Licensure | Illinois Content Exams
Middle School Science Content Exam (203)
If you have been assigned to teach Middle School Science your exam is called: Middle Grades Science 203 (Grades 5-8). Your 203 exam is a computer-based test that you can take at a Testing location near you (aka- you don't need to be in Illinois). Most corps members assigned to this content area express some nervousness about this exam because it may include content and information in which you have very limited knowledge. However, with dedicated study time (and proactive outreach for support) we see approximately 98% of corps members pass this exam.
Logistics
This exam is computer-based (you can take it from a testing center anywhere in the US and some international locations).
This exam costs $122.
If you fail, you can retake this exam. However, you must wait 14 days before re-testing.
Study Tips
Use the ILTS Study Guide (located below). Our 2020 Corps Members said this was the most helpful study resource!
Use a study guide template to plan your studying and hold yourself accountable
Carve out time to study and honor that time on your calendar. What does this mean? Make sure you are dedicating real time to studying - if you put a 2 hour block on your calendar then prioritize that commitment (don't schedule over it). On average 95% of folks that studied for at least 10 hours passed this exam.
Work together, you are a team! Reach out to each other (and your MDLD) via Slack if you need support or have questions!
Have compassion for yourself and for others. Sometimes even our best-laid plans have to change because life happens and testing cannot always be a priority. We understand that and are here for you. If you need to change your test date or ask for an extension just reach out to Garrett via a direct message in Slack.
Test Taking Strategies (and tips for test anxiety) Check out these strategies on preparing for your exam, taking the exam, and your own wellness. This is especially helpful if you have test anxiety.
Content Specific Resources
Illinois State Board of Education Test Prep (#1 Recommended):
Study.com memberships provided by TFA
You can find full instructions to access your free Study.com account in this PDF.
Please use your TFA email address (firstname.lastname.24@tfacorps.org) when signing up.
Please use the access code for our region only, which you can find in the PDF.
Once you apply to NLU and are accepted you’ll be able to access full Mometrix study guides using your NLU email
Additional Resources:
Khan Academy (Note: this is for High School but contains helpful information)
Test Taking Strategies
Review our preparation and anxiety-reducing strategies for better test taking.