Teacher certification tests in Illinois
Illinois has cut its testing requirements sharply. The basic skills test is gone, and the edTPA is waived through August 31, 2029. What remains is the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) content test for each endorsement, which you must pass before the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) issues your Professional Educator License.
From ISBE’s licensure testing pages, its guidance on the end of the basic skills test, and Public Acts 103-0846 and 104-0128. Checked October 12, 2026. ISBE is still writing rules for some changes, so confirm with ISBE.
What changed
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Test of basic skills | Eliminated by law for all educator licenses |
| edTPA | Waived through August 31, 2029 under Public Act 104-0128, for in-state completers and out-of-state applicants; Illinois is piloting a state-developed teacher performance assessment |
| ILTS content test | Still required for each endorsement before your Professional Educator License |
| Content test timing | Under Public Act 103-0846, candidates in traditional programs can student teach before passing it |
Common questions
Does Illinois use Praxis?
No. Illinois uses its own ILTS program, delivered by Pearson.
Do I still need a content test?
Yes, for each endorsement. You can student teach before passing it, but ISBE won’t issue the Professional Educator License until you have.
Is it different on an alternative route?
ISBE says alternative-program candidates must pass the content test before receiving the Professional Educator License, rather than before the provisional alternative license.