Testing requirements for the Academic (PreK–12) education program 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.


Licensure Test Requirements

As part of the current licensing 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 AND any relevant Academic (PreK–12) subject matter test(s). Currently, the MTEL are the only tests that satisfy the communication and literacy skills and subject matter test requirements for a Massachusetts PreKindergarten to grade 12 license.

For general information on which test(s) are required for a license, please visit www.doe.mass.edu/educators/e_license.html; select “Academic (PreK–12)” and then “Licensure Help.”

Teaching License	Testing Requirements
Academic (PreK–12) (first Massachusetts license)	1) Communication and Literacy Skills test (01) AND 2) any relevant Academic (PreK–12) subject matter test(s)

Program Contacts

If you are enrolled in a Massachusetts college or university educator preparation program, contact your academic advisor or licensure officer to help you determine requirements for program completion, including which test(s) to take. You should also contact your licensure officer for information regarding the best way to apply for a license. Please see the Department’s web site at www.doe.mass.edu/educators/directory.html, choose “Higher Education Institutions,” and then click on your institution to find contact information. If you are enrolled in an Alternative-Route Program (formerly known as District-Based Program), contact your program coordinator for this information.

If you are not enrolled in a Massachusetts college or university educator preparation program and have questions about test selection information, go to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Office of Educator Licensure’s web site at www.doe.mass.edu/educators. Select “Licensure,” “Academic (PreK–12),” and then “Licensure Help,” or call (781) 338-6600. A chart of subject matter tests offered for each license is available at www.doe.mass.edu/mtel.

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