Initial to Standard Certificate Process

INITIAL TO STANDARD CERTIFICATE PROCESS FOR PUBLIC TEACHERS

The Educator Certification System (ECS) replaced CERTS and OTIS on September 5, 2006.
ECS is based on a Wizard which takes you step-by-step the the process you need to complete and register your certificate.

CLICK HERE FOR THE USER MANUAL WITH SCREEN SHOTS

ISBE Website on Initial Certificates


Using ECS

1.  On the web go to http://www.isbe.net/ecs
2.  Click on " Click here to access ECS"
3.  To Log In
	-  Use your OTIS or CeRTS login and password or if that does not work "Create New Account" button.
 	-  If you cannot get in to the system, please contact ISBE or the ROE to get in to your account.

If this is your FIRST TIME using ECS:
1.  You will need to choose a "secret question" and give an answer for that
2.  You will need to review and update your Personal Information and your Educator Profile

INITIAL CERTFICATE APPLYING FOR A STANDARD CERTFICATE CHECKLIST

Record Professional Development Activities on Educator Certfication System (ECS)

	-  Setup profile on ECS at www.isbe.net/ecs
	-  Review and correct your profile as the ECS Wizard directs you
	-  Record professional development activities on ECS

	Find out about Professional Development requirements by clicking HERE


Submit Statement of Assurance on ECS
	-  This is a separate step that MUST be completed
	-  Your Statment of Assurance (SOA) will not be approved until the ROE receives your
	    experience letter in the application packet as described below.
	-  DO NOT submit until 30 days or less before you are applying for your Standard Certficate


Apply for a Standard Certificate
Submit the following in ONE PACKET to the Kane County Regional Office of Education

1.  Application for Teaching Certificate Form 73-03C.  Click HERE to print form.
2.  Letter indicating nature and duration of teaching experience.
	NOTE:  Letter verifying must be on school district letterhead, signed by the Superintendent
                        or designee.  Be sure your social security number is on the letter.  If you are
                        completing your 4th year in May/June, letters cannot be dated before May 1 of
                        that year.

3.  Registration Check made payable to Kane County ROE
	-  If Initial Certficate expires in 2008: $25
	-  If Initial has been registered out to 2009: $20
	-  If Initial has been registered out to 2010: $15
	-  If Initial has been registered out to 2011: $10

4.  Application Check made payable to Kane county ROE for $30.

5.  If you hold an education related Master's Degree, include an Official Transcript.

NOTES:
-  Application CANNOT be processed if Statement of Assurance is not on ECS.  See above
-  You must apply for your Standard Certficate in the same County in which you completed your
    last semester of teaching.

If you have questions, concerns, or problems, you can contact our Certification Department at 630-232-5955.