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Illinois State Board of Education test requirements

Will I need another teacher test in Illinois?

Requirements can differ by certificate, subject, grade span and prior score.

Open Professional Educator License
Official state guidance State makes the decision Checked 2026-08-01

Testing and assessment treatment

Requirement

For reciprocity applications received on or after January 1, 2026, the applicant must pass the applicable Illinois content-area test for each endorsement sought.

Which out-of-state path this covers

Illinois evaluates a valid comparable out-of-state teaching license for a Professional Educator License and comparable endorsements.

What can change this answer

ISBE retains authority to determine equivalency, and applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026 must satisfy the applicable Illinois content-area testing requirement for the reciprocity route.

Documents you may need

The reciprocity route identifies a copy of the valid comparable out-of-state license and a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution; ISBE may request additional equivalency evidence.

Where the testing answer can change

  • The out-of-state license must be valid and comparable to the Illinois PEL
  • All endorsement areas are considered, but ISBE makes the equivalency decision
  • The Illinois content-test requirement applies to reciprocity applications received on or after January 1, 2026

Register and send scores only for the exact exam code named by the state agency.

Official sources

Check again by 2026-11-01