Undergraduate Content Testing Requirements for Licensure Programs
The Illinois State Board of Education requires that a content test in the subject-area being sought be passed in order to be eligible for the Professional Educator Licensure (PEL). Although the test is required to be passed to be licensed, it is not required to be passed in order to begin student teaching (as previously required by the state).
Please see the below content test policies for the 2024-2025 academic year and the policies for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond.
The following criteria must be met to start the linked placement (practicum) in AY24-25:
OPTION 1: A passing score on the content test
OR
OPTION 2:
- Have taken the exam at least once
- Are registered for the Discover Course
- Successful completion of field experiences with no unresolved student success plans
- Sign the acknowledgement form
The following criteria must be met to start student teaching in AY24-25, if the test was not passed prior to practicum.
- A score of at least 220 on the content test
Beginning in AY25-26 the criteria below must be met to start the linked placement (practicum):
OPTION 1: A passing score on the content test
OR
OPTION 2:
- A score of at least 220 on the content test
- A GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Successful completion of field experiences with no unresolved student success plans.
- Registered for the Discover Course
- All checks in SONIA completed by the due dates
- Sign the acknowledgement form