The Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) provides certification testing for teachers in Illinois. Since the 1980s, anyone that desires to be an educator in Illinois schools must first take and pass testing and obtain a license through the ILTS. The Illinois State Board of Education created the ILTS in response to the establishment of School Code Section 21-1a. This code created the official requirement for licensure for people that want to become educators or perform specific jobs within Illinois school systems.
The ILTS provides a series of exams in different license categories, including language proficiency for bilingual education, and Learning Behavior Specialist II exams. Content-Area Tests provide exams for specialized educational subjects, such as Mathematics, Biology, or Foreign Languages, as well as administrative positions such as Superintendent. These tests are essential to ensure future educators possess the correct knowledge and skills necessary to be educators in Illinois public schools.
Individuals can take exams either in person at various testing center locations or online. Either way, the ILTS exams are computer-based tests (CBT). Most exams contain multiple-choice questions. However, some exams will require other open-ended responses, such as short answers, essay questions or other similar response types. Other exams have no multiple-choice questions, and some use case studies for response questions. Certain exams require separate subtests. Testing time limits vary, as they are all based on different subject matter.
Content-Area Tests
Content-Area Tests are among a category of tests within the ILTS series designed for those individuals that know which subject or which school age they want to teach, as well as for school personnel and administrative professionals. There are exams for general elementary and middle-grade education and more specific subjects such as those taught in focused classes in higher grades. Examples of these subjects include chemistry, mathematics, biology, agriculture, theater, computer science, and many more. Non-teaching categories include those individuals in school service or administration roles, such as Principal or Superintendent. Content-Area Tests contain between 100 and 125 multiple-choice questions, but some of the exams have fewer questions or questions that require constructed responses.
Administrator Content-Area Tests
The Administrator Content-Area Tests are for those that will hold non-teaching administrative roles in schools, such as Director of Special Education, Superintendent, Principal, and Chief School Business Official. These tests are all a bit different, with some having simple multiple-choice questions and some requiring two testing sessions. For example, the Principal as an Instructional Leader exam requires two subtests, both with fifty-six multiple-choice questions and two constructed-response questions. For the Superintendent exam, there is only one test with eighty multiple-choice questions and two constructed-response questions. Most exams and subtests allow a four-hour time window for testing.
Foreign/World Language Content-Area Tests
For those wanting to teach foreign languages, there is a wide selection of Foreign and World Language Content-Area Tests. There are twelve languages offered for certification:
Spanish
Russian
Hebrew
Arabic
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Latin
Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin)
Foreign and World Language Content-Area Tests all have 65-100 multiple-choice questions and two constructed-response requirements. The exceptions include Arabic, Korean, and both Chinese exams, which have no multiple-choice questions, and just seven constructed-response questions. These exams have testing windows of 3.5 hours, including CBT training. During the exam, test-takers may be required to use headphones to listen to and/or respond to questions.
Language Proficiency Tests
Language proficiency tests are for those seeking certification in Transitional Bilingual Education. These exams evaluate prospective educators in written, oral, and reading comprehension of various languages to help teachers work with non-native English-speaking students. There are forty different language proficiency tests offered, with languages including English, French, Assyrian, Polish, Somali, Japanese, Hindi, Swahili, and more. Like the Foreign and World Language tests, these tests may include headphones and listening/speaking requirements during the exam. Language proficiency exams are four hours, including CBT training. There are fifty-five multiple-choice questions and two constructed-response requirements for the English and Spanish Language Proficiency tests. All other tests consist of just four constructed-response questions.
Learning Behavior Specialist Tests
The Learning Behavior Specialist II (LBS II) endorsement is for individuals that have already obtained the first LBS endorsement and wish to specialize in specific areas such as Curriculum Adaptation, Behavior Intervention, Deaf-Blind Specialist, and Bilingual Special Education. The LBS II endorsement ensures public school educators are equipped to educate students with disabilities and provide proper instruction based on developmental needs and adaptations. Each specialty is a separate exam and is limited to four hours of test time, including CBT training. There are six questions on each exam, three of them being single-constructed responses and the other three being constructed responses related to one particular case study.
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Fortunately for anyone concerned about test day, there are many resources available for ILTS practice to ensure success in obtaining the required endorsements for being an educator or working in education in Illinois. First, research the requirements for the desired position and ensure all of these are met. Find out what additional skills or knowledge you must learn before the test. Make sure there is sufficient time before the scheduled testing date to study the test framework as well as subject matter with available resources, including ILTS practice tests and study guides. There are also resources and practice exams for computer-based testing (CBT). Utilizing an ILTS practice exam could help ensure the student will feel comfortable and confident on test day.
Free ILTS Practice Tests
These tests can be difficult, but ILTS practice tests can help prepare you. Practice testing is a great way to prepare your brain for how to think on test day and could have a positive impact on testing performance. An ILTS practice exam can give you insight into the structure and content of the test. Taking an ILTS practice test before you study can also help you determine what material you already know and what you need to focus on. While some websites offer practice exams for purchase, there are places where you can find an ILTS practice test free of cost.
Strategies for ILTS Test Day
To ensure a successful exam day, there are a few things you can do. First, get plenty of rest and make sure you are well-fed and comfortable to avoid distractions during the test. If you are taking your exam on-site, ensure you know the right location of the testing center and have your route mapped out so you will not be late. Upon arrival at the testing center, make sure you have all registration information and a photo ID.
Before the test, take some time to go over any study guides or take a practice test to get a quick refresher of the material. During the test, remain calm and take your time with instructions, and read all test problems carefully. Double-check your answers to ensure you aren't missing anything. If you are taking your exam online, rest and good fuel are still essential, but it's also important to remove all distractions and make sure your exam area is clear and ready for testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the ILTS exam?
While every test is different based on license category, most tests have between 50 and 125 questions. Some have very few questions but require longer, more thought-out responses. Some exams with just multiple-choice questions will have more. Taking an ILTS practice exam could give you insight into what to expect on the exam.
What is a good score on ILTS?
A total score of 240 or higher is required for passing an ILTS exam. All tests use a range of 100-300 for scoring. Taking an ILTS practice exam is recommended to ensure a passing grade.
What is the best way to study for the ILTS?
The best way to study for the ILTS is to practice. ILTS practice resources are available in many places and include study guides, practice exams and other resources.
