Summary of Application Procedures

1. Applicants completing an approved Illinois program (entitlement)
   • Complete a certificate application form appropriate for either alternative or traditional certification programs; the university officials will sign and seal it if all information is correct.
   • The student can then file the application with a regional superintendent of schools along with the required $30 fee in the appropriate form as directed by the regional superintendent. OR
   • The student can file the application and $30 fee with the university, if it is participating in our electronic certificate issuance process OR
   • The student can go on-line to OTIS (http://www.isbe.net/otis/default.htm) and have the certificate issued by following the instructions and using a credit card.
     
     
2. Applicants for transcript evaluation
   • Complete the application for certificate form appropriate for the type of certificate sought (73-03C, Application for Teaching Certificate, or 73-03D, Application for School Service Personnel or Administrative Certificate).
   • File the application with your regional superintendent of schools with the $30 application fee in the form directed by the regional superintendent and include the following:
     • Official transcripts of all your work showing a degree and a major (b, c, d below are necessary only if you are applying for a professional certificate)
     • Either a completed State Approved Program Verification form (73-05) or a copy of your other state's current and valid certificate (required for professional certificates)
     • A letter of teaching experience signed by your district superintendent or other authorized district official. (Provisional vocational and temporary provisional vocational certificates also require a letter of experience from the employer verifying the required amount of work experience in the area.)
     • If you are coming from another state and have completed a test of basic skills and/or a content test for your certificate, please complete the top portion of form ISBE 73-99,"Confirmation of State Tests Taken" and forward it to the State Testing Authority of your state for confirmation of the test.

     Note: To be official, transcripts must be submitted in the sealed envelope from the college or university or be sent directly by the institution. Transcripts received that are not in a sealed envelope from the university or sent directly from the university will be considered unofficial and cannot be used for evaluation purposes.

     OR

   • Go to the OTIS website "http://www.isbe.net/otis/default.htm" and file the application electronically using a credit card; follow the instructions for forwarding transcripts and other documentation.

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