SB1428 Summary

• Regional superintendents and the Illinois Community College Board must provide high school equivalency testing and alternative methods of credentialing to qualified individuals on or after January 1, 2018.

• Four alternative credentialing methods are established: evaluation of high school credits, post-secondary credits, foreign diplomas, or completion of approved competency-based programs.

• Regional superintendents collect fees from applicants for testing and must use revenues first for examination administration and scoring, then for educational programs assisting those who complete equivalency testing or meet alternative credentialing criteria.

• Testing fees must be waived for applicants under age 25 who are homeless, have completed a board-approved preparation course, and take the test at a regional superintendent or Cook County high school equivalency office.

• Regional superintendents issue high school equivalency certificates to applicants meeting minimum passing standards set by the Illinois Community College Board.