The MTEL Program
The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) program was initiated by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in 1998 as part of a statewide education reform initiative for educators seeking PreKindergarten to grade 12 licenses. The MTEL program includes tests of communication and literacy skills, as well as tests of subject matter knowledge. The tests are designed to ensure that Massachusetts educators can communicate adequately with students, parents/guardians, and other educators and that they are knowledgeable in the subject matter of the license sought.
Massachusetts law requires that candidates for teaching positions in Massachusetts public schools must:
- Complete a state-approved program of study.
- Pass the appropriate section(s) of the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL).
Mathematics 53 (Elementary) & Mathematics 47 (Middle School)
Both the Mathematics 53 (Elementary) exam and Mathematics 47 (Middle School) exam follow the same format. They are Computer-based examinations featuring 100 multiple-choice questions and 2 open-response assignments. Individuals will be allotted 4 hours to complete each exam, plus an additional 15 minutes for a computer tutorial and nondisclosure agreement. If you'd like to learn more about the skills required to pass the Mathematics 53, please
click here. Or if you'd like to learn more about the skills required to pass the Mathematics 47, please
click this link