Certification Reciprocity Process for School Counselors
The Illinois State Board of Education offers two pathways for individuals coming from another state to obtain an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL).
Option 1: Reciprocity
Certification Requirements:
- A copy of a valid, comparable out-of-state license.
- A master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
Application Process:
- Complete the profile, and and application, and pay a $150 initial application fee online.
- Submit official transcripts from all attended institutions to transcripts@isbe.net.
- Provide a copy of the current, valid school counseling endorsement.
- Submit proof of scores for examinations required by the licensing state (if applicable).
Documentation:
- Valid out-of-state license copy.
- Master’s degree or higher transcripts.
- Copy of current, valid school counseling endorsement.
- Proof of exam scores (if applicable).
Fees:
- $150 initial application fee.
Option 2: ISBE 80-02S
Certification Requirements:
- A master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
- Proof of completion of the State Approved Program.
- Internship or equivalent experience.
- Completion of coursework in teaching exceptional children, reading methods, content area reading, and methods of teaching English learners.
Application Process:
- Complete the profile, and application, and pay the $150 initial application fee online.
- Submit official transcripts.
- Provide proof of completion of a State Approved Program using ISBE form 80-02S.
- Submit documentation of internship or equivalent experience.
- Complete the coursework as specified.
Documentation:
- Master’s degree or higher transcripts.
- Proof of completion of a State Approved Program.
- Documentation of internship or equivalent experience.
- Completed coursework documentation.
Fees:
- $150 initial application fee.
Tips: To initiate the application process, please ensure the submission of the following materials:
- Complete the profile and application and remit the $150 initial application fee through the online licensing system.
- Provide official transcripts from all attended institutions. Electronic submission is required, and the transcripts should be sent to transcripts@isbe.net.
- Include a copy of your current and valid school counseling endorsement.
- Submit proof of scores for any examinations required by the licensing state, if applicable.
It is important to note that applicants with a current and valid school counseling endorsement are exempt from submitting proof of completed internships or practicums.
For any additional assistance regarding the reciprocity licensure application, please contact the Illinois State Board of Education at (217) 557-6763 during regular business hours. Alternatively, you can reach out to a specialist via email at licensure@isbe.net.