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Individuals who have submitted an application to the Illinois State Board of Education for a license, endorsement, or approval can learn more about the application process by clicking one of the headers below. ​

Professional Educator License Application (Non-Entitlement)
  1. Review Illinois Licensure Requirements  
  2. Create an ELIS Account and Apply
    A $150 application fee will be assessed electronically when the application is completed.  (Please have credit card, debit card, or prepaid card available.)
    Need help? View step-by-step tutorials under "ELIS How-to Demonstrations.”
  3. Submit Official Transcripts*
    Your regionally accredited institution must send official transcripts directly to one of the following:
  4. Submit Supporting Documentation
    Please use this checklist as a resource for out-of-state and non-entitlement applicants: Professional Educator License ChecklistPDF Document

*Official transcripts must be sent directly from the institution.  If sent by the applicant, official transcripts must be in the sealed (unopened) envelope from the institution addressed to the applicant. Transcripts submitted directly by the applicant are considered unofficial and cannot but be honored.

Once your license has been issued, you must register your license in your ELIS account and pay applicable registration fees. The license is not valid for employment until these fees are paid.​

Substitute License Application
  1. Review Illinois Licensure Requirements  
  2. Create an ELIS Account  and Apply
    A $50 application fee will be assessed electronically when the application is completed.  (Please have credit card, debit card, or prepaid card available.)
    Need help? View step-by-step tutorials under "ELIS How-to Demonstrations.”
  3. Submit Official Transcripts* (if needed)
    Your regionally accredited institution must send official transcripts directly to one of the following:
  4. Submit Supporting Documentation
    Please use this checklist as a resource: Substitute License ChecklistPDF Document

*Official transcripts must be sent directly from the institution.  If sent by the applicant, official transcripts must be in the sealed (unopened) envelope from the institution addressed to the applicant. Transcripts submitted directly by the applicant are considered unofficial and cannot but be honored.

Once your license has been issued, you must register your license in your ELIS account and pay applicable registration fees. The license is not valid for employment until these fees are paid.

Paraprofessional Application
  1. Review Illinois Licensure Requirements  
  2. Create an ELIS Account & and Apply
    A $100 application fee will be assessed electronically when the application is completed.  (Please have credit card, debit card, or prepaid card available.)
    Need help? View step-by-step tutorials under "ELIS How-to Demonstrations.”
  3. Submit Official Transcripts* (if needed)
    Your regionally accredited institution must send official transcripts directly to one of the following:
  4. Submit Supporting Documentation
    Please use this checklist as a resource: ELS-Paraprofessional ChecklistPDF Document

*Official transcripts must be sent directly from the institution.  If sent by the applicant, official transcripts must be in the sealed (unopened) envelope from the institution addressed to the applicant. Transcripts submitted directly by the applicant are considered unofficial and cannot but be honored.

Once your license has been issued, you must register your license in your ELIS account and pay applicable registration fees. The license is not valid for employment until these fees are paid.​

Subsequent Endorsement Application
  1. Review Illinois Licensure Requirements
  2. Apply for Credential in ELIS
    A $50 application fee will be assessed electronically when the application is completed.  (Please have credit card, debit card, or prepaid card available.)
    Need help? View step-by-step tutorials under "ELIS How-to Demonstrations.”
  3. Submit Official Transcripts* (if needed)
    Your regionally accredited institution must send official transcripts directly to one of the following:
  4. Submit Supporting Documentation if Applying via Reciprocity
    Provide your valid, comparable out-of-state license by either:
    • Uploading a PDF version of your out-of-state certificate on the “Images” tab, or
    • Emailing copy of out-of-state certificate to licensureforms@isbe.net
  5. Pass Applicable Illinois Content Test (if required)
    Register at  Illinois Licensure Testing System

*Official transcripts must be sent directly from the institution.  If sent by the applicant, official transcripts must be in the sealed (unopened) envelope from the institution addressed to the applicant. Transcripts submitted directly by the applicant are considered unofficial and cannot but be honored.​

Application Fees

Each license type listed below requires the payment of the associated fee with submission of the application in ELIS.

License Type Associated Fee
Professional Educator License (PEL)
  • In-State Applicants (non-entitlement)
  • In-State Applicants (via entitlement)
  • Out-of-State and Out-of-Country Applicants
$150
$100
$150
Substitute Teaching License
 $50
Short-term Substitute Teaching License $25
ELS-Paraprofessional $100
ELS-Career and Technical Educator (CTE) $100
ELS-Provisional Career and Technical Educator (CTEP) $100
ELS-Visiting International Teacher (VIT) $150
ELS-Chief School Business Official (CSBO) $100
ELS-Transitional Bilingual Educator (TBE) $100
A​pprovals $50
Subsequent Endorsements $50​

* * * This page has been archived. The content on this page may no longer be in effect. * * *

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