In this first module we will explore the structure, format and framework of the ILTS content tests for Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education.
Be sure you have set up your personal ILTS account to get full access to all of their test preparation materials.
The Test Structure
Both content tests are 100 - 150 questions long. All the questions are multiple choice. Each test is divided into subareas, with questions focused on core content areas. Neither test requires a constructed or written response section.
ILTS 206
Early Childhood Education
- 100 multiple choice questions
- 3 hours and 15 minutes long
- There are 4 Subareas on the ECE test where questions are targeted around the core content areas of:
- Subarea I: Child Development, Assessment and Learning (25%)
- Subarea II: Language and Literacy (31%)
- Subarea III: Learning Across the Curriculum (31%)
- Subarea IV: Professional Responsibilities and Relationships (13%)
ILTS 305
Elementary Education
- 150 multiple choice questions
- 4 hours long
- There are 6 Subareas of the Elementary Education Test where questions are target around the following core subject matter:
- Subarea I: Language and Literacy (26%)
- Subarea II: Mathematics (26%)
- Subarea III: Science (13%)
- Subarea IV: Social Science (13%)
- Subarea V: Fine Arts (9%)
- Subarea VI: Physical Development and Health (13%)
The Test Format
Both exams are offered as computer-based tests (CBT) that you will take at a Pearson (or Pearson contracted) testing center facility. Where and when you take the test is decided upon by you after you register/pay for your test. There are testing centers located throughout the Chicagoland area — the city, the suburbs and even testing sites in bordering states, such as Indiana, will allow you to take an Illinois teacher licensure content test.
Make yourself familiar with the setup of this computer-based test by exploring the materials offered through ILTS and their Computer-Based Testing tutorials.
Take note of options for adjusting the font or color scheme of the test should you need to adapt it for your purposes.
The ILTS demo is designed to help all teacher candidates know what to expect from the testing experience and to practice navigating the pages and other functions available within the online test, such as flagging challenging questions to return to before you submit your final answers.
The Test Framework/Design
The questions asked on your test are not random. Each Test is designed around a select number of Learning Objectives that all teachers should be familiar with and understand with competence.
Do Not leave any question unanswered. Unanswered questions will automatically be counted as wrong answers. If you are running out of time, make a guess on the remaining questions.