Clinical Experiences & Certification Process (CECP)
Use the information and links below to learn about undergraduate level certification procedures. Links on your right provide information about the other certification levels.
Students must notify the Director of Clinical Experiences and Certification Processes (CECP) if they have been convicted of a felony or any sex, narcotics, or drug offense. Certain convictions preclude teacher certification in the State of Illinois.
All candidates for teaching certificates in Illinois must pass tests in "the basic skills of reading, writing, grammar, and mathematics" and "content knowledge in the specific major field." As of October 1, 2003 the Assessment of Professional Teaching (APT) must be taken also. The Illinois Certification Testing System's applications and study guides are available in the CECP office, at any Regional Office of Education or you can register online as of October 1, 2002 at www.icts.nesinc.com.
Students may go to Student Accounts or Student Service & Referral Center and request an official transcript to be sent to them once degrees are posted. A $6 fee will be assessed, and the student's signature is required. Off-campus students may write to the Office of University Registrar, Campus Box 2207, Normal, IL 61790-2207 (include name, social security number, signature, address to send transcripts and check to Illinois State University) or access the proper form and information at www.arr.ilstu.edu. You will also need original transcripts from any other institutions from which you have received credit.
After completing a teaching program at Illinois State University you may apply for your teaching certification online. Once your final semester's grades are recorded, your record audited, and the degree posted, you will receive a letter from Evaluation Services (pdf) verifying completion of your approved program and providing instructions on how to apply for your certificate directly through the OTIS Web site using your MasterCard or VISA credit card.
Once your certificate has been received, you will need to register it at a Regional Office of Education in the county in which you are planning to teach. If you do not know the location of the Regional Office of Education you wish to contact, you may call Evaluation Services at (309) 438-2282 for the address and telephone number.
Students who are not U.S. citizens or who are unable to apply for a teaching certificate using the online format will need to fill out the Application for Teaching Certificate form and file it with Evaluation Services, Room 106, Moulton Hall during the last semester before graduation. Forms are available at www.isbe.net/certification/html/forms.htm or at Evaluation Services. Non-citizens also need to supply a copy of their employment authorization (green card) to Evaluation Services.
Early Checkout: Students who complete certification requirements before the end of a semester may request an early checkout at CECP in 56 DeGarmo Hall and Evaluation Services in Moulton, 107. This can be processed only if all course work has been completed, all grades have been submitted, and a early checkout transcript has been requested, (can also be done on the transcript request form at www.arr.ilstu.edu.)
Further questions concerning certification issues should be directed to Evaluation Services, (309) 438-2282.
