How to Become an Illinois School Counselor
To become a school counselor in Illinois, earn a master’s degree from an ISBE-approved school counseling program, complete a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship, and pass the ILTS School Counselor exam (Test 235). Then apply for the Professional Educator License (PEL) with a school counselor endorsement through ISBE’s online ELIS system. Confirm current requirements with ISBE before applying.
- 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 school counselors work under the Professional Educator License (PEL) issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). The process involves four core steps: completing a master’s program, finishing supervised fieldwork, passing the ILTS exam, and submitting your PEL application through ISBE’s Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS). If you’re coming from another state with an existing credential, there’s a separate endorsement pathway — confirm current requirements directly with ISBE.
Illinois School Counselor Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree | Master’s degree from an ISBE-approved school counseling program (or equivalent approved pathway) |
| Practicum | 100 clock hours (minimum 40 direct service hours) |
| Internship | 600 clock hours (minimum 240 direct service hours) |
| Exam | ILTS School Counselor, Test 235 — minimum passing score of 240 (scaled score) |
| Exam fee | $110 |
| PEL application | $150 application + $60 registration fee |
| Renewal | Every 5 years, 120 professional development hours, $50 fee |
Step 1: Earn a Master’s Degree in School Counseling
Illinois requires a master’s degree from an ISBE-approved school counseling program (or equivalent approved pathway). Some Illinois programs hold CACREP accreditation voluntarily, and some employers prefer it when hiring, but CACREP accreditation alone doesn’t determine whether a program meets ISBE’s approval criteria. Confirm with your program advisor before enrolling.
The coursework your program covers typically includes counseling theory, human growth and development, group dynamics, career development, research and evaluation methods, social and cultural foundations, and ethics. The specific coursework requirements are tied to ISBE’s program approval standards, not just a general list, so your program advisor is the right person to confirm alignment.
If you already have a master’s in a related field, you may be able to complete a post-master’s certificate program to add the school counselor endorsement rather than earning a second full degree. Check with ISBE or a licensed program advisor to confirm whether that pathway applies to your situation.
You can find ISBE-approved master’s programs in school counseling on our programs page.
Step 2: Complete Your Supervised Fieldwork
Fieldwork happens in two phases, both embedded within your master’s program.
The practicum requires a minimum of 100 clock hours with school-aged individuals or groups in a supervised setting. At least 40 of those hours must be direct service — meaning face-to-face work with students, not observation or administrative tasks.
The internship is more intensive: 600 clock hours in a school setting, spread across at least one full semester. At least 240 of those hours must be direct service with students. In some cases, experienced educators may qualify for a reduced internship — confirm with your program and ISBE to determine whether that applies to you.
These hour requirements shape your readiness for the job. Illinois schools can carry significant caseloads, and a well-supervised internship is where you start building the judgment that matters when you’re the counselor of record for hundreds of students.
Step 3: Pass the ILTS School Counselor Exam (Test 235)
The Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) administers the School Counselor exam. The current test is Test 235, which replaced the earlier Test 181 in June 2020. Some older guides still reference Test 181 — that test is retired. Verify current test details with ISBE or the ILTS website before registering, as exam formats and fees can change.
| Exam Detail | Current Information |
|---|---|
| Test number | Test 235 (Test 181 is retired) |
| Format | 100 multiple-choice questions, computer-based |
| Time limit | 3 hours and 15 minutes |
| Fee | $110 |
| Passing score | 240 (scaled score) |
| Content areas | Human Development and Learning; Assessment, Instruction, and Services; The School Counseling Program; The Professional School Counselor |
The ILTS website has the full framework for Test 235, including the number of questions per subarea and sample items. It’s worth reviewing the framework document before you register, so you know where the exam places its emphasis.
Step 4: Apply for Your PEL Through ELIS
Once you’ve completed your degree, fieldwork, and exam, you apply for the Professional Educator License (PEL) with a School Support Personnel Endorsement in School Counseling (PreK–Age 22) through ISBE’s online Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS).
