A quick guide to Becoming a Licensed Educator in Massachusetts

In order to become a licensed educator in Massachusetts, you must complete
two separate and distinct steps in the application process. In order to be eligible for the most basic level of licensure (Preliminary), you must possess a Bachelor's degree.

1. Applying for licensure: You must apply for licensure with the Department of Education (DOE). This can be done on line at www.doe.mass.edu/educators or by following the "Mass DOE Elar" link on the bottom right hand side of this page's navigation bar.

You will need to pay a fee for the licensure application. It is strongly
recommended that you print out any confirmation report from the Department of Education regarding your application and fee payment.

2. Teacher Tests: All new educators to Massachusetts are required to pass a
series of teacher tests. All licensure candidates must pass the Communication
and Literacy test. Candidates must all pass specific subject matter tests (e.g.
middle school math, elementary, etc.). More information about the teacher test schedules, costs, and to apply on line can be found at www.mtel.nesinc.com

Please note these additional facts:

If your university credentials are from a country other than the U.S., you
must have them evaluated. To do so, you must contact:

Center for Educational Documentation, Inc.
Solveig M. Turner, President
P.O. Box 231126
Boston, MA 02123-1126
Tel: 617-338-7171; Fax: 617-338-7101
Website : www.cedevaluations.com

There will be a cost with this evaluation. Request that a copy of the
evaluation be sent to:

Massachusetts Department of Education
Office of Teacher Certification/Licensure
350 Main Street
Malden, Ma 02148-5023

Please retain a copy of this evaluation for your own records.

• If you are entering teaching for the first time, you might be eligible to
  participate in the DOE Massachusetts Institute for New Teachers (MINT).
  Please visit the DOE website at www.doe.mass.edu/educators and click
  on “Becoming an Educator” and then on “Incentives” to determine if you
  would be eligible for this or other incentive programs.
• Even if you were certified or licensed in another state as a teacher, you
  still will be required to apply for licensure and pass the teachers tests.
  Visit the DOE website to determine whether there is a reciprocity
  arrangement for one year based upon your teaching experience

Updated February, 2008