Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions page. This list of questions represents those the Licensure Officer is most often asked.

When will I receive a copy of my license?
As of April 29, 2011, the DESE no longer issues hardcopies of licenses. You can print a copy of your license from your ELAR profile area. Once you logon, click on the "Check license status..." link. Scroll down to the bottom of the page, and click on the "View/Print" tab under License Information.
Which MTEL tests are required for licenses?
Here is a link to the DESE's list of required MTELs for each license. Notice some licenses (e.g. Moderate Disabilities 5-12) have more than one test that meets a requirement.
I am applying for the Specialist Teacher: Reading license, and I already submitted my proof of experience document to the DESE. Why do I need to provide a copy to the Licensure Officer?
Framingham State University has elected to participate in the optional "batching" process with the state. The process requires we submit all documentation for a candidate's licensure action in one packet. The benefit of using this process is that the DESE processes the "batches" very quickly, usually in 7-10 days. Candidates are always welcome to submit their materials to the DESE independently, but this will increase processing time. Currently (fall 2011), the non-batch processing time is approximately 18 weeks. If you do wish to submit your materials independently, please include a note on your endorsement request form.
I hold an Initial license and I want to add a license. What are the requirements?
The answer to this question depends on the license you currently hold. A few scenarios are included here. These apply only to candidates who hold an Initial or Professional license.
  1. You hold the Math 5-8 license and you want to add the History 5-8 license. Here, you are adding a new field with the same grade level cluster. To to this, you need to meet one requirement: Take (and pass) the MTEL for History.

  2. You hold the History 5-8 license and you want to add the History 8-12 license. Here, you are adding a new grade level with the same field. You will need to complete either an internship or coursework. The quickest way to meet this requirement is to complete a 150 hour internship in a History classroom in grades 8-12. Read more about the Internship requirements and documentation. NOTE: For the Math licenses, you may have to take an MTEL test. For example, if you took the Middle School Math test and want to add the Math license at grades 8-12, you will need to take the high school level Math MTEL. If,instead, you wanted to add the Math 1-6 license, you would not need to take another Math MTEL.

  3. You hold the Early Childhood (PreK-2) license and you want to add the Elementary (1-6) license. Here you are adding a new field and a new grade level cluster. You must take and pass both portions of the General Curriculum MTEL. You must also take and pass the Foundations of Reading MTEL, if that test wasn't required when you obtained your Early Childhood license. And, you must complete a 150 hour internship in an early childhood setting (grades PreK-2). Read more about the Internship requirements and documentation.

  4. Adding special education licenses is more complex. Please consult with the DESE (or the Licensure Officer) for assistance.