The MTEL program for adult basic education includes a test of communication and literacy skills 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 Massachusetts Adult Basic Education Curriculum Frameworks.

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.


Licensure Test Requirements

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 and the Adult Basic Education subject matter test.

Teaching License	Testing Requirements
Provisional Adult Basic Education OR Professional Adult Basic Education	1) Communication and Literacy Skills test (01) AND 2) Adult Basic Education subject matter test (55)

Candidates who are unsure of which route they qualify to pursue for the Professional-level license can receive a complete evaluation of their credentials by submitting a license application to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Educator Licensure at 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148-5023, Attn: Adult Basic Education Licensure. Please see the Department’s web site at www.doe.mass.edu/educators/abeguidelines/part5.pdf for the Guidelines for Applicants for Professional Licensure.


Program Contacts

Please see the Department’s web site at www.doe.mass.edu/educators for license requirements and applications with instructions; select "Licensure" and then “Adult Basic Education.” Send license applications to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Educator Licensure, 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148-5023, Attn: Adult Basic Education Licensure.

For questions about license requirements and test content, e-mail licenseabe@doe.mass.edu.


[Top of Page]