These notes are to assist students who plan to apply for an  Illinois teaching license after completion of an educator preparation program at the University of Iowa. State licensure requirements can change without notice, and students who plan to teach in states other than Iowa are responsible for monitoring licensure requirements in the states where they plan to teach.

The Illinois State Board of Education website indicates: “Illinois grants full reciprocity for out-of-state educators. During the initial evaluation for an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL), all endorsement areas listed on a valid and comparable out-of-state license will be considered. Effective January 1, 2026, Illinois will continue to offer reciprocity for all endorsements listed on a valid, comparable out-of-state license; however, ALL applicants must also successfully pass the applicable Illinois content area test(s) to qualify. (Register here: ILTS​.) Content test scores must be submitted directly from ILTS/Pearson to be accepted. (This requirement is effective January 1, 2026, and applies to all applications received on or after this date.)”

All students who complete an educator preparation program of The University of Iowa are recommended to apply for a state-of-Iowa Initial License for teaching. A copy of the Iowa Initial License and college transcripts will be supporting documents you will submit for the Illinois PEL.

Illinois Requirements

• A copy of your valid, comparable out of state license (for graduates of The University of Iowa Teacher Education Program, this would be the Iowa teaching license), and
• A bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education; documented on your final University of Iowa transcript, and
• After 1/1/2026, the Content Area Test require for each endorsement: ILTS​

Application

• Illinois teaching licensure application checklist
• Educator Licensure Application

The Illinois State Board of Education website indicates, "Illinois offers full reciprocity for all endorsements listed on a valid, comparable out-of-state license. To add subsequent endorsements to your Professional Educator License (PEL) via reciprocity, please apply for the endorsement in your ELIS account and provide a copy of your valid, comparable out-of-state license."

Questions

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) licenses teachers in the state of Illinois and publishes instructions, requirements, and forms. If you have questions about Illinois requirements for endorsements, testing requirements, or other aspects of applying for a teaching license in Illinois, an Illinois Regional Office of Education may be the best source of information.