Licensure Tips and Tricks

• Temporary License

  • 1-year license

  • For certain educators licensed and experienced in another state

• Provisional License

  • Generally requires a bachelor’s degree

  • Requires applicable MTELs and other basic requirements

  • Often an entry point for educators who have not completed an approved preparation program

• Initial License

  • Requires completion of an approved preparation pathway

  • Pathways may include a traditional educator preparation program or PRPIL

  • Requires applicable testing and endorsement requirements

• Professional License

  • Advanced level of Massachusetts licensure

  • Requires an Initial License in the same field

  • At least 3 years of employment under the Initial License

  • Completion of an induction and mentoring program

  • Then complete one of several approved pathways, including:

    • An approved Professional licensure program

    • A program leading to Master Teacher status, such as National Board Certification

    • 12 graduate credits that address the subject matter knowledge or pedagogy of the Professional license

      • At least 6 of the 12 credits must address the subject matter/content of the license

      • Credits may have been earned before applying for the Professional License

• Military Spouse License

  • 3-year license

  • For eligible military spouses who hold a comparable out-of-state license

Typical pathway:
Bachelor’s Degree → Provisional → Initial → Professional