Frequently Asked Questions

• To receive an application, click here  or call the Graduate College (773) 995-2404

• Application deadline for Post MSW Professional Educator License with School Social Work Endorsement Program is May 1st Admission: Fall only

• Financial Assistance: Call the Financial Aid Office - 773-995-2304 or visit us on the web at: https://www.csu.edu/financialaid/

• Additional Information Call 773-995-2207.

Test Requirements Explained

Please visit the Illinois State Board of Education Website for testing information

https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Educator-Licensure-Testing-Info.aspx

TAP Test of Academic Proficiency

• Information regarding the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) including registration, test dates, and a study guide are available at: http://www.icts.nesinc.com/. Test of basic skills scores are valid indefinitely

In Lieu of the TAP:

ACT scores required are as follows:

• Prior to 9/1/15 - Composite score of at least 22 or higher and a minimum score of 19 on the combined English/Writing portion
• 9/1/15 to 9/9/16 – Composite score of 22 or higher and a minimum score of 16 on the Writing portion.
• 9/10/10 and later – Composite Score of 22 or higher and a minimum score of 6 on the Writing Portion.

SAT scores required are as follows:

• Prior to 3/5/16 – Composite score of 1030(critical reading and mathematics = 1030 or higher)
• and a minimum score of 450 on writing
• 3/5/16 and later – Composite score of 1110 (evidence-based reading and writing + mathematics = 1110 or higher) and a minimum score of 26 on writing and language

Test scores must be submitted directly to ISBE from ACT or SAT.

Prior to testing, create an account on the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) at https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Educator-Licensure-Information-System.aspx

Request Your Scores to Be Sent To ISBE Directly from ACT or SAT

• The score report must arrive in a sealed envelope addressed to ISBE from ACT or SAT
• If requesting an ACT score report use ACT code 3001 when ordering
• If requesting  an SAT score: use SAT code 6773 when ordering

Supper Scoring

Super scoring is now available on ACT/SAT. If you do not have an overall passing composite score, we will add the highest subject scores from each test and divide by the total number of tests for a composite score. Please email Licensure@isbe.net if you would like your tests super scored.

• Score reports that are received prior to the establishment of an ELIS account will be held for 30 days. After 30 days, the report may not be credited to your account.

Super Scoring Explained

Students must meet the Illinois State Board of Education’s basic skills requirement by passing the TAP test or meeting a minimum ACT or SAT score.

Effective July 2017, a minimum composite score for either the ACT or SAT may be achieved by combining multiple sub-scores from multiple previous test dates. Students must still meet the minimum writing portion.

ACT

ACT rules- Combine the highest English, Math, Reading and Science score, across multiple test reports, to develop a new averaged super score. The averaged super score must be 22 or higher (averages of 21.5 will round up to 22). Students must still achieve a passing writing score and also send it to ISBE.

Example:  An individual received a 21 composite score on ACT test A and ACT test B.

Test A	Test B
English 19	English 21
Science 18	Science 22
Math 18	Math 20
Reading 26	Reading 20

When combing their highest scores highlighted above, the composite average would equal 22 and meet the requirement.  The writing score would still need to be met.

SAT

SAT rules- Add together the highest Evidence-based reading and writing score and math score, from multiple tests. The total composite must be higher than 1110 and a minimum score of 26 on writing and language test. (Based on the current SAT test format)

Example: An individual received a 1090 on the SAT test A and a 1080 on SAT test B.

Test A	Test B
EB Reading and Writing 590	EB Reading and 550
Math 500	Math 540

When combing their scores, highlighted above, the composite score would equal 1103 and met the requirement.  Writing score would still need to be met.

The Illinois State Board of Education will make the final determination if the super scored test meets the legal requirements.

Prospective candidates who wish to use their ACT/SAT score in lieu of the TAP must complete the following:

If you have not already done so, create an account on the educator licensure information system

• REQUEST YOUR SCORES BE SENT TO ISBE DIRECTLY FROM ACT OR SAT.  The score report must arrive in a sealed envelope addressed to ISBE from ACT or SAT.  If requesting an ACT Plus Writing score report: use ACT code 3001 when ordering.  If requesting an SAT score: use SAT code 6773 when ordering.
• If Chicago State University does not have a copy of your official scores, they must also be sent to Chicago State University.
• CHECK YOUR ELIS ACCOUNT TO VERIFY YOUR ACT/SAT SCORE REPORT HAS BEEN ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF THE TAP. Please allow 60 days for this information to be added to your ELIS account.