Transitional Bilingual Educator (ELS-TBE) Licensure

There are four ways to qualify for an ELS-TBE:

Option 1

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from a U.S.-based university

  AND

  Pass the Target Language Proficiency Test OR hold an Illinois or Global Seal of Biliteracy in the target language

Option 2

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from a non-U.S.-based institution

  AND

  Pass the English Language Proficiency Test

Option 3

• Hold two degrees:

  • One with English as the medium of instruction

  • One with the target language as the medium of instruction

• One degree must be a bachelor’s degree or higher

Option 4

• Hold a single bachelor’s degree where the medium of instruction was in both English and the target language

1. Create an ELIS Account and obtain your IEIN. Create an Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) account. Once registered, you’ll receive your Illinois Educator Identification Number (IEIN). Keep this number and your login details in a safe place.

2. Submit documentation that you’ve met all of the requirements for the license type you’re applying for. Please note that all out-of-country transcripts must be evaluated by an approved foreign credentialing agency. It must be evaluated course by course. View this list of approved credentialing agencies. 

   Once you have met all educational requirements, mail an official sealed transcript to ROE4 OR have it emailed directly from your university to licensure@roe4.org.

   If you mail these documents directly to the Illinois State Board of Education the process may take longer.

   All tests must be taken through the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS). Test scores will be automatically added into your ELIS account within 3-4 weeks.

   Approved Credential Evaluation Services →

   Illinois Licensure Testing System →

3. Apply for the ELS-TBE endorsement in ELIS and pay the $100 fee.

Once you hold an ELS-TBE license, you may also add a World Language Endorsement to teach the target language in grades PK–12.

To qualify, you must either:

1. Pass the applicable World Language content test

   OR

2. Hold an Illinois or Global Seal of Biliteracy in the target language

Please note: The World Language Endorsement will expire with your ELS-TBE and is non-renewable.

With an active ELS-TBE license, you may also add an LBS1 (Learning Behavior Specialist 1) Endorsement by:

1. Passing the LBS1 (155) content test

2. Completing coursework in the following areas:

• • Survey of the exceptional child

  • Characteristics of children with disabilities (within the LBSI scope)

  • Instructional methods for teaching students with disabilities

  • Psychological assessment of students with disabilities