Elementary Teacher Education Licensure

License Requirements

Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) 
 

Public school educators in Massachusetts are required to pass standardized examinations before receiving their licensure. Elementary educators licensure educators must complete and pass the following three exams:

  • Communication and Literacy Skills*
  • Foundations of Reading
  • General Curriculum


A passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills portion of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) is highly recommended to support application to the CTEP/Elementary 4+1 Pathway.  A plan for completion of all required MTELs prior to the +1 CTEP year is highly recommended. To meet this deadline, students are strongly encouraged to begin taking these final two tests during their junior year.  Learn more about the MTEL, Workshops UMass Educator Preparation Office hosts (see below) and possible testing alternatives.

 *For an evaluation period until June 30, 2029, DESE will allow licensure candidates who meet certain criteria to waive the Communications & Literacy Skills test. See this FAQ from DESE to see whether you qualify for this waiver: 
 

MA State License Applications

Upon completion of the requirements for the CTEP/Elementary M.Ed, teacher candidates will be endorsed for  the Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) endorsement educator licensure through the UMass Amherst Educator Preparation Office (UMass EdPrep).  Candidates must apply for and complete all testing requirements* for licensure with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) before they will be eligible to teach in Massachusetts public schools.  

 

Licensure

All Educator Licensure programs at the University of Massachusetts Amherst are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Second Education to meet licensure requirements in the state of Massachusetts ONLY.   It is not determined whether the programs meet any other state's requirements.

Many US states are signatories to the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement which facilitates the mobility of educators among the states that are members of NASDTEC. This agreement makes it possible for an educator who completed an approved program and/or who holds a certificate or license in one jurisdiction to earn a certificate or license in another state or jurisdiction, with possible additional requirements. 

If you are seeking licensure in another state, here is a Teacher Licensure Agency Directory for you to contact other states.