Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL)

Policy change regarding the approved alternatives to the MTEL for the Communication and Literacy Skills Test

The Department will now accept Communication and Literacy Skills subtests from different approved alternative assessments as part of the pilot of alternative assessments for licensure.

Examples:

• A candidate has already taken and passed the Communication and Literacy Skills MTEL Reading subtest. They will now be able to take and pass just the MoGEA Writing subtest, rather than attempting the full alternative assessment.
• A candidate took and passed the Massachusetts Communication and Literacy Praxis Test: Reading. They also previously took and passed the NES Essential Academic Skills Subtest I: Writing in January 2021 and had their scores sent to the Department.

The passing scores for each subtest can now meet the Communication and Literacy Skills assessment requirement for licensure. Candidates taking the alternative assessments will need to have an ELAR account and be assigned a MEPID, and must request that their scores be sent to the Department from the relevant testing vendor.

We are working to ensure a smooth process with regards to passing scores being accepted into our ELAR system. At this time, we want to note that candidates who pass two subtests from different assessments may need to follow up directly with our Licensure Office (781-338-6600) after they have requested to have their scores from both subtests sent to the Department from the relevant testing vendor.

Candidates can find a list of approved alternative assessments and information on registering here: Pilot of Alternative Assessments to the MTEL.