How do you get an Illinois Teacher Certification?

Traditional Approach for the Illinois Teacher Certification

  1. Earn a higher education degree
  2. Gain some teaching experience; student teaching is acceptable, other teacher prep courses will provide this.
  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 to take to get Certified to teach in IL which allows you to start your teaching career before you complete the teacher education program.

  1. Degree is still required
  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

Northcentral University  
  • International Education - Doctor of Education
  • Global Training and Development - Doctor of Education
  • General Education - Master of Education
Click here for more information about Northcentral University
Post University  
  • Early Childhood Education
  • A.S. in Early Childhood Education
  • B.S. in Child Studies
Click here for more information about Post University
Kendall College Early Childhood Education Program  
  • B.A. in Early Childhood Education - Without Certification
  • Illinois Type 04 Certification Preparation (Post-Baccalaureate)
  • B.A. in Early Childhood Education - With Certification
Click here for more information about Kendall College Early Childhood Education Program
Grand Canyon University  
  • B.S. in Early Childhood
  • M.Ed. in Early Childhood (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure)
  • M.Ed. in Early Childhood (Leads to initial teacher licensure)
Click here for more information about Grand Canyon University
University of Phoenix  
  • Educational Specialist
  • M.A. in Education/Early Childhood Ed.
  • Doctor of Education/Curriculum and Instruction
Click here for more information about University of Phoenix
Kaplan University  
  • MS in Education (for Existing Teachers Grades K-12)
  • MS in Education - Educational Psychology
  • MA in Teaching (for Aspiring Teachers Grades 5-12)
Click here for more information about Kaplan University
Concordia University Online  
  • M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: Curriculum & Instruction: Early Childhood Education
  • M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: Career and Technical Education (CTE)
  • M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: Methods & Curriculum
Click here for more information about Concordia University Online
Stratford Career Institute  
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Teacher's Aid
Click here for more information about Stratford Career Institute
The University of Liverpool  
  • Doctor of Education (Higher Education)
Click here for more information about The University of Liverpool
Ashworth College  
  • Associate of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education
  • Teacher Assisting
Click here for more information about Ashworth College
Western Governors University  
  • B.A. in Early Childhood Education (Birth through Grade 3)
  • M.A. in Teaching (K-8)
  • M.S. Curriculum and Instruction
Click here for more information about Western Governors University
Walden University  
  • M.S.Ed - Professional Development (Grades PreK-12)
  • Ph.D. in Education - Mixed-Model
  • Ph.D. in Education - KAM-based
Click here for more information about Walden University
Full Sail University - Online  
  • Education Media Design & Technology, Master of Science (Online)
Click here for more information about Full Sail University - Online
Spring Arbor University  
  • Masters of Arts in Education
Click here for more information about Spring Arbor University
Penn Foster Schools  
  • Teacher Aide
Click here for more information about Penn Foster Schools
Jones International University  
  • M.Ed. in K-12 Instructional Technology
  • M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Administration: Principal and Administrator Licensure
  • M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership and Administration
Click here for more information about Jones International University
Keiser University Graduate School  
  • Education, MS - Teaching and Learning (Online)
  • Education, MS (Online)
  • Instructional Design and Technology, PhD (Online)
Click here for more information about Keiser University Graduate School
American InterContinental University Online  
  • Master's (M. Ed.) in Educational Assessment and Evaluation
  • Master's of Education (M.Ed.) in Instructional Technology
  • Master's of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction
Click here for more information about American InterContinental University Online