Earning a Provisional or Initial License

If you are currently teaching on an Emergency or Provisional License, your next step towards maintaining active licensure status is to advance to the Provisional or Initial licensure level. This page includes information on the requirements and approved licensure programs that work with CPS Teachers and about the Tuition Reimbursement program for CPS teachers.

Earning Your Provisional License

To earn a Provisional License in Massachusetts, you must:

Have a Bachelor's degree; AND
Have passed all required MTEL tests.
Some licenses may have additional requirements, such as relevant subject matter knowledge — Competency Review.

The Provisional License is valid for five years of employment (it cannot be extended). You must advance to the Initial License to continue teaching.

Earning Your Initial License

To earn an Initial License in Massachusetts, you must:

Have a Bachelor's degree;
Have passed all required MTEL tests;
Hold the SEI endorsement (core academic teacher licenses only); AND
Have completed one of the following:
- An approved educator preparation program in Massachusetts; OR
- The Performance Review Program for Initial Licensure (PRPIL).

The Initial License is valid for five years of employment. It may be extended once.

Local Universities that Offer Initial Licensure Programs

For a full list of approved college & university licensure programs in Massachusetts, please click here.

Performance Review Program for Initial Licensure (PRPIL)

PRPIL is a cost-effective a flexible alternative for earning an Initial License in Massachusetts. Please click here to see if you are eligible and to learn more about the program and the application process.

DESE Licensure Tool

A good starting place is to review the specific Initial Licensure requirements for your subject area and grade level is this Licensure Requirements Tool on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education licensure website.

For information on Tuition Reimbursement and MTEL supports for CPS educators, please click here.

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