Lowest Score Needed to Pass Illinois Basic Skills Test
The Illinois Basic Skills is a required test for anyone in Illinois who wants to be a teacher. Scores on the test range from 100 to 300. The minimum passing score of the test is 240, however passing a certain percentage of the questions in each subsection is also required in order to pass. Passing the Basic Skills test is only the first of several steps to becoming a teacher in Illinois.
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Basic Skills Test Subsections
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The subsections of the Illinois Basic skills test are Reading Comprehension, Language Arts, Mathematics, and Writing. The Reading Comprehension and Language arts subsections require that 50 percent or more of the questions are answered correctly. The Mathematics subsection requires correct answers for 35 percent of the questions. Passing the Writing portion of the test requires a score of 5 out of 12, or better.
Other Requirements
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After passing the Basic Skills Test, prospective teachers must also complete a Subject Area Competency Test. This test will vary according to what subject each teacher plans to teach. A bachelor's degree is also required to become a teacher, and depending on grade level and discipline, an additional credential may be required. The Illinois State Board of Education website provides a full listing of credentials needed.
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Practice Exam
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Illinois offers a practice exam for its prospective teachers. The practice test mimics the Basics Skills Test, in order to familiarize the the material for anyone taking the exam.
Private Test Preparation
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Companies like Peterson's and Kaplan publish standardized test-preparation books, including ones for the Basic Skills Test. These books can help someone trying to pass the test in Illinois, as well as other states.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit taking test image by Petro Feketa from Fotolia.com
