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ISBE and Pearson will introduce a new test structure called the "testlet" beginning with the redesigned Elementary Education test, which is scheduled to launch July 1, 2026.

Testlets are testing modules that break up the assessment into shorter segments. Each testlet is designed to measure a specific subarea of the test subject field. Testlets are administered and scored separately. Candidates have the flexibility to take the entire assessment at once or to take individual testlets. To pass the overall assessment, a test taker must complete all testlets and meet a minimum score on each.

Testlet scores will be banked and after a candidate has attempted (and met the minimum floor on each testlet), they may retake any testlet of their choosing if they still need to accumulate additional points to earn a passing score. This approach will allow candidates to focus on particular subareas where they have the greatest likelihood of improving their overall score. 

All licensure tests will be redesigned with the testlet structure over a multi-year, phased approach. Once a test is structured as a testlet, test takers may start by taking the testlet for which they feel more prepared. For instance, educator preparation programs may strategically align their preparation programs to testlet subjects to allow candidates to take the associated testlet upon completion of that part of program coursework, which may create better connections between learning, assessment, and feedback.

​ISBE and its testing partner Pearson are developing a new flexible testing option (FLEX) for the Early Childhood Education licensure test that will be available to test takers who have failed the assessment three times and scored within one standard error of measurement of passing.

Rather than retaking the full multiple-choice test, the FLEX option will allow eligible candidates to submit a written analysis of a specific test objective (equivalent to retaking a portion of the exam) to demonstrate their subject matter knowledge. This approach will save test takers time and money. The FLEX option will cost candidates $69, which is significantly lower than the $110 cost of the full exam.

The State Board of Education will vote to approve cut scores at its November 20 meeting, and if approved, the new FLEX option is scheduled to launch January 2026.

ISBE and its testing vendor, Pearson, will launch two new paraprofessional assessments July 1, 2026, that measure basic numeracy and literacy competencies required for paraprofessionals: “Foundations of Classroom Support" and “Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction." The latter exam also assesses instructional support strategies. The assessments will be additional options, along with the existing ETS Paraprofessional Test and ACT WorkKeys exam, for individuals seeking the Educator License with Stipulations endorsed for Paraprofessional through June 30, 2027.  

The test will cost $49 and official score reports will be sent directly to ISBE.  

ISBE plans to sunset the ETS Paraprofessional and ACT WorkKeys exams on June 30, 2027. Beginning July 1, 2027, one of the two Pearson Paraprofessional examinations will be required to earn licensure as a paraprofessional.  

Additional details will be forthcoming.  

• Paraprofessional Test Flyer​​

Pearson Evaluation Systems will offer free retake vouchers to any candidate who 1) currently has an open computer-based test registration, or 2) is scheduled to test in 2026 — if the candidate takes that test by December 31, 2025.

Eligible candidates will receive an email from Pearson inviting them to schedule or reschedule their testing appointments to occur on or before December 31, to receive a free retake voucher. When candidates have completed their testing appointment, Pearson will email the free retake voucher automatically. Candidates will enter voucher details when they register for their test for their free retake.

The invitation for this free retake is optional and test takers are not required to schedule or reschedule a test appointment. Free retake vouchers are non-transferable and do not expire.

This offer will run from mid-October through December 31. Pearson will contact eligible candidates weekly to make them aware of this opportunity.

ISBE and its testing partner, Pearson, plan to redesign all existing Illinois content tests in phases spanning multiple years. ISBE prioritized tests with the lowest pass rates and highest number of test takers for earlier redesign.

ISBE will convene groups of Illinois educators and educator preparation program representatives who have subject matter expertise in each applicable test area to assist with developing the test and recommending passing scores. ISBE will work with education community members to develop or redesign the following tests throughout the next few years. Each listed launch date is the anticipated date that the new or redesigned test will be available.  

2026 Launch Date:

• Elementary Education
• Teachers of Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing

2027 Launch Date:

• Computer Science (new test)
• Mathematics
• Principal as an Instructional Leader
• Early Childhood Education
• Learning Behavior Specialist I

2028 Launch Date:

• All Middle Grade tests (Social Science, General Science, Mathematics, Language Arts)
• American Sign Language (new test)
• Drama/Theater Arts
• Health Education

ISBE maintains oversight of the test development and redesign schedule and may reprioritize the order of tests as necessary. ISBE and Pearson will expand the schedule beyond 2028 in the next few years. Community members may register to be considered as a member of the test development committee at any time. If you'd like to express interest in serving on a particular test development committee, please submit an application.​