Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) about MTEL

Lesley's Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Student Guide, online or at the Certification office Room 2-076 University Hall, contains answers to most questions. Also review the MTEL Questions and Answers on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website.

When should I take the MTEL test(s)?

Please review the Lesley University MTEL policy. Effective Fall 2010, all Lesley students enrolled in a first Initial Licensure program must pass all portions of the MTEL(s) to be eligible for student teaching or the practicum. Beginning September 1, 2009 all new applicants seeking admissions to a an Initial license program must submit evidence of having taken, or registered for, the Communication and Literacy Skill test.

Advance planning is critical. It helps to work backwards and consider the length of your program, when you plan to finish, when you plan to do your practicum, and how many MTEL(s) are required for your license. Communication & Literacy Skills, required for all licenses, has two subtests: Reading and Writing. The subtests can be taken together in one 4-hour testing administration, or separately in two different 4-hour test administrations. Education coursework is not required to pass the C&L test. General Curriculum, required for the Elementary, Moderate and Severe Disabilities licenses also has two subtests: Math and Multisubject. The subtests can be taken together or separately.  Talk with your Assistant Director for Academic Advising for help with scheduling MTELs.

When is the next MTEL test?

What tests are required for licensure in Massachusetts?

The Communication and Literacy MTEL is needed for all types of licenses (Teachers, specialist teachers, support personnel and administrators). In addition, Subject matter tests are required for all teaching and specialist teaching subject areas. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) website contains the list of required MTEL exams for each licensure area.

What are the MTEL test objectives?

The objectives describe in detail what areas will be covered on each test. They are useful for preparing a study plan and are found at the MTEL Program Web Site.

How can I prepare for the MTELs?

How do I register for the MTELs?

You can register on-line or pick up a registration booklet from the Certification Office located at University Hall, 1815 Mass Ave, 2nd Floor, Room 2-076, Cambridge, MA

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

Yes, you must take and pass the MTEL. No other licensure test is considered to be comparable to the MTEL.

Where should I send my MTEL test scores?

Your scores are automatically reported to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) by the testing company (Evaluation Systems, Pearson) and held in your records as confidential. You should apply for an Educator Licensure and Recruitment (ELAR) account at the ESE as soon as possible so your MTEL test scores can be housed there, along with other materials you submit for licensure. You must also indicate that you want Lesley to receive your scores. Lesley University's Institution Code is 30.

Are teachers required to take the MTEL test when they apply for certification in a new field ?

The requirements for any license can be found at the Licensure-Help Online page of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website. In general, educators who hold an Initial license in any field, are required to take the Subject Matter Test if they seek certification in a new field

I am concerned that I failed the MTEL test. Should I sign up for the next test date before I find out my results?

If you are concerned that you might have failed a test, PLEASE DO NOT sign up for the next test date prior to receiving your test scores. If you did fail the test, the late fees are automatically waived when registration deadlines and score reporting dates overlap. If, however, you sign up for the next administration BEFORE you have received your scores and it then turns out that you passed the test, your registration fees will not be reimbursed. This policy is outlined on pages 6 & 7 of the Test Registration Bulletin.

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.