Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions related to applying for/obtaining a license. Additional information, including how to apply for a license, can be found on our Applying for/Checking the Status of a License page.
What is the Educator Licensure And Renewal (ELAR) system? ELAR (Educator Licensure And Renewal) is our online licensure system that allows current and prospective Massachusetts educators to electronically complete most licensure-related inquiries and transactions. Through ELAR, applicants can apply for or advance a license, renew a professional-level license, check the status of a license or application, make a payment, upload and view a description of documents in their files, request a hard-copy license, update their personal profiles, view correspondence from the Office of Educator Licensure, and even print an unofficial copy of their license.
How do I know if I have an ELAR user name and password? If you created your own ELAR profile, a user name was assigned and you were asked to create a password at that time. If you submitted a paper application or if you already held a Massachusetts Educator License before the implementation of ELAR in May 2002, the Department assigned you a user name and temporary password at that time.
What are the costs associated with applying for more than one license field or grade level license? The first license application fee is $100.00 USD. Additional license applications are $25.00 USD each.
How do I select a requirement path when applying online? If this is your first time applying for a particular license type (i.e., Preliminary, Initial, Professional, Temporary) or license category (i.e., teacher, specialist teacher, administrator, professional support personnel) you will most likely fall under a general requirements path. Typically, if you are adding an additional license, you will look for the path indicating that you are an educator adding an additional license in a new field (e.g., English, mathematics, history) and/or grade level and choosing the path with the most current year. If you are coming from another state and are applying for an Initial license, you would generally look for the path for educators qualifying for reciprocity. Please note that some path options might be different for certain licenses. If you do not select the correct path when completing your online application, the Office of Educator Licensure will select the correct path for you when your application is reviewed. Should you need additional assistance, please contact the Licensure Call Center via 781-338-6600.
Last Updated: September 27, 2024
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149
Voice: (781) 338-3000 TTY: (800) 439-2370
Disclaimer: A reference in this website to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.