ILTS Learning Behavior Specialist I (290)
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Cheat sheet
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Learning Behavior Specialist I (290) is a content-area test within the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS), administered for candidates who are preparing to work as special education teachers supporting students with disabilities in Illinois. It is the redeveloped version of the LBS I test, and registration opened for testing starting June 6, 2022. The test is computer-based and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. Candidates should plan for a 3 hour 30 minute total appointment, which includes 15 minutes for the computer-based testing tutorial and nondisclosure agreement, leaving 3 hours 15 minutes of testing time. The passing score is 240 and the test fee is $98. No reference materials are provided, so all content must be recalled and applied from memory. Appointments are available year-round, Monday through Saturday excluding some holidays, at sites in Illinois and nationwide. The content spans five broad areas of professional practice: understanding students with disabilities, assessing students and developing individualized programs, planning and managing the learning environment, providing instruction and modifying curriculum, and collaborating with others while meeting professional responsibilities. Because items ask you to apply judgment to classroom scenarios rather than simply define terms, the most effective preparation combines a review of the official preparation materials and practice test with timed practice explaining your reasoning for each choice, plus targeted review of the areas where your accuracy is weakest.
What you'll study
About ILTS Learning Behavior Specialist I (290) preparation
How many questions are on the ILTS Learning Behavior Specialist I (290) test, and how long do I have?
The test has 100 multiple-choice questions. Your total appointment is 3 hours and 30 minutes, which includes 15 minutes for the computer-based testing tutorial and nondisclosure agreement, leaving 3 hours and 15 minutes of actual testing time. That works out to roughly two minutes per question, so budget time to flag and return to harder items.
What score do I need to pass?
The passing score for this test is 240. Preliminary results are provided at the test center at the conclusion of your session, so you will have an early indication of performance, but the official score report is released according to the published score report dates.
How much does the test cost?
The test fee is $98. Registration fees were reduced for all ILTS test titles, so confirm the amount shown at the point of registration rather than relying on older figures you may have seen in study forums or prep books.
Can I retake the test if I do not pass?
Yes. Under the current policy, ILTS examinees with two unsuccessful attempts may be eligible to retake the same test at no cost. Review the official testing and registration policies on the ILTS site before registering again so you know exactly which conditions apply to your situation.
When and where can I take the test?
Testing is available by appointment year-round, Monday through Saturday, excluding some holidays. Test sites are located in Illinois and nationwide. Seat availability varies by location and date, so check availability early if you need a specific window or a center close to home.
Are any reference materials or formula sheets provided during the test?
No. Reference materials provided for this test are listed as none. Everything you need must come from your own preparation, so practice working through scenarios without notes and build recall of key terminology, legal requirements, and instructional approaches before test day.
Will every question count toward my score?
Not necessarily. Tests may include questions that are being evaluated for future administrations and that do not affect a candidate's score. You cannot identify which items these are, so treat every question as if it counts and answer it carefully before moving on.
What is the best order to study the content?
Start with a full-length practice test to find your weakest areas, then study in order of weakness rather than in the order topics appear on a framework. Rotate between content review and applied practice, and finish with timed sets so pacing and stamina are tested under realistic conditions.
Why do candidates struggle with this test even after studying?
The questions are typically scenario-based, so candidates who only memorize definitions often pick answers that are technically true but not the best response for the situation described. Practice justifying why each distractor is wrong, and focus on the decision a special educator would actually make with a student, family, or colleague.