Principal Eligibility Process

Interested in School Leadership?

To become a Chicago Public Schools Principal, applicants must be in the Principal Candidate Pool (Pool).  To view and apply for current principal opportunities, please visit our Principal Opportunities page. 

You do not need to be a member of the Pool to apply for the following roles: 

•  Assistant Principal: to explore Assistant Principal openings, please visit the CPS Job Board.

• Charter School Principal or AP: view open positions on the Illinois Network of Charter Schools' Job Openings page. 

Become a Member of the Principal Candidate Pool

Successful completion of the CPS Principal Eligibility (Eligibility) Process is required to become a member of the Principal Candidate Pool (Pool) and, thus, qualify to take on a principal position in the district. This applies to all candidates, internal and external alike, and ensures that schools have the most qualified principal candidates prepared to succeed from the first day on the job.

The Eligibility process requires applicants to provide evidence demonstrating experience and/or ability in the principal domains and components outlined in the CPS School Leadership Framework (Framework). Applicants will also be screened to ensure they possess the required credentials and meet the standards of conduct and professionalism expected of a CPS principal. 

Eligibility Process Key Dates

JANUARY 2025 CYCLE

• Step 1: Online Application Opens:  January 5, 2026

• Step 1: Online Application Closes:  January 19, 2026, at 8:00 AM

  • For all candidates: Fingerprinting and Experience Verifications are due EOD, January 28, 2026

  • For external candidates: Employment Verification, Performance Evaluation Submission, and Discipline/Misconduct History submissions are due EOD, January 28, 2026

• Step 2 In-person Dates*:  February 9, 2026 - February 27, 2026

*tentative based on the number of applicants

Informational Sessions will be held on the following dates and times:

• December 16, 2025, from 4:00 - 5:30 PM

• January 5, 2026, from 4:00 - 5:30 PM

• January 6, 2026, from 4:00 - 5:30 PM

To attend an informational session, please sign up here