MTEL

It is for educators seeking PreK to grade 12 academic licenses in Massachusetts, and the program also includes tests for candidates seeking vocational technical and adult basic education licenses. Requirements differ by license type, so confirm the specific tests required for the license you are pursuing before you register.

The program includes a test of communication and literacy skills plus tests of subject matter knowledge. The literacy test is meant to show you can communicate adequately with students, parents and guardians, and other educators; the subject matter tests show knowledge of the field of the license you seek.

Yes. The NES Essential Academic Skills Subtest I: Reading and Subtest II: Writing have been adopted by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as an alternative to the Communication and Literacy Skills test, and they can be taken at test centers or through online proctoring.

Some MTEL assessments are offered through remote online proctoring, and the NES Essential Academic Skills subtests are offered at test centers or via online proctoring. Each assessment's own page states whether remote testing is available, so check that before you schedule an appointment.

It is an assessment option for candidates whose score on select MTEL fields is very close to the passing score. Eligible candidates submit an MTEL-Flex assessment instead of retaking the test. You must meet the eligibility criteria, and Pearson has noted that some candidates receive eligibility notifications in error.

Effective July 23, 2024, the fee for individual subtests is $69.50 for Communication and Literacy Skills (101 and 201), General Curriculum (178 and 278), and Vocational Technical Literacy Skills (191 and 291). Fees for other tests and for full registrations should be confirmed during online registration.

Begin with the official preparation materials for your specific field: review the test objectives, take the practice test, and use preparation courses where they are posted for your test. Build subject matter knowledge first, then use practice results to decide which objectives need a second pass.

Registration is completed online through the MTEL website, and 2026-2027 test and score dates are posted. A Massachusetts Education Personnel ID (MEPID) is required. If you are approved for alternative testing arrangements that need special staff, space, or materials, follow the separate telephone scheduling instructions.

The Department accepts approved alternative assessments to the MTEL, and new National Evaluation Series tests have been announced as alternatives to some MTEL tests. Which alternatives apply depends on your license field, so review the approved alternative assessments information before assuming you must take a specific MTEL test.

The program does not publish difficulty ratings. The tests are designed to confirm that educators can communicate adequately and are knowledgeable in the subject matter of the license sought. The most useful signal is the official practice test for your field, taken under realistic conditions before you schedule.