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How to become a certified teacher in Massachusetts. Bachelor's degree required. Primary exam: Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) - Communication and Literacy Skills. Government fees: $433–$672. Substitute requirements: Bachelor's degree. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Massachusetts
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Massachusetts. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Most information on this page has been verified.
92% of data points are verified against official sources. 2 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Degree Required
Bachelor's degree
Primary Exam
Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) - Communication and Literacy Skills
Total Gov Fees
$433–$672
Initial Cert
5 years
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree |
| Teacher Prep Program | Required |
| Student Teaching | Required (300 hours) |
| Background Check | Required |
| Fingerprinting | Required |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. |
basic skills
Passing score: 240
Consists of Reading and Writing subtests. Both subtests must be passed. Required for all educator licenses.
content knowledge
Passing score: 240
Subject-specific test required for each field of licensure. Test varies by teaching field.
Issued to educators who have met basic requirements including passing MTEL exams and completing an approved preparation program or meeting alternative pathway requirements. Valid for 5 years and non-renewable.
Issued after completing an approved teacher preparation program, passing all required MTEL tests, and meeting all requirements. Valid for 5 years and renewable.
Issued after 3 years of teaching under an Initial License, completion of a beginning teacher induction program, and additional professional development. Valid for 5 years and renewable.
Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree
Certificate Required
No separate certificate
Background Check
Required
Validity
Determined by hiring district
Massachusetts does not require a separate substitute teaching license. Districts hire substitutes directly. A bachelor's degree is generally required, along with CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and fingerprint-based background checks. Some districts may have additional requirements.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application FeeOnline application through ELAR system | $100 |
| Fingerprint FeeFingerprint-based CORI/SAFIS check | $55 |
| Exam Fees (Total)Communication & Literacy ($139) plus one or two subject tests ($139 each) | $278–$417 |
| Initial Certificate | $100 |
| Renewal FeePer license renewal | $100 |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, and exam fees. Does not include teacher preparation program tuition. | $433–$672 |
Graduate from a state-approved educator preparation program at a Massachusetts college or university, or an equivalent out-of-state program.
Program must include student teaching/practicum
Pass the Communication and Literacy Skills test and the subject-specific MTEL test for your licensure area.
Fee: $278+
Register at mtel.nesinc.com
Submit to fingerprint-based CORI and SAFIS background checks.
Fee: $55
Required before licensure is granted
Submit your application through the Educator Licensure and Recruitment (ELAR) online system.
Fee: $100
Upload transcripts, test scores, and program endorsement
Upon approval, receive your Initial License valid for 5 years.
Massachusetts offers several alternative certification routes for career changers and those without traditional teacher preparation. The Preliminary License allows individuals who pass MTEL exams to teach while completing preparation requirements. Alternative programs typically require a bachelor's degree, passing MTEL scores, and supervised teaching experience.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
150
Renewal Cycle
5 years
150 Professional Development Points (PDPs) required every 5 years for Professional License renewal. PDPs can be earned through coursework, workshops, conferences, mentoring, and other approved activities. At least 15 PDPs must be in the content area of the license.
Reciprocity Type
Case-by-case review with NASDTEC participation
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Massachusetts participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement for educator licensure reciprocity. Out-of-state licensed teachers must pass the MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills test and the appropriate subject matter test. Candidates with out-of-state licenses and 3+ years of experience may qualify for an Initial License.
Additional requirements: Must pass MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills test and subject-specific MTEL test
Unique to Massachusetts: Massachusetts is one of the few states that uses its own proprietary testing system (MTEL) rather than the widely-used Praxis exams. The state also requires an SEI Endorsement for all core academic teachers, reflecting Massachusetts' commitment to serving English Language Learners.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Massachusetts.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#5 of 51
Cost
#31 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (SOC 25-2021)
Entry Level
$64,000
25th percentile
Median
$83,260
+34% vs. national avg ($62,340)Experienced
$99,100
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
32,100 employed in this state
Note: BLS category covers elementary school teachers only. Secondary, special education, and other teaching specializations have separate SOC codes with different wage data.
Source: BLS OEWS – Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
0%
Below AverageNew Jobs
-500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
103,200
per year (avg.)
1.4M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 216–234 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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Massachusetts requires completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program to earn your teaching certificate. Explore approved programs and alternative certification routes.
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