Educator Effectiveness

Frequently Asked Questions

General Licensure

  • What tests am I required to take for a Massachusetts educator license?
  • Do I have to take the tests before I apply for a license?
  • Do I have to apply separately for my license?
  • If I apply for licensure in Massachusetts after having prepared in another state, do I have to take the MTEL?
  • Am I required to pass a test more than once?

Registration

  • Are alternative testing arrangements provided?
  • Do I need a social security number to register for the tests?
  • Where can I find testing dates and locations?
  • Why do I receive an error messag e when I attempt to register for my MTEL?
  • Are there any prerequisites for taking the MTEL?
  • Can I take my MTEL remotely?
  • What can I do to prepare for my MTEL?

Test Scores

  • What if I don't pass?
  • Is there any way to have the test requirement waived?
  • How can I get a copy of my score report?
  • Can I view the test?
  • When will I be able to view my MTEL score report?
  • Why isn't my MTEL score reported in my ELAR account?

View All


Test Scores

What if I don't pass?

In order to become a licensed educator in Massachusetts public schools, you must pass the appropriate MTEL test(s) or an approved alternative assessment. You may take the test(s) as many times as necessary to achieve a passing score.

Can the test requirement be waived?

No. The test is required by Massachusetts law.

How can I get a copy of my score report?

Your score report will be emailed to you, if you requested this option when you registered via the MTEL registration website, and will be available in your MTEL account beginning at 10:00 p.m. eastern time on the score report date for your test date. Score reports are available for 2 years in your account. From your account, you may view, print, and save your score report during that period. Your testing history for all tests taken, reported as pass/fail status, is always available to you through your account.

After the 2-year period, you may request a copy using the reprint request form .

If you have not received your score report two weeks after the score report date, contact Evaluation Systems . Under no circumstances will your score report information be released in person or by telephone or fax.

As of April 23, 2024, candidates may request to provide copies of their score reports to additional recipients of their choice. Candidates who need to report their test results to additional recipients, including a preparation program contact, may find this service of use. Please visit the View Scores and Testing History section within your account on this website for more information on this service.

Can I view the test?

No. The test booklets, answer documents, and all other test materials must be kept secure from disclosure in order to ensure that the test remains a fair and effective assessment of candidates for licensure. Materials are therefore not available for review either before or after taking the test. Practice tests and other preparation materials for the MTEL are available via the MTEL website for most tests. Practice tests can be found at Practice Tests or under the Test Info page in the "Prepare" section for specific tests.

For alternative assessments, please check the provider websites for information about practice tests.

When will I be able to view my MTEL score report?

Please view the MTEL website's Scores page and navigate to "Score Report Dates."

Why isn't my MTEL score reported in my ELAR account?

In order for scores to be successfully uploaded to your ELAR account, all of the information in your MTEL account must be an exact match to your ELAR account. Please check that all information is an exact match, including your name, date of birth, MEPID, and Social Security Number.

If you took the MTEL prior to having an ELAR account, your test scores may not have been reported to your ELAR account. In these instances, you need to contact Evaluation Systems Group of Pearson to ensure that your MEPID number has been added to your account and to update any other information that may no longer match your ELAR account. Once your information is up to date, please notify testhelp@doemass.edu that you are missing old test scores in your ELAR account and which test scores you are missing. Test help will request that Evaluation Systems Group of Pearson resubmit your scores. This process may take up to a month.

Last Updated: March 31, 2025