Certification Testing
Certification | College of Education

State law requires that all in-state candidates for certification successfully pass designated tests of the candidates' knowledge and skills in relation to the Illinois educator standards.

The Illinois Certification Testing System has three components.

• Basic Skills Test - This test evaluates the candidate's basic skills in reading, mathematics, and writing. All candidates are required to pass this test prior to admission to a teacher preparation program.
  
• Content-Area Tests - These tests address the content knowledge required for each subject area or field. Examples include mathematics, elementary education, and principal/general administration. For teacher candidates, passage of the test is required prior to student teaching. All other certification candidates must pass the relevant content-area test prior to issuance of the certificate.
  
• Assessment of Professional Teaching (APT) - These tests assess teacher certification candidates on the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards and the English Language and Technology standards for all teachers. The tests are required of all candidates for initial certification and for any subsequent certificates that cover a different grade or age range. Roosevelt University requires that candidates pass the APT prior to making its entitlement recommendation to the State Board of Education.

• Special Education General Curriculum (SEGC) test - This test assesses the candidate’s knowledge of curriculum in the areas of reading and literacy, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences.  Required of all candidates seeking certification in special education
  

The State Board of Education certification web pages provide comprehensive information about the certification testing system, test dates and locations, procedures, and costs. That website also links candidates to study guides and other materials to help prepare for the state tests.