Educational Technology (MA) FAQ

One test must be taken and passed to receive the “Technology Specialist Endorsement” for students with a PEL.

1. Technology Specialist (223) Content Area Test
   The Technology Specialist Content Area Test is the main licensure test you will need to pass. It is an exam that attempts to assess your knowledge of Educational Technology and its appropriate use in schools. A practice test can be found at https://www.il.nesinc.com/TestView.aspx?f=HTML_FRAG/IL223_TestPage.html. Please check with ISBE’s Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) for information and updates on your personal status.  Remember that you alone are responsible for your licensure and endorsement information.

No. Any prospective student interested in possessing a MA in Educational Technology may enroll in the program, regardless of whether or not they are interested in obtaining the Illinois endorsement as a technology specialist. However, every student in our MA in Educational Technology: Leadership program desiring ISBE endorsement must hold a PEL. Students without a PEL do not have a license on which to hang the endorsement.

Students licensed outside of Illinois should check with the licensing body in their own state. Students are reminded that they alone are responsible for their licensure.

No. The MA in Educational Technology: Leadership does not provide licensure for any student. Upon successful completion, students receive the appropriate technology specialist endorsement in Illinois. The endorsement hangs on the Illinois Professional Educator’s License (PEL) that the student already holds.

All out-of-state students wishing to teach in Illinois should contact the appropriate Illinois Regional Office of Education (ROE) for direction. Students wishing to transfer an out-of-state teaching license to teach in Illinois may need to take the TAP, APT Test 188, and/or the Technology Specialist Test 223.

Students must earn a “C” grade or higher in each of their MA in Educational Technology: Leadership courses and maintain a 3.0 cumulative G.P.A.

It is recommended that students complete all of their tests before graduation or program completion to enable the timely processing of all licensure paperwork shortly after graduation/program completion.

Please visit http://www.il.nesinc.com/ for test dates and fees. Tests are required for endorsement, and students are responsible for scheduling their tests directly with the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS).

Your test scores will be reported to ISBE.  These test scores, along with the reporting of completed coursework by the Concordia Licensure Officer, will enable you to become endorsed.

• The TAP test is valid for ten years, or until “used.” All other test scores are good for 5 years or until "used.”
• After (a) all test scores and (b) coursework entitlement have been posted, you may apply online for formal endorsement as a technology specialist. Instructions for applying online will be provided by the Concordia Licensure Officer.

You will be eligible for endorsement after (a) all test scores and (b) coursework entitlement have been reported to ISBE. The Concordia Licensure Officer will post your Technology Specialist entitlement after graduation/completion of the program. The completion date will be posted on your transcript. You will need to have your transcript sent to ISBE to complete your permanent file. Concordia will post entitlements after the END of the term when completion occurred.

The Licensure Officer can be reached via e-mail at licensure@cuchicago.edu for more specific information.

Students who were unable to complete all of their tests near the time of graduation must notify Joshua Davis via e-mail when they eventually receive their test results, so she will be aware of your status and enter your Technology Specialist entitlement at that time if the State of Illinois has not made any changes to the requirements for endorsement in the period between graduation and application. Joshua Davis will then email you information to assist with the online application process for endorsement.

No. Taking or not taking endorsement tests does not affect your ability to graduate from Concordia. However, not taking your test may delay your endorsement eligibility.

• As the field of Educational Technology continues its rapid growth, careers involving Educational Technology offer good prospects for advancement. K-12 career opportunities include school technology specialist, school or district technology director, and technology coach. These jobs typically involve using technology directly in the classroom, technology to facilitate learning outside the classroom, and supporting instructional technology infrastructure at the school or district level.
• Technology Specialists are being hired not only to design and implement specific uses of educational technology for students—such as technology to support special education, science, reading, and mathematics—but also to enhance ongoing teacher professional development using technology for adult learners.
• Outside-of-the-classroom job examples include educational software consultant, training specialist, course developer, technology resource instructor, district-level technology director, coordinator of assistive technology, and instructional program manager.