Please note: these testing requirements apply only to non-certified candidates. One of the pre-admission requirements for our Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program track is to pass two tests:

1. Illinois Basic Skills Test (or the Test of Academic Proficiency)

All non-certified applicants must pass all four subtests of the Illinois Basic Skills test (which is becoming the Test of Academic Proficiency) prior to being admitted to the AUSL program: Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, and Writing. Passing scores for subtests are "banked," so if you do not pass one or more you may sign up to test again in the subtests you still need to pass.

2. Content Area Test

In addition, all MAT applicants must pass a Content Area test. (Please note: sign up for a Content Area test that matches the grade level/content area you will be qualified to teach based on your academic course work. A mismatched test and transcript will not be eligible for admission.)

Before you choose your test, obtain your transcript(s) and review the Transcript Analysis Forms. Select the one that is the best match for your academic background and interests. If you have any questions, contact AUSL Admissions at admissions@ausl-chicago.org or 773-534-0129 before you make a final choice of which Content Area test to take.

Tests are administered by the Illinois Certification Testing System (ICTS) in accordance with the requirements for teacher certification established by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).

>> Register for tests

You may take both tests on the same day since there are AM and PM sessions (may not be available at all locations). The latest date to take a test for your application to join the AUSL program in June 2012 is April 14, 2012. We strongly encourage you to take your tests early in case you need to re-take one or more sections of the Basic Skills test (or Test of Academic Proficiency).

Out-of-state candidates invited to Selection Days can interview the Fridays before the February and April test dates (saving a trip to Chicago). Contact AUSL Admissions at admissions@ausl-chicago.org or 773-534-0129 to request this.

Note: Fees and fee policies are established by ICTS and subject to change. AUSL does not represent that the information above is guaranteed to be accurate. >> View current pricing and policies

If you have previously taken and passed any of your required tests, results are valid for up to five years.

To complete your application file, please forward a copy of your e-mail registration confirmations to admissions@ausl-chicago.org. Send AUSL a copy of your final score reports as soon as you receive them. (It is not necessary to request that a score report be sent to National Louis University or AUSL when you register for your tests.)

Test Preparation:

In 2010, the Illinois State Board of Education “raised the bar” for passing the Basic Skills test (or Test of Academic Proficiency) by requiring test takers to pass all four subtests (Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, and Writing), rather than requiring a passing score on average across the tests. Since that policy change, the percentage of test-takers passing all four portions of the test in a single attempt has been below 40 percent.

The pass rates for first-time testers for Content Area tests range from 79 percent (Mathematics) to 94 percent (English).

You may take tests up to five times to attempt to pass, and you only need to re-take Basic Skills (or Test of Academic Proficiency) subtests that you don’t pass. However, April 14, 2012 is the final date to test for consideration for the June 2012 entering AUSL class. You are strongly encouraged to take your tests in February 2012 or earlier, to ensure that you get a second chance in case you need it.

Study Guides and Practice Tests: 

Official ICTS materials: Study guide and practice test

Test prep workshops at National Louis and Chicago State

Online study resources from TeachRite, Longsdale Publishing, and a Math professor at Western Illinois University

Books, flash cards, etc. are available from your local bookseller.

AUSL has partnered with the Illinois Community College Board to offer a free online Basic Skills Test (or Test of Academic Proficiency) Preparation study guide to our applicants. This resource will familiarize you with the Illinois Learning Standards and will help you to develop the knowledge necessary to pass the Basic Skills Test (or Test of Academic Proficiency). The study guide is divided into 18 different lessons, one for each standard, plus learning reviews and a post test which closely resembles the Basic Skills Test (or Test of Academic Proficiency). To access this study, visit the Basic Skills Test Prep website and click "Register Student." When prompted, enter the AUSL passcode: fxe65zqkhh.