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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

The reciprocity route needs evidence of passing the applicable content test. A content test passed for initial licensure in another state counts, verified on ISBE Form 77-41B with a copy of the score; otherwise the applicant takes the Illinois content test.

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. The reciprocity route needs evidence of passing the applicable content test; a content test passed for initial licensure in another state counts, and otherwise the applicant takes the Illinois content test.

Documents you may need

The reciprocity route identifies a copy of the valid comparable out-of-state license, an official transcript showing a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution and content-test evidence; 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
  • •A content test passed for initial licensure in another state satisfies the content-test requirement

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

Official sources

Check again by 2026-11-01