School Counseling – Illinois

School Counselor

Illinois accepts applicants for school counseling licensure either through reciprocity or through the ISBE 80-02S pathway.

Through reciprocity, students can qualify for Illinois PEL by (1) submitting a copy of a comparable out-of-state license and (2) transcripts of a master’s in school counseling, and (3) pass applicable Illinois content test(s).

Through the ISBE 80-02S pathway, students can (1) complete an out-of-state school counseling program (without holding this state’s license), (2) submit proof of completion of a state-approved program using the ISBE 80-02S standards verification form, (3) complete internship, (4) have coursework in methods of teaching exceptional children, reading methods, content area reading, and methods of teaching English learners, and (5) pass applicable Illinois content test(s).

Click here to register for tests: https://www.il.nesinc.com/

Verification of standards completion by out-of-state program: https://www.isbe.net/Documents/80-02S-standards-verification-ssp.pdf