The Illinois Licensure Testing System creates subject tests that teachers in Illinois need in order to receive endorsements. Once a teacher has passed the exam to receive their Illinois teaching license, they need to receive endorsements in the subjects they would like to teach. The ILTS 208 is one of these subject exams.
Passing the ILTS Math exam is a requirement to become a high school math teacher in Illinois, in addition to 18 credit hours of college mathematics courses. The exam evaluates the teacher's knowledge of high-school-level mathematics, as well as different approaches to presenting and explaining mathematical concepts.
ILTS Math Format and Question Types
The ILTS 208 is a 100-question exam. The test is taken on a computer in a designated testing center. Test-takers have three hours and fifteen minutes to complete the exam, and no breaks are provided. An additional fifteen minutes is provided before the exam begins to read through a short exam tutorial.
Although there are different subareas covered in the exam, the ILTS 208 test itself is not broken into sections. Each question is multiple-choice and has one correct answer. Some questions require calculations, while others are more conceptual questions. Approved graphing calculators are allowed and necessary to answer some questions.
The ILTS Mathematics exam covers six different subareas necessary for high school mathematics teachers.
Mathematical Practices, Technology, and Disciplinary Literacy
Number Systems and Operations
Functions and Algebra
Differential and Integral Calculus
Measurement and Geometry
Statistics, Probability, and Discrete Mathematics
There is no formula sheet provided. Teachers should memorize the formulas pertinent to each subject area. Test-takers are required to bring an approved graphing calculator to the exam, which will be necessary to answer some questions.
Mathematical Practices, Technology, and Disciplinary Literacy (17%)
This subarea focuses on practical skills for teaching mathematics in a high school setting.
Test-takers should be able to explain how to approach solving different types of problems. The ability to explain why steps are taken to solve a problem is crucial for teachers.
Candidates need to be familiar with the available technologies and how they can improve student learning.
Aspiring teachers should be able to articulate the importance of reading skills in mathematics. They should also know how to evaluate and improve students' reading comprehension.
Number Systems and Operations (11%)
There are 11 questions on the ILTS 208 exam that focus on the different types of numbers and expressions used in math. However, an understanding of these principles will be necessary for all the other subareas.
Test-takers should understand the different ways of articulating numbers, and be able to express one value in multiple ways.
The test will examine a teacher's understanding of real numbers, imaginary numbers, and complex numbers.
Teachers should also be able to interpret word problems and use the information to create and solve relevant equations.
Educators need a strong understanding of how to approach explaining number systems to students.
Functions and Algebra (33%)
With over 30 questions, Functions and Algebra is the largest subarea on the ILTS 208.
Teachers should be able to explain the basic principles of algebra, as well as the technical terms.
The ability to solve word problems is included in this section.
Test-takers should be comfortable with functions, both with and without variables with exponents.
Questions may involve calculating angles and measurements of triangles.
The test may also involve the interpretation of graphs.
Aspiring high-school math teachers need to understand and articulate the process of teaching algebra, particularly the common materials available for the classroom.
Differential and Integral Calculus (11%)
This section of the exam has approximately 11 questions about calculus.
Test-takers should be able to calculate a function's slope at any given point on the curve.
Candidates will need to be able to calculate the area under a specified portion of a continuous function.
Teachers should also be able to explain the impact of calculus on the broader field of mathematics.
Questions may also involve the application of calculus functions in practical scenarios.
Educators should be able to explain several different ways of teaching calculus in a high school setting. They should also be familiar with the current technological resources.
Measurement and Geometry (17%)
This subarea of the exam will cover different forms of measurement and principles of geometry.
Teachers need to have an understanding of different measurement systems and be able to convert between them.
Test-takers should be able to calculate important measurements of a variety of shapes.
Educators need to explain the process of solving problems through the use of geometric proofs.
Questions may include practical applications of geometry using real-world examples.
Teachers should understand how to evaluate shapes and lines in relation to one another.
Statistics, Probability, and Discrete Mathematics (11%)
This section is comprised of 11 questions that cover likelihood and independent scenarios. The nature of this content requires the use of more practical applications than the other sections.