The application fees are $150 for the initial application plus a $60 registration fee. Your program will also need to submit a recommendation through ELIS as part of the process, so coordinate the timing with your program coordinator before you apply. Requirements and fees can change — verify the current checklist and processing timelines directly with ISBE before submitting.
How Long Does It Take?
Most people take five to seven years total from the start of their bachelor’s degree to their first licensed position. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, the timeline shortens considerably.
A full-time master’s program typically runs two to three years, including fieldwork. Part-time programs take longer — often three to four years for the degree alone — but allow you to keep working while you’re in school. Many Illinois programs offer evening and online options specifically because a large share of their students are already mid-career.
After completing your degree and exam, factor in time for the ELIS application and ISBE processing before you’re cleared to work in a licensed role.
Coming from Another State?
Illinois doesn’t have formal reciprocity agreements with other states, but out-of-state counselors may be able to transfer credentials through endorsement if their qualifications are substantially equivalent to Illinois requirements. Illinois may require out-of-state applicants to pass the ILTS exam even if they already hold a valid school counselor license from another state — confirm current requirements directly with ISBE before applying.
You’ll also need to provide proof of your current valid license and verification of relevant work experience. Contact ISBE directly to confirm what documentation is required for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a school counselor in Illinois with a bachelor’s degree?
No. Illinois requires a master’s degree from an ISBE-approved school counseling program as part of the PEL endorsement requirements. You can use your time as a paraprofessional, teaching aide, or in another school-based role while completing your master’s, but you won’t qualify for a licensed school counselor position without the graduate degree.
How much do school counselors earn in Illinois?
According to May 2024 BLS data, the median annual salary for school counselors in Illinois is $61,210, with a mean of $69,870. Earnings vary by district — counselors in larger districts tend to earn more. Illinois projects an average of 1,080 annual job openings through 2032, with 6.1% employment growth over that period. See the Illinois school counselor overview for more on the state’s job market.
How long is the Illinois school counselor license valid?
The PEL is valid for five years. Renewal requires 120 professional development hours and a $50 renewal fee. ISBE mandates PD hours in specific topic areas, including suicide prevention and cultural competency, among others. Verify current renewal requirements with ISBE, as the mandated topic list has been updated periodically. For full renewal and endorsement details, see the Illinois school counselor certification page.
What’s the difference between a PEL school counselor endorsement and an LPC or LCPC in Illinois?
These are separate credentials governed by separate agencies. The PEL with school counselor endorsement is issued by ISBE and is required to work as a school counselor in an Illinois public school. The Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) are clinical licenses issued by IDFPR and are primarily used in community or private practice settings. Some Illinois school counselors hold both, but the PEL endorsement is the credential you need for a school-based role.
Does my school counseling program need to be CACREP-accredited?
CACREP accreditation is not required by ISBE — what matters is that your program holds ISBE approval. Some Illinois programs are voluntarily CACREP-accredited, and some employers prefer it, but CACREP status alone doesn’t determine whether a program satisfies Illinois licensure requirements. Confirm ISBE approval status with your program before enrolling.
- ISBE-approved master’s degree required — Illinois requires a master’s degree from an ISBE-approved school counseling program, not just any counseling-adjacent graduate degree.
- Fieldwork has direct-service minimums — The 100-hour practicum requires at least 40 direct service hours; the 600-hour internship requires at least 240. Total hours aren’t the only measure.
- Test 235, not Test 181 — The current ILTS exam has 100 questions, costs $110, and requires a minimum passing score of 240 (scaled score). Test 181 is retired.
- Out-of-state applicants should verify current rules — Illinois endorsement requirements for out-of-state counselors have changed recently. Confirm directly with ISBE before applying.
- Strong job market — Illinois projects 1,080 average annual openings through 2032, with a state median salary of $61,210.
If you’re comparing master’s programs, start with ISBE-approved options aligned with Illinois PEL requirements. The program you choose matters — your fieldwork placements and program recommendation both route through your institution when you apply for licensure.
