What exams are required for licensure in Massachusetts?

  • All Massachusetts educator licenses require at least one exam:
    • Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL) – Communication & Literacy Skills, which includes both reading and writing subtests. (Note: If you have a master's degree or completed an approved educator preparation program, you can apply in ELAR for a free waiver for this test.)
  • In addition, all teaching licenses require subject-specific MTEL exams.
  • For Principal/Assistant Principal licensure, the Massachusetts Performance Assessment for Leaders (PAL) is also required.