Assessment of Professional Teaching (APT)

The APT assesses candidates on professional and pedagogical knowledge and skills. It is required to become certified in the state of Illinois. Typically teacher candidates will complete the test during the student teaching semester.

You may take these test up to ten years prior to the issuance of the certificate, but you will only be allowed five attempts to pass a give certification test. The state allows you to bank your scores. In other words, if you pass some sections but not others, you may count the passes in those sections and not retake them.

Who must take the test?

• Candidates completing approved teacher preparation program in the state of Illinois
• Those who hold Illinois certificates and seek a new certificate which covers a different grade range than the certificate held
• All candidates from out-of-state making application for their first Illinois early childhood, elementary, secondary, or special certificate

What version of the APT should I take?

There are four versions of the test and the type of certificate sought determines the version required:

• Early childhood (birth to grade 3) certificate: APT-Early Childhood
• Elementary (k-9) certificate: APT-Elementary or APT-Special
• Secondary (6-12) certificate: APT-Secondary or APT-Special
• Special (K-12 or P-21) certificate: APT-Special

Prepare for the APT

Use studying guides to prepare for the assessment.

Register for the APT

Register online.