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Earn your Massachusetts Teacher Certification!

Learn everything you need to know about Massachusetts Teacher Certification.

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Massachusetts Teacher Certification Exams

Prospective teachers in Massachusetts can use the MTEL, NES, and CASA exams to receive their certification. Below is a list of exams 240 can help you pass in Massachusetts: 

Massachusetts Teacher Certification Requirements

To become a teacher in Massachusetts, you must complete the follow steps:

Meet Education Requirements

  • Teachers need at least a bachelor’s degree to earn certification in Massachusetts.
  • The state does not list any specific course or credit hour requirements, meaning students do not necessarily need to complete a bachelor’s in education to be eligible for a state license.

Student Teaching Experience

  • Students earn their hours by teaching in a classroom under supervision.
  • The state requires that aspiring teachers complete 150 student teaching hours before becoming eligible for certification.

Pass the Exams

  • All teachers in Massachusetts must pass MTEL tests to earn licensure.
  • How many tests each teacher must take depends on the specific subjects and grade levels that the teacher wishes to teach in their professional career.

Apply for Certification

  • Teachers ready to apply for certification should create an account through the state’s Educator License and Renewal (ELAR) portal.
  • Teachers need to submit their official transcripts to verify that they received a bachelor’s degree and submit proof of a passing score on their MTEL examinations.

Apply for Jobs

  • Once you have your teacher certification you can now start applying for jobs.
  • You can use job boards and search engines like Google to find open teacher positions in your area.

Free MTEL Practice Tests

MTEL Foundations of Reading Practice Test

190

Get a free practice test, videos, and a complete breakdown of what to expect on the MTEL Foundations of Reading exam.

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MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills: Reading Practice Test

101

Get a free practice test, videos, and a complete breakdown of what to expect on the MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills: Reading exam.

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MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills: Writing Practice Test

201

Get a free practice test, videos, and a complete breakdown of what to expect on the MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills: Writing exam.

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MTEL English as a Second Language Practice Test

54

Get a free practice test, videos, and a complete breakdown of what to expect on the MTEL English as a Second Language exam.

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MTEL General Curriculum: Multi-Subject Practice Test

MTEL

Get a free practice test, videos, and a complete breakdown of what to expect on the MTEL General Curriculum: Multi-Subject exam.

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How Do I Maintain Teaching Certification in Massachusetts?

All educators holding a professional level license in Massachusetts must renew their license every five years. Requirements for renewal include 150 professional development hours

How to Register For the Exams?

You can follow the following steps to register for your teacher certification exams:

  • Identify Your Exams: Determine the specific teacher certification exams you need to take. If you are a part of a certification program you should talk to your program advisor to determine which exams you need to take.
  • Create an Account: Visit the official testing service website and create an account.
  • Select Exam and Date: Login, choose your exam, and select a convenient test date and location.
  • Complete Registration: Follow instructions, provide necessary information, and pay exam fees online.

How To Study for Your Massachusetts Teacher Certification Exam(s)

To become a certified teacher you must pass your required exam(s). Luckily, we offer a wide variety of study guides to help you pass your exams and get closer to getting that teacher certificate. Our study guides offer practice questions, video lessons, quizzes and full length practice tests to ensure you are ready come test day! Our curriculum team studies all of the standards and competencies for the exams and cross-references them with the current and previous questions released by the official testing company. We then work with content and teaching experts to distill down what test-takers need to know. No matter where you are in the study guide, you can always see how the concept you are learning is aligned to the test standards.

Best Education Schools in Massachusetts

  • Harvard University
  • Boston College (Lynch)
  • University of Massachusetts–Boston
  • Boston University (Wheelock)
  • University of Massachusetts–Amherst
  • University of Massachusetts–Lowell
  • University of Massachusetts–Dartmouth
  • American International College
  • Endicott College
  • Lesley University

Massachusetts Teacher Salary Information

The average Public School Teacher salary in Massachusetts is $63,048 as of February 26, 2024, but the range typically falls between $52,644 and $76,904.

50,000 Teachers passed their exam last year with the help of 240!

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More Massachusetts Teacher Certification Resources

Everything You Need to Know About the MTEL-Flex Assessments https://www.240tutoring.com/mtel-prep/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-mtel-flex-assessments/

Curious about the new MTEL-Flex exams? Wondering if you qualify for these exams or if you should take one? You’re in the right place.

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These Are the MTEL Exams You Need to Take https://www.240tutoring.com/mtel-prep/these-are-the-mtel-exams-you-need-to-take/

This article will help you better understand the MTEL and which test will help you obtain your desired certification.

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Here’s Everything You Need to Know About MTEL Scores https://www.240tutoring.com/mtel-prep/heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-mtel-scores/

First, we will explain how the exams are scored and the scores that you need to pass. We will make sure you understand how to know whether you have passed the MTEL and how long you have to wait to receive your exam scores. And finally, we will even ensure that you know how long you have to wait before you can retake an MTEL test if you don’t pass.

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Your MTEL Costs and Retakes Quick Guide https://www.240tutoring.com/mtel-prep/your-mtel-costs-retakes-quick-guide/

We’ve laid it all out for you: how much it costs to take the exams, how many attempts you get to pass each subtest, and what you should do if you fail an MTEL exam.

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What YOU Need to Do to Register for an MTEL Exam https://www.240tutoring.com/mtel-prep/what-you-need-to-do-to-register-for-an-mtel-exam/

You need to know how much the exam costs, how to register, and what identification to bring with you on the day of your MTEL exam.

Know More

MTEL – Questions Quick Guide https://www.240tutoring.com/mtel-prep/mtel-questions-quick-guide/

In order to best prepare, you will need to understand the structure of the exams, including how many questions are on the MTEL and whether they include constructed-response questions (CRQs), also known as essay questions.

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Your Ultimate Guide to Prepare for the MTEL Exam https://www.240tutoring.com/mtel-prep/your-ultimate-guide-to-prepare-for-the-mtel-exam/

You need to know what resources are out there to help you pass and how to study for the MTEL. This article will guide you on the path to success.

Know More

Massachusetts Teacher Certification FAQs

Can you be a teacher without a degree in Massachusetts?

No. In Massachusetts, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree and complete a state-approved teacher preparation program to receive certification.

What is the test to become a teacher in Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) is a series of computer-based pass/fail tests that candidates seeking PreK-12 Initial educator licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must pass to obtain licensure.

How long can you teach on an initial license in Massachusetts?

The Initial license is valid for five years of employment and may be renewed (extended) for an additional five years.

What is the PRPIL program in Massachusetts?

PRPIL (Performance Review Program for Initial Licensure) is the alternative Massachusetts Teachers License program for teachers who wish to advance from a Provisional license to an Initial license.

Can I be a substitute teacher without a degree in Massachusetts?

Yes. The minimum requirement for becoming a substitute teacher in Massachusetts is a high school diploma or GED.

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