# Licensure Information ## expand\_more ### Welcome! HGSE's Licensure Team supports current students and alumni as they navigate educator licensure. Whether you are pursuing your first license, adding a new credential or exploring pathways to work in education, we provide guidance and resources to help you understand the licensure process and identify the best next steps for your goals. Educator licensure is often required for teachers, administrators, and many other professional personnel working in U.S. public schools. Requirements vary by state and pathways for becoming licensed can differ depending on your background, experience and career objectives. We are able to support you in understanding those requirements and can provide guidance as you plan your next steps. We support current students and alumni at every stage of their licensure journey, including those who are: - Considering a career that requires educator licensure - Working toward a provisional, initial, or professional level license - Navigating state-specific licensure requirements - Seeking additional licenses, endorsements, or certifications - Exploring new professional opportunities in education ### HGSE's Licensure Team For assistance, please contact the Licensure Team at . Please include information about your situation (e.g. the state where you’re seeking licensure, the type of educator license you’re pursuing, any relevant deadlines, your transcript, and any forms you’ve been asked to submit), so we can assist you efficiently. - Sami Feldman, Licensure Officer - Janet Ross, Sr. Coordinator, Career Services ### Interstate Agreement Notice The Harvard Graduate School of Education’s licensure programs are designed to prepare students for certification in the state of Massachusetts. HGSE's programs are based in Massachusetts and approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for initial licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Massachusetts participates in the interstate agreement, which allows program completers who obtain licensure in Massachusetts to apply for the same credential in another state. However, each state sets its own licensure requirements and may require applicants from other states to complete additional requirements such as coursework, assessments, or experiences before receiving a license. If you are considering pursuing licensure outside of Massachusetts after completing your program, we encourage you to proactively review the licensure criteria of any state where you intend to work so you are aware of any unique prerequisites. We recommend you contact the office of certification in any state to which you may be relocating to get the most accurate and up-to-date information on licensure requirements for candidates licensed out-of-state. ### Frequently Asked Questions Open all sections Close all sections ### What exams are required for licensure in Massachusetts? expand\_more - 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. ### What are the additional costs, beyond HGSE Licensure Program tuition, associated with obtaining my Massachusetts licensure? expand\_more In addition to tuition, students should plan for the following state-mandated fees related to licensure in Massachusetts: - First License: $100 - Additional License(s): $25 each - MTEL Exam Fees: - Subject Test: $139 per test - Communication & Literacy Skills: $112 (or $69.50 + $69.50, if you choose to take the reading and writing subtests separately) - Massachusetts Performance Assessment for Leaders (PAL): $159 per task (Applicable to Principal/Assistant Principal Licensure) Some of HGSE's licensure programs cover certain licensure-related fees. Please check in with your program or the licensure team for specifics. ### How long does it take to receive my Massachusetts license after graduating from HGSE? expand\_more The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will process your application and approve your license as soon as possible after you have met all of your licensure requirements (i.e. testing, documents, institutional endorsement). HGSE's licensure team will submit your endorsement immediately after graduation. The time it takes for your license to be issued depends on DESE's workload when you finish your last requirement. Typically, the process takes several weeks, though sometimes it goes faster. If needed, the Licensure Team can provide a “letter of good standing” to support your job search. ### What steps should I take if I plan to pursue licensure outside of Massachusetts after graduating from HGSE? Does the Licensure Office assist with out-of-state licensure applications? expand\_more If you are considering pursuing licensure outside of Massachusetts after completing your program, we encourage you to proactively review the licensure criteria of any state where you intend to work so you are aware of any unique prerequisites. We recommend you contact the office of certification in any state to which you may be relocating to get the most accurate and up-to-date information on licensure requirements for candidates licensed out-of-state. ### Is the Licensure Office able to complete Verification of Approved Licensure Program Forms? expand\_more Yes. If you completed a licensure program at HGSE and are now applying for educator licensure in another state that requires a Verification of Approved Program form, the Licensure Team can complete the form on your behalf. After you’ve graduated from your HGSE licensure program, please send the form to Sami at for completion.