Earn your Illinois Technology Specialist Endorsement

Technology alone won’t transform learning, but educators who master technology will. If you’re passionate about teaching and love exploring new tech tools, the Illinois Technology Specialist endorsement might be the perfect next step in your professional journey.

The Technology Specialist endorsement is a credential issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) that can be added to your Professional Educator License (PEL). It certifies that you have the skills and knowledge to lead technology integration efforts in schools. That includes:

• • • Creating innovative learning environments – in-person or online – that boost engagement and learning.
    • Coaching teachers on using digital tools effectively in the classroom.
    • Developing a district-wide vision for technology that aligns with educational goals.
    • Promoting digital citizenship among students and staff.
    • Leading tech-focused PD and evaluating its impact on student learning.

In short, a Technology Specialist acts as a tech integration leader, digital coach, and instructional innovator. 

Illinois educators are increasingly seeking this endorsement, and for good reason:

• • • Make a Bigger Impact: Use tech to make learning interactive, relevant, and accessible. Bring lessons to life with AR, virtual field trips, or data dashboards.
    • Career Growth: Gain access to roles like EdTech Coach, Instructional Technology Coordinator, or Director of Digital Learning.
    • Meet District Needs: Support tech rollouts, PD, hybrid learning, and cybersecurity planning. You become the go-to tech leader.
    • Stay Current: Learn emerging tools and practices through structured coursework.
    • Reignite Passion: Many tech-savvy educators rediscover their love for teaching when they explore the instructional side of technology.

To earn this endorsement, you’ll need complete a few requirements – similar to other teaching license endorsements in Illinois:

*All courses must be 100-level or higher, taken at a regionally accredited institution, and graded C- or above.

There are three main paths to earn the 18 credit hours:

1. 1. 1. Enroll in an Endorsement Program. Programs like those at the University of Illinois, National Louis University, and Dominican University offer structured sequences aligned with ISBE requirements. You’ll benefit from expert advising and cohesive coursework.
      2. Take Non-Degree Graduate Courses. Prefer flexibility? Enroll in individual graduate courses at accredited universities. You can mix and match institutions or take courses one at a time.
      3. Integrate with a Master’s Degree. If you’re pursuing an M.Ed., MLIS, or similar degree, you can often build your endorsement into your degree by selecting appropriate electives, Common course topics include: 
         • Technology infrastructure
         • Digital learning environments
         • Media literacy and ethics
         • E-learning design
         • Emerging tech (AR/VR, makerspaces)
         • Instructional coaching and professional development

To validate your knowledge, you’ll need to pass the ILTS Technology Specialist exam (#223):

• • • Format: 100 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours 15 minutes
    • Topics: Tech integration, instructional design, infrastructure, ethics, data privacy, and leadership
    • Score: 240 or higher to pass
    • Registration: Schedule online via the ILTS website; cost is ~$122

Make sure to review the official test preparation materials and take a practice test. Many educators schedule the test after completing 12-15 hours of coursework.

The Technology Specialist endorsement is a launching pad. As schools embrace concepts like AI, digital wellness, and personalized learning, your leadership helps define what’s next. With this credential, you’re building a pipeline of future-ready educators and practices that scale innovation across schools.

When you lead with both vision and technical skill, you’re cultivating a culture as well as implementing devices or apps, one that empowers students, equips teachers, and drives sustainable innovation.

Take the leap. Be the catalyst. Your school doesn’t just need more devices, it needs someone who knows how to lead with them. That someone could be you.