If you want to be a teacher in the state of Massachusetts, taking and passing the MTEL requirements and exams are a must. The MTELs are a series of tests prospective educators must pass to become licensed teachers in public schools. For some, only one exam is required, but for most, two exams are required, and many must take three. For anyone seeking to become licensed to teach in Massachusetts, it’s important to prep for the MTELs beyond standard test prep and understand the requirements.

In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the key requirements for taking an MTEL that you need to know to help you prepare and approach the exams confidently. 

Which Tests Are Required to Take to Become a Massachusetts Educator?

All Massachusetts Educator certifications require prospective educators to pass the Communication and Literacy MTEL, which consists of a reading and a writing exam. Certain positions, such as administrative, guidance, and school adjustment counselors, only require this exam. The C&L MTEL is usually the first exam taken.  Some graduate programs require that you’ve passed these before they will accept you. Many take this exam as an undergraduate.  

Beyond this first exam, most candidates will have to take at least one more. For example, biology teacher candidates must take and pass the biology MTEL, and elementary, early childhood, and special education candidates must pass three exams, the Communication and Literacy, the Foundations of Reading, and either the General Curriculum (for elementary and special education candidates. It consists of two exams as well) or the Early Childhood MTEL.

The best way to be sure and prepared for which MTEL exams you must pass to become licensed is to apply for your license on the DESE website. They will review your application and tell you which MTEL requirements and exams you need to get your license. 

Have Your MEPID Number

In order to register to take an MTEL, you’ll need a MEPID number and an ELAR account. The MEPID is a personal identification number given to all educators in Massachusetts schools. Your ELAR account is where all your professional information will be stored and needs to be set up before you get your MEPID number. Once you’ve set up your account, you can obtain your MEPID number.

Emergency License

Due to the impact the pandemic has had on the need for teachers, the state of Massachusetts is providing emergency teaching licenses to ensure that the pipeline of educators in the system is not impacted and that people are not prevented from entering the profession. The emergency license has been designed to allow people who were not already working as licensed teachers or administrators to enter those professions. 

The time spent working with an emergency license can also count toward professional teacher status if you obtain a provisional or initial academic license or a preliminary vocational license within two years of receiving an emergency license in the field and continue to work for the same employer under the license. There is also ongoing support for emergency licensed educators through school districts and the Department of Education to assist educators with an emergency license in getting the proper, permanent teaching licenses and passing their required MTELs. 

Standard Test Preparation

While seeking out professional test preparation for the MTEL isn’t a requirement, it’s highly recommended if you are not a confident test-taker. Taking the MTEL costs time and money. You don’t want to take it first just to see how you’ll do and then have to take it again. Having good test preparation helps you strengthen your weak areas, know what to expect going into the exam, and feel confident about your performance so you can get it right the first time. 

Our test preparation suggestions are:

• Take one test at a time and study for one test at a time. If you’ll be taking multiple MTEL  exams, try not to overwhelm yourself with studying for and taking all of them at once.
• Figure out which exams you need to take and set up a study schedule or timeline, so you know exactly what you need to study for and when.
• Identify your strong and weak areas for each exam and which parts you need the most time and help with.
• Consider your learning and study style and decide whether self-paced studying, group test prep classes, or private tutoring is the best choice for your test prep needs.

And if you’re interested in group or one-on-one MTEL test prep, we have the best curriculum and results around and have been guaranteeing results since 1999. You can contact us to find a test prep option that meets your needs.

The Bottom Line Of MTEL Requirements

The journey of taking the MTELs doesn’t have to be a stressful one. The more you know and the better you’re prepared, the more confident you can feel studying for and taking the exam. Before you start studying, make sure you have everything required in place so that for the days leading up to exam day, you have to focus only on studying. 
If you’re interested in expert tutoring and test prep help, ETI is here. We offer top-rated MTEL prep in group and private settings to give you the attention you need. Our number one priority is helping you get a passing score the first time and learn all the MTEL requirements so you can go on to do the teaching work you’re passionate about. To learn more about our MTEL test prep services, reach out to us today.