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If you do not have a valid, comparable out of state license:​

• A master's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
  
• Completion of a preparation program in the field of specialization (e.g. superintendent) (Form 80-02: State-Approved Program and Completion of Standards Verification​ must be submitted to ISBE)
  
• Internship or equivalent experience
  
• Completion of coursework* addressing methods of teaching exceptional children, reading methods, content area reading, and methods of teaching English language learners (Use form 80-02: State-Approved Program and Completion of Standards Verification​
  
• Licensure Tests: All test scores are valid indefinitely. View the options below to see the required tests for each area. ​Click here to register for the tests.
  
• Additional requirements: View required experience and specific requirements for each area in the chart below.
  

If completing a program at an Illinois institution, please work closely with the institution to ensure their specific requirements/timeframes are met.

​​*To see a list of acceptable courses you may take to fulfill this coursework requirement, click here.​

**The test of basic skills is only required for the issuance of a PEL.  Educators who hold a valid PEL and have already taken a test of basic skills will not be required to take another.  If a test of basic skills has already been passed and used for issuance for the PEL, this requirement will be waived.  This is only required if a passing score on a test of basic skills was NOT already used for issuance of the PEL.

• Specific Testing Information/Options