Professional Educator License (PEL)

To serve as a teacher, school support personnel, or administrator in the state of Illinois in public schools individuals must obtain a Professional Educator License (PEL). The PEL must include an endorsement in one of the designated licensure areas.​

• Types of Professional Educator Licenses

You can find numerous tutorials and how-to videos that will help you navigate the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS). 

Find ELIS Resources from ISBE

An official transcript is required for licensure. To be considered official, a transcript must arrive at the North Cook ISC in a sealed, unopened envelope, just as you received it from your college or university. The college or university also can send transcripts directly. Transcripts should be email to either Izabela Kuczek (ikuczek@ncisc.org) or Nancy Palomo (npalomo@ncisc.org) or mailed to: 

NCISC 
1001 E. Touhy Ave., Suite 200
Des Plaines, IL 60018

Out-of-Country Degree
If the degree was earned out of the US, you need to have your transcript evaluated by one of ISBE approved foreign transcript evaluation agencies (a "course by course" evaluation is best). Official evaluation should be sent directly to either Izabela Kuczek (ikuczek@ncisc.org) or Nancy Palomo (npalomo@ncisc.org) or mailed to: 

NCISC 
1001 E. Touhy Ave., Suite 200
Des Plaines, IL 60018

Are you an experienced teacher to expand your qualifications? Explore specific requirements for your desired credentials. 

• Career and Technical Education
• Educator Licensure Approvals
• Subsequent Endorsements
• Other Licenses

This checklist is a resource for out-of-state (including all U.S. territories) educators to use when applying for an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL). Upon evaluation, additional documentation may be requested by ISBE prior to the license being issued. Additional information regarding requirements can be found on the ISBE Professional Educator License webpage.

Did you complete an approved out-of-state educator preparation program but did not become licensed in that state? You must meet the following requirements to obtain the Illinois PEL:

• A bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
• Proof of completion of a State Approved Program (Use form 80-02: State Approved Program and Completion of Standards Verification)
  • Student teaching or equivalent experience
  • ​Completion of coursework* addressing methods of teaching exceptional children, reading methods, content area reading, and methods of teaching English learners
• Passing the applicable Illinois content test(s). Register at ILTS  (This requirement is effective January 1, 2026, and applies to all applications received on or after this date.)
  • View the options below to see the required tests for each area.
  • Scores received directly from ILTS/Pearson will be honored.
  • All test scores are valid indefinitely.

This checklist is a resource for out-of-country educators to use when applying for an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL). Upon evaluation, additional documentation may be requested by ISBE prior to the license being issued. Additional information regarding requirements can be found on the ISBE Professional Educator License webpage.