Frequently Asked Questions about Licensure

The information below applies to those completing Lesley licensure programs in Massachusetts. Lesley/Tacoma Washington students can review our Washington webpage. Students completing a Lesley program in other states are advised to contact their state's department of education for details on educator licensure requirements.

What is the difference between Preliminary, Initial, Temporary and Professional licenses?

Massachusetts offers four types of educator licenses. Based upon your training you can be employed by a school under Preliminary, Initial, Temporary, or Professional license. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) describes the types of licenses in a diagram form that will help explain the different types of educator licenses and their requirements. Requirements for all levels and field of license are found at the ESE Licensure-help online.

What is the first step to apply for my license?

Please download the Lesley University Licensure Application Instructions [pdf] and review that for complete details.

What is an endorsed transcript?

Certification(s): Completed
MAT1EP002B Teacher, Elementary Education
This student has completed a State approved and NASDTEC recognized program for licensure in Elementary Education (1-6) and is recommended got licensure in this field.
Date of Recommendation: 05/09     Certification Officer ______________________

When should I apply for an endorsed transcript?

How long does it take for my endorsed transcript to be processed and sent to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE)?

It usually takes 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a confirmation email notifying you when the endorsed transcript has been sent along with an attached PDF of a letter confirming completion of your program. You can use that letter to show employers that your license will be forthcoming.

How long does it take to receive the license from the ESE?

It varies and depends on several factors, such as the date your application is received, the type of license, the volume of applications being processed at the time, and whether the application was filled out correctly and completely. However, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is committed to completing the application process for each applicant as quickly as possible.

Do I send my undergraduate transcripts to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education or does Lesley University?

Graduate students are responsible for having an official undergraduate transcript(s) with the registrar's seal showing conferral of degree sent to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

I have been considering changing my career and am wondering what I would need to do to return to teaching? I received my elementary teaching certificate in 1985. Since then I have worked in corporate settings. What would I need to do to go back to teaching?

You will need to reactivate your license according to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Recertification Guidelines. The Recertification webpage also explains this. You will need to earn 150 Professional Development Points (PDPs) through coursework and other professional development activities described in the Recertification Guidelines. One 3-credit graduate course will earn 67.5 PDPs. Visit Lesley's School of Education Professional Development website to find out more about PDP opportunities available at Lesley.

I plan to teach out of state. How can I become certified in another state?

Candidates with Massachusetts certification may be eligible for reciprocal certification in 48 states within the Interstate Agreement. Please check the National Association of State Directory of Teacher Education and Certification web site and review the other state's education department website for requirements.  Candidates usually have to pass the applicable state tests and submit a verification form (form V) that Lesley's Certification office fills out indicating you completed an approved education program. Course requirements vary from state to state and states may impose additional requirements for licensure.

I have an educator license from another state. Can I use that to teach in Massachusetts?

You must apply to the Mass ESE for a temporary license in your field. Please review the Massachusetts Department of Education Out of State Applicant page. You need to have three years of employment under an out-of-state license comparable to the Massachusetts Initial license, and you will have a certain amount of time to complete the necessary MTEL exams. Temporary licenses are good for one year from the date of issue, and you are not required to pass the MTEL to obtain it. However, it will not be granted if you have failed the MTEL.

I have already passed an educator test in another state. Do I still need to take the MTEL?

Yes, you will need to pass all MTELs necessary for your license. The ESE lists required MTELs for all licensure areas.  

What tests are required for licensure in Massachusetts?

The Communication and Literacy Skills test is needed for all types of license (teachers, specialist teachers, support personnel and administrators). In addition, a Subject Matter test is required for all teaching and specialist teaching subject areas. All candidates for licenses in Early Childhood, Elementary Education and Moderate Special Needs programs must also pass the Foundations of Reading test. Questions regarding the MTEL test can be found on the MTEL FAQ page of our website or our MTEL Student Guide [pdf].

How do I know which license to apply for?

If you are becoming an educator and you need to determine the licenses for which you are potentially eligible, please link to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Licensure Help Online and fill in the drop-down menus in order to determine your license(s) eligibility.

I have a bachelor's degree. If I pass the General Curriculum Subject Test and the Communications and Literacy Skills Test, and Foundations of Reading can I get a Preliminary Elementary Teacher license?

No. There are additional pedagogical requirements for the Elementary, Early Childhood and Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities licenses, including:

• Seminars or courses that address the teaching of
  1. Reading
  2. English Language Arts
  3. Mathematics
  • Seminars or courses on preparing and maintaining students with disabilities in general classrooms.

I already have an Initial Elementary license. What do I need to do get an Initial Early Childhood license?

• Pass the Early Childhood subject matter test and the Foundations of Reading or Reading Specialist

• A practicum or practicum equivalent of 150 hours in the role of the license in an appropriate classroom test

You can click on each requirement to get more details and information.

I have taught three years in a private school. Does this count on my license?

You will still have 5 years on your license to teach in a public school, but you may count them if you want to use those years towards your Professional license.

If I teach three years and then take two years off is my license expired?

No, your license is valid for a total of 5 teaching (on the clock) years. In this case, you will have two years left on your license.

My Initial license is going to expire and I have not earned the Professional license yet. What can I do?

You would need to apply to the ESE for the Initial Extension and submit a plan on how you are going to obtain a Professional license along with a letter of employment indicating that you have completed five years of employment or are in the fifth year of employment, as well as a $25 fee. Your district can request an expedited review of your application.

Can I count my three years of experience teaching in the private school as the required three years for moving an Initial to a Professional?

At least since 1997, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has accepted private school experience to receive, add, or advance a license.

After I have taught three years and completed the Reading Specialist All levels Initial approved licensure program at Lesley University can I use course credits to upgrade my Initial to Professional status?

You can use 12 content course credits from Lesley's Reading Specialist (All levels) Initial license program to advance the following Initial licenses to Professional license: Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Moderate Disabilities, Severe Disabilities

Although Lesley Certification Office has attempted to ensure that the information contained on the website is accurate and complete at the time of posting, the contents are subject to change at any time.