Licensure 

Only once all coursework has been completed (with the exception of certain program electives) and any required content test(s) have been passed and posted to the student's ELIS account, MAT students may apply for their credentials (Professional Educator License or Endorsement). 

Entitlement is the process through which the State of Illinois issues a teacher candidate their PEL.  After successful completion of Student Teaching, students are eligible for entitlement.  NLU is the entitling agency and communicates with ISBE once all licensure requirements have been met.  Entitlement application steps are listed below.  If you have any questions, please contact your Academic Advisor.

Note:  applying for entitlement too early may result in a delay in processing.  Following the entitlement process outlined by NLU will result in entitlement within only 7-10 business days.

Step 1:  Submit your online request

1. • • Make sure you have the following information at-hand

       1. Full contact information including your NLU ID number and last four digits of your Social Security number

       2. Log in to the NLU Student Portal

       3. Click on the Student Services tab

       4. Click on the link “Request for Professional Educator License or Endorsements” under the Student Services header

       5. Fill out the form

          • Note: Answering “yes” to any of the state-required questions will not prevent NLU from processing your request. However, the final decision regarding your application will be made by an ISBE evaluator before issuing your license or endorsement.

          • Click “Submit”

          • After submitting the form, your form will be directed to your Licensure Officer.

Your Licensure Officer will review requests in the order received. Once it’s verified that you have met all requirements (including: all grades are posted, degree awarded where applicable, required content exams are passed, and any teaching experience requirements are met), your request will be processed and you will receive a confirmation email detailing your next steps with ISBE.

Licenses and endorsements earned through an undergraduate programs are processed after the bachelor's degree is awarded. Principal, School Counseling, School Psychologist, Superintendent, Reading Specialist and Teacher Leader endorsements require a master's degree and are processed after the degree has been awarded. This process may take up to four weeks.

Note: Your request expires after the end of the term following submission.

Step 2:   Finalize your application online

• Review the confirmation email from your Licensure Officer. It will detail your next steps for applying and finalizing your license or endorsement with ISBE. 

• Upon completing the finalization process, including paying any ISBE fees, your credential(s) should be issued immediately.

Note:  ISBE requires that candidates apply for endorsements through the university entitlement process unless specifically directed otherwise. If you apply directly to ISBE, NLU will be unable to process your endorsement, which will result in a delay to your entitlement (up to 90 days).