Teachers should be familiar with the interpretation of data. They will be asked to determine crucial calculations based on a given set of data.
Questions may require test-takers to interpret and identify the appropriate visual representations of a given set of data.
Educators need to understand different ways to calculate the likely outcome of described situations.
As in the other sections, teachers must be able to discuss the methods and resources for teaching these concepts.
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To register for the ILTS Mathematics exam, candidates need to create an account with the Illinois Licensure Testing System. They will be able to select their ILTS 208 testing location from many approved testing locations across the country. Exam dates are available Monday through Saturday.
Teachers who need accommodations for disabilities or language barriers must submit an application requesting special consideration. They must submit a letter from a medical professional that confirms the disability and outlines the requested accommodations. Accommodations are evaluated on an individual basis.
Educators whose primary language is not English can apply for extra time on the ILTS Mathematics exam. Candidates who are approved will be given just under 5 hours to complete the exam.
How Much Is the ILTS 208?
The ILTS 208 costs $122. If a candidate cancels their exam at least 24 hours beforehand, they can reschedule the exam for no extra fee or ILTS will issue a full refund.
Test-takers should schedule the ILTS 208 only once. If two tests are scheduled and they pass the first one, the second test date is not eligible for a refund.
There are no fee waivers available for ILTS exams.
How Is the ILTS Mathematics Scored?
The ILTS Mathematics exam is scored on a scale between 100 and 300. Each question on the exam carries equal weight, so the score represents the percentage of correct answers. Teachers need a score of 240 or higher to receive an endorsement.
On the score report, test-takers will see an individual score for each subarea. These scores provide insight into the topics they struggled with but do not have individual score requirements.
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Teachers should begin studying for the ILTS Mathematics exam as soon as possible. There are several strategies that can improve test performance, which will be discussed in detail below.
Practice tests allow teachers to become familiar with the format of the exam.
Study guides provide structure to focus study on individual areas of difficulty as well as the topics with the most exam content.
Understanding the format and available materials allows teachers to create a study plan that mimics the test structure.
Understanding the time limit and scoring policy allows test-takers to make smart decisions while taking the exam.
ILTS Mathematics Practice Tests and Study Guides
Practice tests and study guides are both important tools in preparing for the ILTS Mathematics exam.
Taking a practice test early helps to identify the areas that are more difficult. This allows teachers to tailor their studying to be as effective as possible.
Study guides are crucial time management tools. Planning a study schedule ensures that candidates do not run out of time to cover each topic on the ILTS 208 exam.
Test-takers who utilize study guides and practice tests become more comfortable with the material, which can reduce anxiety on the day of the test.
Tips for Taking the ILTS 208
These tips can help make the most of the available study time.
Tips for studying for the ITLS Math exam include:
Practice test results should be used to create the areas of focus of the study guide.
On the ILTS Math exam, Functions and Algebra comprise one-third of the questions. Focusing on this area during study can have a greater impact on the test score.
Use the same graphing calculator for studying that will be used on the exam. Teachers should ensure that their calculator is on the approved list. Being familiar with the calculator will help reduce anxiety and decrease the amount of time needed on questions.
Tips for the day of the exam include:
There is no penalty for incorrect answers on the ILTS Math exam. If a test-taker is unsure about a question, they should always make a best guess. If time permits, they can review the question again at the end of the test.
Keep an eye on the time. The ILTS 208 exam has 100 questions and must be completed within 195 minutes, which leaves just under two minutes for each question. Monitoring progress every hour can help test-takers adjust their pace.
There are fifteen minutes at the beginning of the exam dedicated to a tutorial. Read these pages carefully, as they contain important information such as changing the font size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost to take the ILTS Mathematics 208 test?
The ILTS 208 exam fee is $122, which is refundable up until 24 hours before the scheduled exam. ILTS does not offer fee waivers to any test-takers.
What are the best strategies for studying for the ILTS Mathematics 208 test?
Practice exams and study guides are the best study tools for the ILTS Math test. In addition, teachers will benefit from practicing with the same calculator they will use on the actual exam.
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