see the Department's website for the Guidelines for Applicants for Professional Licensure .
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