All administrative endorsements require the following:
- 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.
Chief School Business Official (CSBO) - Pre K - Grade 12
Tests
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Experience
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- A test of basic skills**
- CSBO (185)
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ONE of the following options:
- 6 semester hours of internship in school business management from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Work experience may be considered for meeting a portion (or all) of the 6 semester hours of internship.
- 2 years' administrative experience in school business management or 2 years of university-approved practical experience.
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Specific Requirements:
- Master's degree or equivalent in business administration, finance or accounting.
OR
- Master's degree and completion of 24 semester hours of graduate coursework in a program approved for the preparation of school business officials.
Director of Special Education - Pre K - Grade 12
Tests
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Experience
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- A test of basic skills**
- Director of Special Education (180)
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2 years' full-time experience providing special education services as a:
- special education teacher;
- speech-language pathologist;
- school social worker; or
- school psychologist
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Specific Requirements:
Option 1:
- Completion of an approved program for directors of special education that includes a minimum of one course in each of the following: special education law, special education finance, supervision of programs for children with disabilities, and cross-categorical special education methods.
Option 2:
- Hold a professional educator license endorsed in an administrative field and complete 30 semester hours of coursework in special education with at least one course in special education law, special education finance, supervision of programs for children with disabilities, and cross-categorical special education methods. The remainder if the 30 semester hours of coursework may be in any of the following areas: curricular adaptation and modifications and assistive technology, facilitation of least restrictive environment for all students, characteristics of students with disabilities, collaboration with parents and school personnel, transition services for students with disabilities, and educational and psychological diagnosis and remedial techniques.
- Additional requirements listed at the top of the page are not required for
Option 2
Principal - Pre K - Grade 12
Tests
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Experience
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- A test of basic skills**
- Principal as an Instructional Leader (195 & 196)
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4 years of teaching, or until June 30, 2021, school support personnel experience
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Specific Requirements:
Not Applicable
Superintendent - Pre K - Grade 12
Tests
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Experience
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- A test of basic skills**
- Superintendent (187)
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2 years of experience working full time as a principal, director of special education, or chief school business official, or other administrative position while holding a valid administrator license
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Specific Requirements:
- Must provide proof of holding (or having held) an issued teaching license (license not does not have to be valid currently.)
Teacher Leader - Pre K - Grade 12
Tests
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Experience
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- A test of basic skills**
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Specific Requirements:
*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.
The following test scores may be accepted for the test of basic skills:
- Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP 400)
- ACT: Prior to 9/1/15 - Composite score of 22 with combined English/Writing score of 19 -OR- 9/1/15 and later - Composite score of 22 with Writing score of 16 - OR - 9/10/16 and later - Composite score of 22 with Writing score of 6
- SAT: Prior to 3/5/16 - Composite score of 1030 (mathematics and critical reading) with a minimum writing score of 450 -OR- 3/5/16 and later - Composite score of 1110 (evidence-based reading and writing + mathematics = 1110 or higher) and a minimum score of 26 on writing and language
- Out-of-state test of basic skills that led to licensure in another state
The information is accurate at this time (note date below). Applicants will be held to the most current statutory and administrative rule requirements.
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