About the author: Kayman McIver
Kayman is a science teacher with 13 years of experience. She loves the world of education and is thrilled to help others join the field. Her other loves include running, hand-lettering, and quirky middle schoolers.
How to Register for an ILTS Exam
The ILTS exams are very important, as they are the gateway to your teaching career. This article will tell you how to register for an ILTS exam, including a discussion of the costs of the exam and registration details. It will also give you important information for the day of your exam, such as what kind of ID you need, the formula sheet, and whether you will be provided a calculator for the test. And if you do not pass an exam, this article will also help you know what to do next.
Are you ready to dive into ILTS facts? Let’s go!
How do you register for an ILTS exam?
Once you have figured out which ILTS exam to take, it’s time to register.
These are the steps to register for an ILTS exam:
- Log in or create an account on the testing website
- Verify that you are the one taking the test
- Select the exam you will take
- Specify any testing accommodations you might need
- Answer demographic questions about yourself
- Specify whether you want your scores sent via email
- Pay the testing fee
- Select the time and location for your test
Once you register, you will have one year to take the exam. If you need to reschedule for an ILTS exam, you must do so at least 24 hours before the exam. You can change the test that you have registered for by withdrawing your registration and then registering for a different exam.
How much does it cost to register for an ILTS exam?
The cost of most ILTS exams is $122 (even though they might differ in the number of questions and time allotted). One exception is the General Middle Grades (5-8)(298) exam, which costs $115. Once you have paid the fee for a test, you will have one year to take the test. You can pay for an ILTS exam with a Visa or MasterCard. You can contact Evaluation Systems if you prefer to pay with a check.
Do you need an ID to take an ILTS exam?
You must have an ID to take an ILTS exam. If you do not have the proper ID when you show up to the testing center, you won’t be allowed to take the test, and you won’t get a refund for the test fee. So it’s important that you bring the proper identification. The name on the ID must match your registration name and this will be the name for your teaching certificate. If you are in the process of changing your name due to marriage or for some other reason, be sure you will have matching information for your test day.
What kind of ID do you need for the ILTS test?
On the day of the test, you will need to bring a government-issued ID with a photo, name, and signature. The ID must be printed in English. Common examples are a driver’s license, passport, military ID, green card, and permanent resident ID. A few types of ID are not acceptable, such as student IDs, international driver’s licenses, and social security cards. If you are unsure, call your testing facility as soon as you register.
Your digital signature will be recorded at the testing site as well as either a palm scan or a digital picture. This is just to make sure it is indeed you who is taking the test. If you decline these, you won’t be allowed to test, and you won’t receive a refund or credit.
What are some day-of-test tips for an ILTS test?
On the day of your test, arrive about 15 minutes early. Dress in layers so that you are comfortable no matter the temperature. Bring your ID and leave everything else at home. You will not be able to bring anything into the testing room (unless your test requires a graphing calculator that you provide) and you will be assigned a small locker in which to store your items. If you think you will need a snack or water, you may bring these and keep them in your locker. Any break you take will be included in your testing time.
Do you get a formula sheet on an ILTS exam?
Some of the ILTS exams will provide a formula sheet. Most of the science and math exams will include one. To find out if your test includes a formula sheet, check your test page. When you click on your test’s name, the next page will say “Reference Materials Provided for This Test” in the middle of the page. The formula sheet will be linked here if there is one. Here are links to the formula sheets for a couple of the most popular ILTS exams:
Can you use a calculator on an ILTS exam?
On most math and science exams, you can use a calculator. Some tests provide an on-screen calculator, while others require that you bring your own graphing calculator. Be sure to check the specific test page to determine what kind of calculator you’ll be using. If you need to bring a graphing calculator, it will be listed under the “Notes” section.
The Mathematics (208) exam allows you to bring a graphing calculator. Check the ILTS Mathematics exam information page for approved graphing calculators. Keep in mind that this list can change, so you should check it close to your test date. Also, make sure that you are familiar with your graphing calculator because you can’t bring the calculator manual into the testing center.
What happens if you fail an ILTS exam?
If you fail an ILTS exam, you can retake it as many times as needed. However, you’ll need to register again and pay the $122 fee again, and you’ll have to wait a set amount of time before retaking it. One way to avoid failing an ILTS exam in the first place is by using a study guide. You can find a study guide aligned with your exam at 240 Tutoring. 240 Tutoring also offers practice tests. Taking a practice test early on in your studying can show you where your weaknesses are and help focus your studying.
Giving yourself plenty of time to study for an ILTS exam is important as well. We suggest that you begin studying at least two to three months before the exam. Dr. Kristy Mulkey has some great tips on effective cramming if you find yourself in a time crunch.
Can you retake an ILTS exam?
You may retake an ILTS exam as many times as needed. You will have to pay for each attempt and complete the registration process each time.
Instead of possibly having to pay the registration multiple times, consider investing in a study guide. Choosing the right study guide for you can be tricky. Dr. Kristy Mulkey can help you find the resources that work best for you.
How long do you have to wait before you can retake an ILTS exam?
If you fail an ILTS exam, you must wait between 14 and 60 days to retake it. Most content area exams have a two-week wait time. Find out your specific wait time here. If your exam is all multiple-choice questions, you will know your score right after the exam, and you will get your official results within a month of your test date. If you get a score of 240 or better, you’ve passed and you don’t need to retake the exam. If you need to retake the exam, you can register for the exam again. Make sure to schedule the retake exam at least 14 days after the original testing date.
