How to Request Your Professional Educator License or Endorsements

The Illinois State Board of Education (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). 

When to apply?

Begin the NLU endorsement application process only once you have completed all of your required coursework and you have passed the content or language proficiency exam(s) (where required). Applying too early may result in a delay in processing.

How to apply?

Step 1: Submit your online request

• Make sure you have the following information at-hand
  • Full contact information including your NLU ID number and last four digits of your Social Security number
  • Log in to the NLU Student Portal
  • Click on the Student Services tab
  • Click on the link “Request for Professional Educator License or Endorsements” under the Student Services header
  • 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).