Illinois School Counselor Certification
To earn an Illinois school counselor certification, you need a master’s degree from an ISBE-approved program, a supervised practicum and internship, and a passing score on the ILTS School Counselor (Test 235). You then apply through ISBE’s ELIS system for a Professional Educator License (PEL) with School Counselor Endorsement. The license is valid for five years.
- Top Picks
Featured Universities with School Counseling Programs
#1
Walden University
MS in School Counseling - General Program. Click here to contact Walden University and request information about their programs.
#2
University of Denver
Earn a Master's degree in School Counseling online from the University of Denver. Learn from doctoral-level faculty in live classes and gain experience through mock counseling and in-field training. No GRE required. Click here to contact University of Denver and request information about their programs.
#3
Campbellsville University
Online Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling Click here to contact Campbellsville University and request information about their programs.
#4
Sacred Heart University
Online Master of Arts in School Counseling Click here to contact Sacred Heart University and request information about their programs.
#5
Winthrop University
M.Ed. in Counseling Development - School Counseling Concentration Click here to contact Winthrop University and request information about their programs.
#6
Auburn University at Montgomery
Education Specialist in Counseling- School Counseling. Click here to contact Auburn University at Montgomery and request information about their programs.
#7
Butler University
Master of Science in School Counseling. Click here to contact Butler University and request information about their programs.
#8
University of West Alabama
Master of Education: School Counseling Click here to contact University of West Alabama and request information about their programs.
Illinois Links
Illinois does not issue a standalone school counselor certificate — licensure is through the PEL. If you hold an active LPC or LCPC from IDFPR, that’s a separate credential. The PEL with School Counselor Endorsement is what authorizes you to work in Illinois public schools as a counselor.
This page walks through the initial licensure process, renewal requirements, and how reciprocity works if you’re coming from another state.
Initial Illinois School Counselor Certification
To earn the PEL with School Counselor Endorsement, you’ll work through six steps. Here’s what each one involves.
Step 1: Education Requirements
You’ll need to complete a master’s degree in school counseling from an ISBE-approved program. The program must include coursework covering the structure, organization, and operation of the educational system.
Fieldwork requirements depend on your background. If you don’t have teaching experience, you’ll need a 600-clock-hour internship (minimum 240 direct service hours) plus a 100-clock-hour practicum (minimum 40 direct service hours). If you have at least two years of teaching experience, the internship drops to 400 clock hours — but the 240 direct service minimum and the 100-hour practicum requirement stay the same.
Step 2: Criminal Background Check
Background checks are handled by the hiring school district rather than as part of the initial ELIS application. No pre-application fingerprinting is required from ISBE.
Step 3: Examination Requirements
You’ll need to pass the ILTS School Counselor (Test 235). The exam covers four content domains, takes several hours to complete, and includes approximately 100–125 multiple-choice questions. The passing score is 240 out of 300.
The exam fee is $110 (reduced effective January 2025). ISBE also offers limited free retakes under current policy — confirm details when registering. Register and find available test dates through the Illinois Licensure Testing System.
Step 4: Know the Fees
License Application Fee: $150
Step 5: Application Materials Checklist
Apply online through ISBE’s Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS). You’ll need:
- An ELIS account with a completed application
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, submitted through ELIS or sent per ISBE transcript submission guidelines
- Proof of program completion verified with Form 80-02S
- Payment of the $150 license fee through your ELIS account
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Submit your completed application through ELIS. If you have questions during the process, contact ISBE Educator Licensure at 217-557-6763 or [email protected].
If you’re still choosing a master’s program, make sure it’s ISBE-approved and aligned with endorsement requirements before you enroll. Your program recommendation is a required part of the PEL application — the right program sets you up for licensure from day one. Learn more about the full path to becoming an Illinois school counselor.
Illinois School Counselor Certification Renewal
The PEL with School Counselor Endorsement is valid for five years from the date of issue. Renewal is completed through your ELIS account.
You’ll need to complete 120 hours of Professional Development credits over the five-year cycle. PD hours can come from a regionally accredited Illinois college or university with an ISBE-approved education program, National Board Certification, National Licenses for School Support Personnel, or activities from an approved Illinois professional development provider. Learn more about renewal requirements on the ISBE professional development page.
