logo

What is the Assessment of Professional Teaching (APT)?

What is it?

The APT assesses candidates on the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards and the language arts and technology standards for all teachers.

Who must take the test?

  • Candidates completing approved teacher preparation programs in the state of Illinois whose applications for certification are received on or after October 1, 2003. Includes individuals who complete programs before October 1, 2003, but whose applications are received after October 1, 2003.

  • Candidates who hold Illinois certificates and seek a new certificate--which covers a different grade range than the certificate held--and whose application for certification is received on or after October 1, 2003.

    For example:

    An individual who holds an Elementary K-9 certificate and applies for a Secondary 6-12 certificate on or after October 1, 2003, will be required to take the APT-Secondary or the APT-Special because the certificate held does not cover the grade range of the new certificate.
    An individual who holds a Special K-12 certificate and applies for an Elementary certificate on or after October 1, 2003 will not be required to take the APT because the certificate held does cover the grade range of the new certificate.

  • All candidates from out-of-state making application for their first Illinois early childhood, elementary, secondary or special certificate on or after October 1, 2003.

    Which Version of the APT?

    There are 4 versions of the test: Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, & Special. The type of certificate sought determines which version of the test is required.

    Certificate Sought Level of APT Required
    Early Childhood (Birth to Grade 3) APT-Early Childhood
    Elementary (K-9) APT-Elementary or APT-Special
    Secondary (6-12) APT-Secondary or APT-Special
    Special (K-12) or (P-21) APT-Special

    Where Can I Find More Information?

    The APT test framework, which describes the content covered on the test, test registration information, and the study guide (available late May) may be found at: www.icts.nesinc.com.

    Note: The APT requirement is in addition to the requirement for passing the basic skills and subject-matter knowledge tests.