Illinois School Counselor Certification

There are more than two million public school students who benefit from counseling services on 4,266 campuses across Illinois. Counselors assist students with services aimed at character education, supportive guidance, crisis counseling, and community referrals.

If you would like to learn more about how you can make a difference as a school counselor in Illinois, download the Best Practices for Illinois School Counselors.

Skip down the page to the certification pathway you’re interested in:

• Initial School Counseling Certification
• Certification Renewal
• Certification Through Reciprocity
• Additional Certification Resources

Initial Illinois School Counselor Certification

To become an Illinois school counselor, you must apply for the Professional Educator (PEL) School Support License with school counselor endorsement. This license is valid for five (5) years.

Step 1: Education Requirements

• Complete required coursework in the structure, organization, and operation of the educational system. Learn more about coursework requirements here.
• You must complete an internship of at least 600 clock hours (at least one semester) with a minimum of 240 direct service hours. (Applicants with at least two years of teaching experience are required to complete an internship of 400 clock hours with a minimum of 240 direct service hours.)
• You must complete a supervised counseling practicum of at least 100 clock hours with a minimum of 40 direct service hours.

Step 2: Criminal Background Check

Your hiring school district will complete your criminal background check. No pre-application fingerprint process is required.

Step 3: Examination Requirements

You must take and pass the Illinois Licensure Testing System School Counselor (181) exam. This computer-based test has 125 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The examination fee is $122.

Learn more about the exam and register for an exam test date here.

Step 4: Know the Fees

License Application Fee: $150

Step 5: Application Materials Checklist

You must apply online through the Illinois State Board of Education. The application includes:

• Create an account and complete the application process through the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS). 
• Have official transcripts from all colleges/universities you have attended sent directly from the school to [email protected].
• Provide proof of completion of a state approved program, verified with Form 80-02S, downloadable here
• Pay the $150 license fee and register your license in your ELIS account

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Submit your completed application through the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS). 

Additional Information

If you would like to speak with a speak with a specialist about your school counselor licensure application, contact ISBE Educator Licensure at 217-557-6763 or [email protected].

Illinois School Counselor Certification Renewal

The Illinois school counselor license is valid for five (5) from the date of issue. Renewal applications are completed through the ELIS system.

The Professional Educator License (PEL) with school counselor endorsement requires the following renewal materials:

• Renewal application fee of $50, which covers a $10 registration fee for each year of a license’s validity
• 120 hours of Professional Development credits, which may be completed from a regionally accredited Illinois college/university with an approved education program, National Board of Certification, National Licenses (for School Support Personnel), and/or activities provided by an approved Illinois professional development provider

Learn more about renewal requirements here.

Additional Assistance

For more information about your renewal application, email a licensure specialist at [email protected].

You can also call the licensure department during normal business hours at 217-557-6763.

Illinois School Counselor Certification Through Reciprocity

The Illinois State Board of Education considers reciprocity for applicants with out-of-state education and credentials. If you hold a current, valid out-of-state license and can verify one year of employment as a school counselor, you may be eligible for reciprocity licensure.

Your application materials will include:

• Completed profile, application, and $150 initial application fee payable through the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS). 

• Official transcripts for all institutions attended. Transcripts must be sent electronically by the institution(s) to [email protected].
• Copy of current, valid school counseling endorsement
• Proof of scores for examinations required by the licensing state, if applicable.

If you hold a current, valid school counseling endorsement, you are not required to submit proof of completed internships or practicums.

Additional Assistance

If you need additional assistance with your application for reciprocity licensure, contact the Illinois State Board of Education at 217-557-6763 during normal business hours. You can also email a specialist at [email protected].

Illinois School Counseling Certification Resources

For resources to assist you with continuing education and other career development opportunities, see the following websites:

• Illinois School Counselor Association
• American School Counselor Association
• National Board of Certified Counselors

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