Entering Freshmen
Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP)
Prior to proceeding to student teaching in an Illinois Educator Preparation Program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, prospective candidates must take and pass an Illinois approved test of basic skills. Approved tests consist of the Illinois Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP), ACT, or SAT with approved scores. Previously passed Illinois Test of Basic Skills (096, 300, or 400) may be used to meet this requirement. Please note: As identified in the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)'s Teach Illinois: Strong Teachers, Strong Classrooms report, beginning June 30, 2019, the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP400) will be put on hold indefinitely while ISBE conducts a study of alternative basic skills assessments. The last day to register for the TAP is June 27, 2019. TAP tests passed prior to June 30, 2019, will continue to be accepted to meet the Illinois basic skills requirement past June 30, 2019. ISBE will continue to require specific scores on the ACT or SAT as a test of basic skills for the issuance of a Professional Educator License. Please visit the ACT/SAT in Lieu of TAP page for more information.
If you are planning on pursuing a teacher licensure program and do not meet the state requirement, it is suggested you repeat the ACT Plus Writing as early in your program as possible. You also have the option of taking the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP); however, it is important to note the TAP is more expensive and has a low pass rate.
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions provides additional information on Illinois freshmen admission requirements.