How do you get an Illinois Teacher Certification?

Traditional Approach for the Illinois Teacher Certification

  1. Earn your Bachelors Degree or higher from an accredited university. If you already have a bachelors degree, then be sure to earn your Master’s Degree right away
  2. Teacher Preparations: This will include teacher prep courses, student teaching, and other types of internships. In order to receive an Illinois Teacher Certification, you must have some experience in teaching, even if it’s unpaid.
  3. Pass the Illinois Test of Basic Skills, Illinois Content Test (Subject Area), and the Assessment of Professional Teaching. Click here to learn more.
  4. Submit the following:
    • Apply Online
    • $30 check/money order payable to Department of Education’s Certification Office
    • Call here for more information
      • Springfield - (866) 262-6663
      • Chicago - (312) 814-2220
  5. *Do you want to renew your Illinois Teacher Certification?*

Alternative Approach for the Illinois Teacher Certification

Alternatively, there is another path you can take to get your Illinois Teacher Certification which allows you to start your teaching career before you complete the teacher education program.

  1. Obviously you must still earn your Bachelors Degree from an accredited university. Ideally, you should always continue your education in efforts to earn a Master’s degree.
  2. A minimum of 5 years experience in a related occupation
  3. Pass the ICTS testing requirements
  4. You’ll receive the Alternative Certification Program certification which is valid for 1 year. During this time, you’ll be mentored and participate in various activities to be judged and reviewed on your progress. After completing this successfully, you’ll receive the Initial Illinois Teaching Certification

Resident Teacher Certification

This route doesn’t require any time spent with teacher preparation work. After fulfilling the requirements, you will earn your Master’s Degree and possibly be recommended for the Standard Illinois Certification. Call (866) 262-6663 or (312) 814-2220 for more details

Top Online Schools

Liberty University Online Campus 
  • EdD in Teaching and Learning
  • MA in Teaching - Elementary Education
  • MA in Teaching - Secondary Education
  • MEd in Administration and Supervision
  • BS in Education
  • EdD in Educational Leadership
  • EdS in Educational Leadership
  • MA in Teaching - Special Education
  • MEd in School Counseling
  • MEd in Teaching and Learning - Elementary Education
  • MEd in Teaching and Learning - Special Education
  • Master's in Religious Education
  • MEd in Teaching and Learning - General Education
  • MEd in Teaching and Learning - Secondary Education
  • EdS in Teaching and Learning
  • AA in Education
  • MEd Program Specialist - Gifted Specialist
  • MEd Program Specialist - Early Childhood Specialist
  • MEd Program Specialist - Math Specialist
  • MEd Program Specialist - Reading Specialist
Click here for information about Liberty  
Western Governors University Online Campus 
  • BA in Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)
  • MA in Teaching - Science (5-9 or 5-12)
  • MA in Teaching - Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)
  • MA in Mathematics Education (K-6, 5-9, or 5-12)
  • BA in Social Science (5-12)
  • MA in Teaching - Social Science (5-12)
  • MEd - Instructional Design
  • MS in Special Education
  • MS in Educational Leadership
  • BA in Special Education
  • BA in Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8)
  • Post-Baccalaureate in Teacher Preparation (K-8)
  • Post-Baccalaureate in Teacher Preparation - Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)
  • Post-Baccalaureate in Teacher Preparation - Science (5-9 or 5-12)
  • Post-Baccalaureate in Teacher Preparation - Social Science (5-12)
  • BA in Science (5-9)
  • BA in Science (5-12 Biological Science)
  • BA in Science (5-12 Chemistry)
  • BA in Science (5-12 Geosciences)
  • BA in Science (5-12 Physics)
  • MA in Science Education (5-9)
  • MA in Science Education (5-12 Biological Science)
  • MA in Science Education (5-12 Chemistry)
  • MA in Science Education (5-12 Geosciences)
  • MA in Science Education (5-12 Physics)
  • Endorsement Prep Program in ELL (PK-12)
  • MA in English Language Learning (PK-12)
  • MEd - Learning and Technology
  • MEd - Measurement and Evaluation
  • BA in Early Childhood Education (Birth through Grade 3)
  • Endorsement Preparation Program in Educational Leadership
Click here for information about Western Governors  
Grand Canyon University Online Campus 
  • BS in Secondary Education - English
  • BS in Secondary Education - Math
  • BS in Secondary Education - Social Studies
  • MEd in Curriculum & Instruction - Reading
  • MEd in Education Administration - Organizational Leadership
  • MEd in Education Administration - School Leadership
  • MEd in Elementary Education
  • MEd in Elementary Education
  • MEd in Secondary Education
  • MEd in Secondary Education
  • MEd in Special Education
  • MEd in Special Education
  • MEd in Special Education - Certified Special Educators
  • MEd in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
  • BS in Elementary Education - English
  • BS in Elementary Education - Science
  • BS in Elementary Education - Math
  • BS in Elementary Education / Special Education
  • BS in Secondary Education - Business Education
  • BS in Elementary Education - Early Childhood
  • MEd in Curriculum & Instruction - Technology
  • MA in Teaching
  • MEd in Education Administration
  • Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership
  • EdD in Organizational Leadership - Behavioral Health
  • EdD in Organizational Leadership - Effective Schools
  • EdD in Organizational Leadership - Higher Education Leadership
  • EdD in Organizational Leadership - Instructional Leadership
  • BA in English Literature
  • BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
  • BA in History
  • Continuing Teacher Education Courses
Click here for information about Grand Canyon