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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
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
| Requirement | Value | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree | Verified |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree | Verified |
| Teacher Prep Program | Required | Verified |
| Student Teaching | Required (300 hours) | Verified |
| Background Check | Required | Verified |
| Fingerprinting | Required | |
| GPA Requirement | No statewide GPA requirement found in public DESE guidance | Verified |
| Minimum Age | 18 | Verified |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. | Verified |
Not sure if you need a teacher license? Check whether your state requires one.
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.
Didn't pass on the first try? Learn what to do if you fail the Praxis.
Overall licensing difficulty: 23/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
Praxis Teacher Certification Exams
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) - Communication and Literacy Skills
Passing Score
240
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $278–$417Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) - Communication and Literacy Skills.
Matched study materials
Study Materials & Exam Prep — Praxis Core Academic Skills
Prepare for your Praxis Core Academic Skills with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, and practice tests.
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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 | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Application FeeOnline application through ELAR system | $100 | Verified |
| Fingerprint FeeFingerprint-based CORI/SAFIS check | $55 | Verified |
| Exam Fees (Total)Communication & Literacy ($139) plus one or two subject tests ($139 each) | $278–$417 | Verified |
| Initial Certificate | $100 | Verified |
| Renewal FeePer license renewal | $100 | Verified |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, and exam fees. Does not include teacher preparation program tuition. | $433–$672 | Verified |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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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.
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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
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Massachusetts with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
Teacher requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts (you) | $433–$672 | 216–234 wks | |
| Connecticut | $525–$745 | 216–234 wks | → |
| Maine | $428–$538 | 216–234 wks | → |
| New Hampshire | $370–$540 | 216–234 wks | → |
| New York | $414–$714 | 216–234 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Massachusetts
See how Massachusetts compares: Teacher License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Official Sources
Teacher requirements in Massachusetts verified against Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), March 2026.
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Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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