Certification

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my teaching certificate when I've completed my program?
Review the certification process.

When I finish my program, what certificate will I get?
Note: the Subject Matter test must be passed successfully before you can be admitted to Student Teaching.

Early Childhood majors:	Illinois Initial Early Childhood Certificate (Type 04)
Elementary majors:	Illinois Initial Elementary Certificate (Type 03)
Secondary majors:	Illinois Initial Secondary Certificate in ______ (Type 09). (your subject: Math, English, History, etc.)
Dual Certification Majors:	Illinois Initial Elementary Certificate (Type 03) and Illinois Initial Special Certificate in Special Education (Type 10).
PE majors:	Illinois Initial Special Certificate in Physical Education or Illinois Initial Elementary Certificate with PE endorsement and Illinois Initial Secondary Certificate with PE endorsement.

Which Subject Matter Knowledge test should I take?

Early Childhood majors:	the Early Childhood Education test
Elementary majors:	the Elementary test
Secondary majors:	your subject: math, English, biology*, history*, social science*, etc. *Science and Social Sciences: see important note below.
PE majors:	the PE test
Dual Certification majors:	the LBS1 (learning and behavioral specialist 1) and the Elementary test

*Important Note: The tests for all secondary science majors has 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.

Similarly, tests for secondary majors in all areas of the social sciences, must take a 2 part test: general social sciences (consisting of history, geography, political science, economics, behavioral sciences) and a more in-depth test on your specific major. All social science majors must take at least 1 in-depth subject matter test as well as the general social science test.

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, everyone has to take this test. There are 4 versions of the test and you must take the one that is linked to your certificate.

Early Childhood majors:	Early Childhood APT
Elementary majors:	Elementary APT
Secondary majors:	Secondary APT
Dual Certification Majors:	K-12 APT
PE majors:	K-12 APT

How do I get a substitute certificate?
Review the Substitute Teaching webpage

Do I need a substitute certificate to sub right after student teaching?
Undergraduates: No. You can substitute teach with your regular teaching certificate.
Grad students: Possibly. If you want to substitute teach during the 6 weeks after student teaching ends and before you get your regular teaching certificate, you will need a sub certificate.

How do I get a certificate in another state?
Apply to that state's Board of Education. If the state requires that DePaul verify that you have completed an approved program, contact Natalie Hall at 773.325.4732.

What does "reciprocity" mean? What states does Illinois have reciprocity with?
Many states are parties to the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification Interstate Contract. This agreement (commonly called "reciprocity") allows educators who hold certificates or licenses in one of the participating states to obtain analogous certification or licensure in any of the other participating states. Review the states Illinois has reciprocity with.

Do I have to take a Subject Matter Knowledge certification test for middle school endorsements?
No, not at this time.

How do I get additional endorsements after I get my certificate?
Apply to the Illinois State Board of Education. For more information, visit: Illinois State Board of Education.

How do I get a bilingual teaching certificate?
Complete a bachelor's degree. Pass the Target Language Proficiency Test offered by the Illinois Certification Testing System. Then apply to the Illinois State Board of Education for a Transitional Bilingual Certiifcate.

I want to be a school counselor. Do I have to get a teaching certificate?
No, but you will probably have to take coursework in addition to what is required for applicants who do have a teaching certificate.