Basic Skills Test information

• Before you can be admitted to the National College of Education certification programs, you are required to pass the Basic Skills Test administered by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
• The test assesses basic skills in grammar, reading, mathematics, and writing. Mastery of these skills is critical and necessary for you to complete your degree/certification requirements.
• Register online at www.icts.nesinc.com as well as download a study guide for the Basic Skills test. To request a paper copy of the registration bulletin or a Basic Skills study guide by phone call 800.239.8107.
• If you obtained certification after July 1, 1988, and have already taken this test, you only need to furnish a copy of the certificate.
• Taking the test at the beginning of your program will give you a better idea of how your skills match certification requirements and give you the chance to remedy any skill deficits immediately.
• Please note that the Illinois Test of Basic Skills may be used for certification for up to five years from the date the test was taken. Therefore, you must complete all of your coursework and apply for certification within five years of taking, and passing, this test; otherwise you will need to retake the test.
• This requirement does not replace the need for you to take the Millers Analogies Test and/or the Graduate Record Examination.

Let us help you get prepared.

• NLU's Center for Academic Development (CAD) offers workshops in Mathematics and Language Arts (Reading, Writing and Grammar) for individuals preparing to take the Illinois Test of Basic Skills. Additional math supplemental workshops will also be offered on the Chicago campus.
• To register, call 312.261.3840 or email Cyber-CAD@nl.edu. Registration is required. Workshops may be cancelled due to low enrollment.
• The fee for the workshops, offered on all five Chicago area campuses, is $30 for NLU students who have applied for admission (application must be on file).
• Non-NLU students may also register for the workshops at a cost of $50. Exact cash or checks payable to National Louis University will be collected at the workshop.
• Please download and bring a copy of the Basic Skills Study Guide found at www.icts.nesinc.com to the Review Workshop. Room assignments will be posted.

Miller Analogies Test Hotline

The Office of Admissions and Records has created a Miller Analogies Hotline and email address so that you can get students to register for the test at your convenience. We encourage you to take a moment to view the Miller analogies testing dates. You must pre-register at least three days prior to the test; you will then receive an assigned confirmation number.

To register call 847.465.0575 ext. 5469 or email millertest@nl.edu. Only registrants with an assigned confirmation number will be admitted to the test. Since seating is limited, please cancel if you will be unable to take the test on the date planned.

Locations and dates