Massachusetts Teaching License

Massachusetts Teaching License – Testing

In order to receive your Massachusetts teaching license, you have to take and pass the MTEL test.

The MTEL is the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure.

One purpose of the test is to evaluate your skills in reading comprehension and writing.


Another purpose is to evaluate your subject area knowledge.

The tests contain multiple-choice items and short-answer questions.

The short-answer questions are open-response questions that involve problem solving or essay writing.

Massachusetts Teaching License – What’s on the MTEL?

As mentioned above, the MTEL includes a subject area test.

These subject tests have to be taken for your teaching area.

There are different types of MTEL exams for the various academic subjects for certification.

You can visit the official MTEL website at the following link for further information:

MTEL Teacher Certification Test – Official Site – Pearson NESINC

Massachusetts Teaching License – Other Information

There are other requirements for getting a Massachusetts Teaching License.

You also have to pass the MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills test.

For foreign language teaching, you will need to take tests in listening and reading comprehension and pass an oral interview in the foreign language.

Massachusetts Teaching License – Initial Requirements

To get your first Massachusetts teaching license, you must hold a bachelor’s degree.

You also must have completed a Massachusetts educator preparation program.


Your initial Massachusetts teaching license is valid for 5 years of employment.

The initial teaching license may be extended one time for 5 additional years of employment.

Massachusetts Teaching License – Other Requirements

Additional coursework may be required if you have not completed an Approved Educator Preparation Program.

You can contact the Massachusetts Department of Education liaison at your college or university for more information.

You need to submit an application to the Office of Educator Licensure to obtain a complete evaluation of the license requirements for your particular area.

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education – Teacher Certification

NOTE:  The MTEL test is administered by NESINC (Pearson) for the Massashusetts Department of Education.  This webapge is not affiliated with or endorsed by NESINC (Pearson) or the Massashusetts Department of Education.