Illinois Initial School Counselor Certification

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: November 19th, 2024

Initial School Counselor Certification Options in Illinois

Aspiring school counselors in Illinois have two primary certification pathways: the Professional Educator License (PEL) with a School Counselor Endorsement and the Short-Term Approval (STA). While the PEL offers a comprehensive certification for long-term career goals, the STA provides a temporary credential for those seeking immediate entry into the field. Both paths require specific educational qualifications, field experience, and state exam clearances, ultimately leading to a fulfilling career in school counseling.

Are you looking to become certified from out-of-state? See Illinois school counselor certification for out-of-state candidates.

Professional Educator License (PEL) + School Support Personnel Endorsement for School Counselors

The primary route to obtaining licensure in Illinois is through the Professional Educator License (Illinois state Admin Code of PEL Requirements), which necessitates a bachelor’s degree, completion of an approved educator preparation program, and expertise in instructional planning, design, and reading methods.

PEL endorsements are specific credentials for serving in a designated education area and grade range, with evidence of teaching experience including a bachelor’s degree and relevant certification. School counselor endorsements mandate a master’s degree in school counseling, completion of an approved program, and a supervised internship. Alternatively, one year of out-of-state counseling experience with a proficient or higher rating is acceptable.

PEL holders have the flexibility to obtain multiple endorsements, enabling them to specialize in various subjects and grade levels. School support personnel endorsements encompass a diverse range of roles, such as school counselor, social worker, psychologist, nurse, and speech-language pathologist.

The following are the specific requirements for certification:

Education or Degree Requirements

Attain a masters degree in school counseling awarded by a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Additionally, the program requires coursework in several key areas, including the structure, organization, and operation of P-12 schools. Additionally, students will explore the growth and development of children and youth, with a specific focus on the diverse needs of Illinois students. The program also covers laws and programs designed to address the unique needs of Illinois students, as well as effective classroom management and instructional strategies.

See all schools offering school counseling degree programs in Illinois.

Experience Requirements

Your education program should require an internship of at least 600 clock hours, including 240 hours of direct service work. However, for applicants with at least two years of teaching experience, the internship requirement is reduced to 400 clock hours with 240 hours of direct service work.

OR;

Accumulate one year of experience under the STA and Attain a proficient or higher evaluation rating during the STA period to waive internship requirements.

Testing Requirements

Aspiring school counselor licensure applicants must successfully pass the Illinois Licensure Testing System School Counselor (235) Exam.

This computer-based test comprises 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete. Tests are administered nationwide Monday through Saturday. The examination fee is $122, payable with a VISA or MasterCard logo-bearing debit or check card.

Background Checks

Criminal background checks are conducted by the hiring school district. There is no pre-application fingerprinting process for Illinois.

Application Process

To qualify for evaluation, applicants must adhere to the following criteria:

  • Review the requirements for Illinois licensure to ensure appropriate endorsement and grade-level application (see the endorsement application instructions here).
  • Create an account in the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) and subsequently apply for the desired credential. Refer to screen-by-screen tutorials under “ELIS How-To Demonstrations” for guidance.
  • Have official transcripts sent directly from the regionally accredited institution to either transcripts@isbe.net or the Illinois State Board of Education’s address.
  • Submit other relevant documentation to licensureforms@isbe.net.

Note:

  • Official transcripts must be sent directly from the institution. If sent by the educator, transcripts must remain sealed and unopened.

A complete online application includes:

  • Official transcripts from all attended colleges/universities, electronically sent to transcripts@isbe.net.
  • Proof of completion of a state-approved program, verified with Form 80-02S.
  • $150 application fee for the license.
  • Completion and submission of the online application for the Illinois School Counselor license through the State Board of Education website.

For inquiries regarding your school counselor licensure application, contact the Illinois State Board of Education Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM CST, at (217) 557-6763. Email communication with a specialist is also possible at licensure@isbe.net.

Short-Term Approval (STA) Certification

The Short-Term Approval (STA) Certification has been specially designed to cater to school districts in need. This provisional credential is intended to assist educators, including school counselors, in promptly assuming their responsibilities while concurrently progressing toward achieving full licensure.

The certification option integrates hands-on practical experience in the education field with the completion of necessary coursework and training modules. With a validity period of one (1) year, the STA requires educators to actively work towards acquiring a Professional Educator License (PEL) with a School Counselor Endorsement within this timeframe.

Renewable upon meeting ongoing requirements, the STA mandates educators to exhibit tangible progress in fulfilling full licensure criteria to sustain certification. In the domain of School Support Personnel Areas (Pre-kindergarten – Age 22), eligibility criteria encompass holding a master’s degree in the school counseling, obtaining Professional Certification from IDFPR or National Certification in the content area, and attaining a passing score on the pertinent School Support Personnel content test.