Licensure, Endorsements, & Credentials
If you are looking for updates on recent Illinois policy changes related to teaching licensure, and especially as they relate to the ongoing pandemic, please visit the CTE website.
- List of every Educational Licensure program at UIC (includes teacher prep programs in other UIC colleges like CADA & LAS)
Below is a list of licensure, endorsements, and certifications offered through the College of Education:
The Professional Educator License (PEL) Heading link
The Illinois PEL, or Professional Educator License is required to teach in public schools in Illinois, and is recognized in most every U.S. state. The PEL serves as a foundation to which any teaching endorsement can be added after applicable coursework and testing are completed. The licensure process for all UIC programs is managed through the UIC Council on Teacher Education (CTE).
Earn a teaching license (PEL) at the College of Education Heading link
Alternative licensure programs (no degree, license only) Heading link
We offer one alternative licensure program: Early Childhood Alternative Licensure. Please note, this program is currently prioritizing experienced early childhood staff in Chicago community agencies for admission.
Endorsements Heading link
Endorsements allow licensed educators to specialize or expand their expertise in different subject areas, grade levels, and more. On this page we list the endorsements offered within our college. Learn more on our endorsements page.
Earning the Endorsement only, without enrolling in a graduate degree program
Licensed teachers & administrators can earn the following endorsements. Depending on the endorsement, students complete courses through UIC Extended Campus or as non-degree students in the Graduate College*.
- ESL or Bilingual Endorsement
- Early Childhood Special Education Approval
- LBS1/Special Education Endorsement (Grades K-21)
- Superintendent Endorsement
*Check the Extended Campus website & Graduate College website for application deadlines. Please note that non-degree and Extended Campus students do not qualify for UIC scholarships and financial aid.
Courses for LBS2 Endorsements are not currently being offered. At this time, we are not taking applications for the LBS2 Endorsement as part of the master’s or the non- degree LBS2 programs. If you would like to be notified of when the LBS2 courses are being offered again at UIC, please fill out this form.
Bachelor’s degree programs that offer endorsements
- BA Urban Education – Elementary Education
- Elementary Education Endorsement (Grades 1-6) is earned as part of the BA program, but students can add the following additional endorsements:
- Early Childhood Education Endorsement (Birth-Grade 2)
- Middle Grades Endorsement (Grades 5-8)
- ESL or Bilingual Endorsement
- LBS1/Special Education Endorsement (Grades K-21)
Master’s degree programs that offer endorsements
- MEd Early Childhood Education
- MEd Educational Studies*
- MEd Language, Literacies and Learning*
- MEd Science Education
- ESL or Bilingual Endorsement
- High School Science Endorsement (multiple subject areas)
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth and Space Science
- Environmental Science
- Physics
- LBS1/Special Education Endorsement
- MEd Special Education
Doctoral programs that offer endorsements
Programs with a * indicate you must already have a PEL to obtain the endorsements listed, as the program by itself does not lead to licensure.
Credentials Heading link
Credentials are a recognition of knowledge, skills, and experience that are awarded by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Unlike endorsements, some credentials can be earned without obtaining an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL).
Students should note that credentials are not a substitute or an alternative to a teaching license.
Bachelor’s programs that offer credentials
- BA Human Development & Learning
- Illinois Gateways Level 5 Early Childhood Education Credential
Master’s programs that offer credentials
- MEd Early Childhood Education
- Illinois Gateways Level 5 Early Childhood Education Credential
- Illinois Early Intervention Developmental Therapist Credential
About teacher prep programs at UIC Heading link
The Council on Teacher Education (CTE) oversees all of UIC’s teacher prep programs, including licensure and endorsements, candidacy and fieldwork for students of both colleges. Visit the CTE programs page to see the full list and faculty contact for each licensure and endorsement program at UIC.
Beginning Monday, May 9, 2022, students in teaching licensure programs will be able to take their content area exams at the UIC Testing Center. However, the number of spots for each testing date are limited, and UIC students are not given preference or designated spots for testing. This is a general testing location open to anyone. Please visit the ILTS website http://www.il.nesinc.com/ for more information on how to sign up. Contact uic_cte@uic.edu with any questions.
The Illinois basic skills requirement for teacher licensure has been eliminated. If you have specific questions, please contact CTE at cte_uic@uic.edu or 312-355-0714.
Learn more about teaching licenses and endorsements in Illinois Heading link
If UIC does not offer the license or endorsement you are looking for, be sure to search the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) website for a full list of approved Illinois programs.
Teaching Certificates vs. License Heading link
In 2013, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) changed its credentialing terms for educators from a certificate to a license. So what used to be called a “teaching certificate” in Illinois is now a Professional Educator License (PEL).