Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Basic Skills Test Overview

Please visit the Illinois Certification Testing System (ICTS) Web site for detailed information on the Basic Skills Test. You may also find current information on the Illinois State Board of Education Web site.

Where can I find information about the Basic Skills Test?

For complete information about the Basic Skills Test, go to the Illinois Certification Testing System (ICTS) Web site. This site includes the ICTS Registration Bulletin, a Basic Skills Test Study Guide, and information about registering for the Basic Skills Text via the Internet or by mail. You will also find information about other required Illinois Certification Testing System tests.
Can I use a calculator when taking the Basic Skills Test?

Calculators cannot be used during the Basic Skills Test.
How long do I have to take the text?

Participants have up to five hours to complete the test. Individuals with documented disabilities can request extra time and are allowed a maximum of 11 hours to complete the test. Additional time can be requested if English is not a first language. Supporting documentation such as a copy of a birth certificate, visa, or documentation from work or school should be sent to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
How can I register for the Basic Skills Test?

Complete information on registering for the Basic Skills Test either online or by mail is available at www.icts.nesinc.com/IL_toc.asp?showtoc=REGISTER&pagetype=PBT. Internet registration requires a MasterCard or Visa credit card. The cost of the Basic Skills Test is $60.00. There is also a registration processing fee of $26.00. This total fee of $86.00 must be paid each time the test is retaken. The Basic Skills Test is offered frequently and in many different locations across the state.
How many times can I take the Basic Skills Test?

The Basic Skills Test must be taken and passed completely in order to participate in an Illinois teacher preparation program, including Alternative Certification programs. The Basic Skills Test can be taken a maximum of five times. Examinees only have to retake the portion(s) of the test that were not passed. Retaking any portion of the test, or the test in its entirety, counts toward the five life-time limit.
What subject areas are part of the Basic Skills Test?
- Reading Comprehension
- Language Arts
- Math
- Writing
What is considered a "passing" score for the Basic Skills Test?

Scores for each subject are converted to a scale of 100–300, and you must receive a score of 240 (or above) in each subject area to pass. In addition, there are specific scores required to pass each subject area. Specific passing percentages are:
- Reading: 79% of scored items correct
- Language Arts: 79% of scored items correct
- Math: 75% correct
- Writing: 8 out of 12 correct

How long are my test scores valid?

Although passing scores for all ICTS tests are valid for up to five years, an individual who has taken and passed the ICTS Basic Skills Test as a requirement for admission to an Illinois teacher education program will not need to retake the test when applying for a certificate. Individuals who have taken the Basic Skills Test and been issued a certificate do not need to retake the test to be awarded a subsequent certificate.
What resources are available that will help me with the Basic Skills Test?

A full-length practice version of the Basic Skills Test is available at www.icts.nesinc.com/IL_practest_opener.asp. The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) has an interactive, Web-based curriculum available at www.basicskillsprep.org. The site is free to all students in Illinois, but each student needs a pass code from a registered education institution to register themselves into the system. Call your local community college to ask if they are registered to grant pass codes to the ICCB test preparation Web site and if they have other preparation materials for the test.