Certification

Certification Types

DePaul has approved programs for the following certificate areas and types.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applying for certification requires an application form (available online or as paper application), $75 application fee, $10 registration fee, and official transcripts (fees as of January 1, 2012). Individuals who are not U.S. citizens or who have a criminal background cannot apply with the online application. The online application charges an additional $1.75 for processing.

 

Teacher Education Application Process

Teacher education certification occurs at the end of student teaching. For all certification types, an audit of your record is completed after grades are posted for that term and all certification tests and course requirements are completed. After verification, DePaul notifies the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) that the requirements for the certificate have been satisfied. DePaul will then contact you via e-mail to let you know the notification has been sent. Only then are you eligible to apply for the certificate. 

Advanced Programs Application Process

Students must submit a paper application (available on the ISBE website) and required application materials. An eligibility evaluation will be completed after grades are posted for that term. For more details on the process, consult each respected Certifaction Form in our Forms Library.

Substitute Teacher Certification

In Illinois, you must have at least a bachelors degree to become a substitute teacher. You may apply at any Regional Board of Education using form 73-52 available on the ISBE forms website. Application for a substitute certificate costs $75 (plus $10 registration fee) and requires the application form and official transcripts. Note that once you earn your teaching certificate, you can be employed as a substitute teacher without possessing a substitute teaching certificate. Chicago Public Schools require an application for a "sub card;" private, religious, and suburban schools have separate requirements, and it is best to contact the school or district directly to find out its procedures.

Certification in Other States

You should contact the board of education in the state where you want to pursue certification. State requirements vary. Many states will have a document that must be signed by DePaul to verify that you have completed your requirements for certification in Illinois. Please direct the form to the Certification Officer in the College of Education, and consult our Cross State Certification Guide for reference.

ENDORSEMENTS

Endorsements are teaching areas added to your certificate. Endorsement evaluations before student teaching are to be requested through your advisor with the evaluation request form. DePaul will evaluate only those areas for which we have a program; additional areas can be reviewed directly through ISBE after you’ve obtained the certificate. All endorsements have specific requirements of courses, hours, and tests. Most middle school endorsements do not require a content area test; but a test is required for “highly qualified” status. For more information, click here to open Get the Facts: Endorsements.

Note: World language candidates earn certification to teach languages in all grades Kindergarten through 12th grade.  Candidates seeking additional endorsements in other subjects may need to complete requirements for endorsement in specific grade levels.  Consult with your advisor if you have questions.

HIGHLY QUALIFIED AND NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND

To be highly qualified in a certification or endorsement area you must either pass the content area test in that subject or complete HOUSSE (for veteran teachers). Many schools are now requiring their teachers to have highly qualified status to be employed so if you are pursuing an endorsement area it is a good idea to take the content area test in that subject. Additional information is available on the ISBE Highly Qualified Website.

FAQ's

Do I have to take the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) ?

If you plan to apply for the Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, Language, Special Teaching, School Service Personnel, or Administrative Certificate, you must pass the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP).

*Important Note: Students who have passed the Illinois Basic Skills Test do not have to take the TAP. Please contact your academic advisor if you have any questions. 

Which Content Area Test should I take?

*Important Note: The tests for all secondary science majors have 2 parts: general science (consisting of questions on biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, space science) and a more in-depth test on your specific major. This is taken as one single test with 2 parts.

Similarly, tests for secondary majors in all areas of the social sciences, must take a two-part test: general social sciences (consisting of history, geography, political science, economics, anthropology, sociology, and psychology) and a more in-depth test on your specific major. All social science majors must take the social science-history test to qualify for the certificate.

I've heard the terms content area test and subject matter knowledge. What’s the difference?

They are referring to the same test. The terms are interchangeable.

Do I have to take the APT (Assessment of Professional Teaching) test?

Yes. Those pursuing teaching certificates (Type 03, 04, 09, 10) will have to take this test. There are four versions of the test and you must take the one that is linked to your certificate.

Do I need a substitute certificate to sub right after student teaching?

I want to be a school counselor. Do I have to get a teaching certificate?

No, but you will have to take coursework in addition to what is required for applicants who do have a teaching certificate.