ILLINOIS CERTIFICATION TESTING SYSTEM (ICTS)
In
1985 the Illinois legislature enacted Section 21-1a of the School Code,
which established a testing program as part of the state's teacher certification
requirements.
Examinees may now register online for teacher, school service personnel and administrative certification tests; view and download study guides; and access their test results. This new service will provide certification candidates with easy access to teacher certification testing materials and registration activities.
OTHER IMPORTANT LINKS
-TEP HANDBOOK (pdf)
Requires Adobe Reader (free download)
-TEP Application
-TEP Calendar
-TEP FRAMEWORK
-Illinois Professional Teaching Standards
-Core Language Arts Standards for all Teachers
-Technology Standards for all Teachers
-Background Investigation
-Appeals
-Candidate Dispositions
-Task Stream
-Illinois Certification Testing System
-Technology Competency Assessment
However, examinees needing to request special accommodations, must apply by mail and complete the Alternative Arrangements Request form and submit proper supporting documentation.
BASIC SKILLS TEST: The Basic Skills test (96) is a separate test that measures basic skills in reading comprehension, language arts (grammar and writing), and mathematics. Passing the ICTS Basic Skills test is a requirement for candidates seeking admittance to WIU's Teacher Education Program (TEP). Testing dates and study guide and practice tests are available online
Candidates should take the Basic Skills Test during the first semester of their sophomore year. Registration booklets for basic skills tests are available online, in the CPEP/ Advising Center Horrabin Hall 91, through any Illinois Community College or institution of higher education and the Regional Office of Education.
Candidates need to confirm that the passing results of the Basic Skills test are on file in the CPEP/ Advising Center (HH91) when submitting the TEP application.
CONTENT AREA TEST: The required content-area tests corresponds to the individual's major field of study in an approved teacher education program in the State of Illinois.
The appropriate content-area test(s) MUST be passed by June 1 (fall student teachers) or December 1 (spring student teachers)for clearance to student teaching. Candidates need to confirm that the passing results of the test(s) are on file with CPEP for student teaching clearance. Candidates will not be allowed to student teach without this verification.
Registration booklets and study guides for the content-area tests are available online.
SPECIAL EDUCATION GENERAL CURRICULUM TEST In addition to the LBS1 #155 (content-area) test, Special Education majors must also successfully pass the Special Education General Curriculum Test (#163) This test will assess candidates on the General Curricular Standards for special education teachers. Candidates need to confirm that the passing results are on file with CPEP for student teaching clearance. Candidates will not be allowed to student teach without this verification.
TARGET LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TEST: Candidates for the transitional bilingual certificate must demonstrate proficiency in English and in the target language (Spanish). All bilingual majors must take and pass the Target Language Proficiency - Spanish test. This test is only offered in the Chicago area. Candidates need to confirm that the passing results of the Subject Matter test are on file with CPEP for student teaching clearance. Candidates will not be allowed to student teach without this verification. [Bilingual majors must also take and pass the Elementary/Middle Grade content-area test.]
ASSESSMENT
OF PROFESSIONAL TEACHING
All candidates are required to pass the APT (Assessment
of Professional Teaching) exam prior to program completion/graduation. The exam covers the Illinois Professional
Teaching Standards, the Core Language Arts Standards for all teachers,
the Computer Technology Standards, and the new Special Education Standards
for the regular classroom teacher. There are different exams for the different
certificates. In other words, there is an exam for the K-12 level, secondary
level, elementary level and early childhood level. Candidates planning
to student teach are required to take and pass this test prior to or during
the student teaching semester. Candidates need to confirm that the passing
results of the APT test are on file with CPEP for graduation and certification clearance.
Check ICTS
website for test dates, study guides and registration information.