Educators Trained in Other States

Information is found here on the ISBE website and you can download an Out-of-State PEL checklist here.

​ ISBE has authority to determine license equivalency and may request additional documentation to verify equivalency. 

The ISBE website will walk you through each of the steps below.

  1. Create an Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) account.

  2. Apply for your Professional Educator License (PEL).

  3. Submit Licensure documents.

  4. ISBE will evaluate your application.

  5. Register your License

  6. Find a Job

Official, sealed transcripts may be mailed to the ROE at 3358 Big Pine Trail, Champaign, IL 61822, or the university may e-mail transcripts to Jenn Diercks - jdiercks@roe9.org

If the name on your transcript is different from the name on your ELIS account, complete the Licensure Update Request Form to include any Former Names and submit it to Jenn Diercks with documentation showing the name change (marriage license, court document etc.).

Educators Trained in Other Countries

Information is found here on the ISBE website and you can download an Out-of-County PEL checklist here.

Teachers who were prepared as an educator outside of the United States and wish to teach in the state of Illinois must meet all coursework and teaching requirements. Individuals must also be eligible to be legally employed in the United States of America and meet all other requirements as detailed in Illinois Statutes and Rules. 

The ISBE website will walk you through each of the steps below.

  1. Explore your Licensure Options

  2. Create an Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) account.

  3. Translate and submit your Transcript. A list of Foreign Credential Evaluation Services can be found here.

  4. Complete the English Language Proficiency Test. Only required for the ELS(TBE) License option.

  5. Apply for your license.

  6. ISBE will evaluate your application.

  7. Register your License.

  8. Find a Job

Official, sealed credential evaluations may be mailed to the ROE at 3358 Big Pine Trail, Champaign, IL 61822, or the credential service may e-mail transcripts to Jenn Diercks -jdiercks@roe9.org

The Foreign Credential Evaluation should include any information that is applicable to your situation, such as:

  1. A statement identifying the degree held and whether or not the individual has been prepared as an educator.

  2. The evaluation should indicate the validity dates of your foreign certificate or license with areas you were licensed to teach.

  3. List courses completed along with the equivalent grade earned in each class

  4. Credits earned need to be equated to semester hours.