Step 1: Substitute Paraprofessionals must be Licensed by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)

Order of Events/Timeline:

• Obtain an official copy of your college transcripts, showing 60 hours of college credit

  • If you don’t have 60 college credits, you can take an exam instead. More information is on ISBE’s website about alternative options.

• Complete ISBE application online for a Paraprofessional license at isbe.net/licensure ($100 is needed to process your application)

• Once your license is issued, register it in “Region 15 - City of Chicago” to be valid ($10 per year is needed to register your license)

Average time to obtain and register license once all documents are submitted: 1-2 Weeks

Inside Tip - A paraprofessional license allows you to work as a substitute or full time classroom aide!