MTEL Information

MTEL News and Updates - Updated 2/14/2025

MTEL Preparation Resources

The SSU library has purchased a series of MTEL prep resources from Mometrix E-Library for currently enrolled SSU students.  To access, lick this link. SSU MTEL PREP Resources, Use your first initial last name SSU login and password. We recommend saving the login.  

If you are not a current SSU student, these materials can be accessed in person at the SSU library on campus.

• • Some fee-based test prep workshops we’ve heard of (but do not endorse). These are neither affiliated with nor endorsed by Salem State.
  • DESE's Test Preparation Materials and Courses List Links to an external site. 
    • PrepForward Links to an external site. is a preferred MTEL preparation vendor (recommended by DESE)
    • MTEL Prep Courses offered at colleges in MA Links to an external site. (please note that this list may not be updated)
    • GOHACADEMY Links to an external site.
    • Foundations of Reading MTEL Prep course Links to an external site. (self-paced)
    • FREE ESL MTEL PREP COURSE Links to an external site. (new from DESE)
    • Get Ready for MTELs Links to an external site. This link has resources for the following MTELs: Communication and Literacy, Foundations of Reading, Early Childhood, Elementary, Reading Specialist, and Physical Education 

Communication and Literacy Skills Alternatives

All candidates required to take the Communication and Literacy Skills (CLST) MTEL may take one of the below assessments (see this link) Communication and Literacy Skills Alternative Assessments  Links to an external site. approved by DESE. Candidates must meet the passing score required for each alternative assessment in Massachusetts. The assessment may have been taken, or be taken, any time between when the pilot was approved by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education on October 20, 2020 through the end of the pilot on June 30, 2024. As candidates register and take these alternative assessments, results will be electronically and securely sent to the Department. Additionally, you can visit the MTEL webpage Links to an external site. for more information.

General Curriculum MTEL Update

• As of August 21, 2023, the General Curriculum MTEL Subtests have changed.  Please review the Important Notice Regarding Changes to the General Curriculum MTEL  Links to an external site.for more information. Note that the old version has retired, so if you took one subtest of the old version, it is important to read the notice to see what you need to do. 
• Paths to Additional Teacher Licenses 
• Are you interested in learning about paths to earning an additional Initial and/or Professional Academic teacher license in Massachusetts? If so, this presentation provides a tutorial on paths for additional academic teacher licenses. Massachusetts Educator Licensure Series or "MELS" Links to an external site.

Frequently Asked Questions 

• Which MTELs/Tests d​​o ​I need to take and how do I determine the requirements for a particular license?
• Licensure Requirements Tool Links to an external site.
• Which MTELs are getting updated or are under redevelopment?
  • • The Early Childhood (formerly 02 and now 72) test has been redeveloped and went into effect 2/6/2023. Please see this page Links to an external site. for more information.
    • The History MTEL (06) stopped testing on 2/5/2023 and the new History/Social Science (73) went into effect 2/6/2023. Please see this page Links to an external site. for more information
    • There are several other MTEL exams undergoing redevelopment. Please see this page Links to an external site. for a list of tests under redevelopment.
• How do I register for an MTEL exam?
  • Candidates can register for MTEL exams by logging into their ELAR account Links to an external site.. 
• How do I create a profile in ELAR? How can I check to see if I have an ELAR profile?
  • Prior to registering for the MTEL, check to see if you have an ELAR profile with a MEPID number. A MEPID Is Now Required for MTEL Registration. Links to an external site.
  • Go to User Registration  Links to an external site.on the Office of Educator Licensure web page to determine if you already have a profile or to create a profile and be assigned a MEPID number. Note: your name in your ELAR profile and MTEL account must exactly match your name on the government-issued identification you will bring to the test center.
• I have an ELAR profile. Where do I find my MEPID number?
  • Log into ELAR  Links to an external site.. At the Welcome Page, select "Check license status and history, make a payment" to see your profile that includes a MEPID. The MEPID number should appear in the "Inquiry - Activity Summary" page, above your name.
• How do I navigate ELAR?
  • You can find helpful ELAR guides on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website Links to an external site..
• Which MTELs have MTEL Flex available?
• The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is pleased to announce the availability of an assessment option, MTEL-Flex, for candidates who have previously taken but not yet passed an MTEL test, and whose score was very close to the passing score. MTEL FLEX Information Links to an external site.
• How do I report my MTEL scores to Salem State?
  • When registering for the MTELs, students can select to have their scores reported to specific colleges. It is recommended that they select Salem State University at that time.
  • Students can submit MTEL scores to Salem State through their ELAR portal.
• What if I need alternative testing arrangements for my MTEL Exam?
  • Examinees with documented physical, learning, or cognitive disabilities, or for whom English is not a primary language, may be eligible for alternative testing arrangements Links to an external site.. 

Which MTELs do I need to take?

License	Reading  and Writing Subtests Communication and Literacy Skills Alternative Assessments	Foundations of Reading	General Curriculum Subtest 1 Language Arts and History/ Social Science	General Curriculum Subtest 2, Mathematics,  Science, and Technology/ Engineering	Early Childhood	Specific Content Area MTELs
Notes/ Suggestions	Take before fall junior year. See "Communication and Literacy Alternatives" above for options.	take after literacy development coursework.	Take after Subject Matter Knowledge coursework.	Take after math content coursework.*Strong math candidates may take the middle, high school, or elementary math in lieu of this MTEL.	Take after child development, math content coursework, and subject matter knowledge coursework.	Take at least three months before planned start of practicum. For Moderate disabilities 5-12, students may choose from a list of content area MTELs.
Early Childhood Grades PreK- grade 2 (Moderate Disabilities PreK-Grade 2 licensure requires the same MTELS, a practicum, and additional coursework.)	✅	✅			✅
Elementary Grades 1-6	✅	✅	✅	✅
Moderate Disabilities Grades PreK-8	✅	✅	✅	✅
Moderate Disabilities, Grades 5-12	✅	✅				✅
Secondary/ Specialist	✅					✅