The renewal application fee is $50, which covers a $10 registration fee for each year of the license’s validity.
If you hold an active LPC or LCPC through IDFPR, you may qualify for a streamlined renewal path — sometimes referred to as “Pathway B” by ISCA. Under this option, your 30 continuing education hours every two years may satisfy your PEL renewal requirement without separately tracking 120 PD hours. Verify current procedures directly with ISBE or the Illinois School Counselor Association before relying on this option, as requirements are subject to change.
For renewal questions, email [email protected] or call 217-557-6763 during business hours.
Illinois School Counselor Certification Through Reciprocity
If you hold a current, valid school counselor license from another state, you may qualify for Illinois reciprocity licensure — but the requirements changed significantly on January 1, 2026.
As of January 1, 2026, all out-of-state applicants applying through Option 1 reciprocity must pass the ILTS School Counselor (Test 235). A valid out-of-state license and master’s degree are still required, but passing the Illinois exam is now also required, regardless of whether you passed an exam in your home state. Requirements are subject to change — verify current requirements with ISBE before beginning your application.
If your out-of-state credentials include a valid school counseling endorsement, you’re generally not required to submit proof of completed internships or practicums.
Application materials typically include:
- Completed profile, application, and $150 initial application fee through ELIS
- Official transcripts for all institutions attended, submitted through ELIS or sent per ISBE transcript submission guidelines
- Copy of your current, valid school counseling endorsement
- Proof of exam scores from your licensing state, if applicable
- Passing score on the ILTS School Counselor (Test 235) — required as of January 1, 2026
For additional help, contact ISBE at 217-557-6763 or [email protected].
Illinois School Counseling Certification Resources
For continuing education and career development resources:
- Illinois School Counselor Association
- American School Counselor Association
- National Board of Certified Counselors
Frequently Asked Questions
What exam do I need to pass for Illinois school counselor certification?
You’ll need to pass the ILTS School Counselor (Test 235). The exam covers four content domains and requires a passing score of 240 out of 300. The exam fee is $110. ISBE also offers limited free retakes under the current policy — confirm details when registering at il.nesinc.com.
How long does it take to get an Illinois school counselor license?
Most candidates spend two to three years completing a master’s degree in school counseling, plus time for the required practicum and internship hours. If you have at least two years of teaching experience, your internship requirement drops from 600 to 400 hours. Overall, from starting a master’s program to holding a PEL, most people are looking at three to five years depending on whether they attend full- or part-time.
How do I renew my Illinois school counselor license?
The PEL with School Counselor Endorsement renews every five years. You’ll need 120 hours of professional development and a $50 renewal fee, processed through your ELIS account. If you hold an active LPC or LCPC through IDFPR, you may qualify for a streamlined renewal path — verify current procedures with ISBE or the Illinois School Counselor Association before relying on this option.
Does Illinois offer reciprocity for out-of-state school counselors?
Illinois considers reciprocity for applicants with a valid out-of-state school counseling credential and a master’s degree. As of January 1, 2026, all reciprocity applicants must also pass the ILTS School Counselor (Test 235) — this is a significant change from prior requirements. Applicants with a current out-of-state endorsement are typically not required to repeat internship or practicum hours. Verify current requirements directly with ISBE before applying, as requirements are subject to change.
- The credential is the PEL — Illinois issues a Professional Educator License (PEL) with School Counselor Endorsement, not a standalone certificate. It’s valid for five years and renewed through ELIS.
- The exam is ILTS Test 235 — the current fee is $110, the passing score is 240 out of 300, and limited free retakes are available. Make sure you’re registering for Test 235, not the older #181.
- Teaching experience reduces fieldwork hours — two or more years of teaching drops the internship requirement from 600 to 400 clock hours, though direct service minimums stay the same.
- Reciprocity changed in 2026 — as of January 1, all out-of-state applicants must pass the ILTS Test 235, even if they passed an exam in their home state.
- LPC/LCPC holders may have a renewal shortcut — an active IDFPR license may satisfy PEL renewal requirements. Verify the current process with ISBE before relying on this option.
Your master’s program needs to be ISBE-approved and aligned with Illinois endorsement requirements before you enroll. Choosing the right program from the start saves time and keeps you on track for licensure.
