Illinois Constitution Test: Still A Requirement?

is the constitution test still required in illinois

The U.S. and Illinois State Constitution and Flag Test, commonly known as the Constitution Test, was historically required for students to earn an Illinois High School Equivalency Certificate. However, as of July 1, 2022, the traditional Constitution Test has been replaced by an online Constitution Module. This new module is available at http://ilconstitution.org/ and is estimated to take approximately two hours to complete. The module does not require proctoring at a testing center, and students can take it independently. While the format has changed, the requirement to cover constitutional knowledge remains in place for Illinois students seeking their high school equivalency.

Characteristics Values
Name of the test U.S. and Illinois State Constitution and Flag Test
Other names Constitution Test, Constitution Module
Requirement Required to earn an Illinois High School Equivalency Certificate
Suspension of the test Suspended between February 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, due to COVID-19
Replacement Replaced by an online Constitution Module from July 1, 2022
Time to complete Estimated to take two hours
Proctoring Not required
Certificate Available to print or download upon completion
Exemption Students who completed the previous Constitution Test or passed it in high school are exempt
High school diploma requirement Required for students to pass before graduating from eighth grade

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The Illinois Constitution Module

The module covers the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions and the Illinois state flag. The Illinois Constitution includes rights not included in the U.S. Constitution, such as the right to influence the legislative and executive branches of government by writing or calling representatives, taking part in town halls, or protesting. The Illinois Constitution also establishes a republican form of government, or representative democracy, with three branches: executive, judicial, and legislative. Power is separated between these branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

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The Constitution Test suspension

The Constitution Test, also known as the U.S. and Illinois State Constitution and Flag Test, was suspended in Illinois between February 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and limited access to testing centres. During this period, the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) awarded the Illinois High School Equivalency (HSE) Certification to candidates who successfully completed and passed the GED®, HiSET®, or TASC™ exams.

The Constitution Test is typically required for candidates seeking a high school equivalency certificate or diploma in Illinois. It covers the U.S. and Illinois constitutions and is designed to ensure that graduates have a strong understanding of their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

However, due to the challenges posed by the pandemic, the ICCB approved the temporary suspension of the test. This meant that anyone who completed and passed an ICCB-approved high school equivalency exam during the suspension period was exempt from taking the Constitution Test and was awarded their high school diploma or certificate without needing to fulfil this requirement.

As of July 1, 2022, the Constitution Test was replaced by the new online Illinois Constitution Module. This module is available for free at ilconstitution.org and can be completed independently without the need for proctoring at a testing centre. It is estimated to take approximately two hours to complete, and candidates can print or download a certificate of completion.

It is important to note that students who completed the previous Constitution Test or passed it in high school are not required to complete the new Constitution Module. Additionally, those who completed an ICCB-approved high school equivalency exam but did not pass the Constitution Test prior to February 1, 2021, will still be issued an Illinois High School Equivalency Certificate or Diploma upon request without needing to fulfil the Constitution requirement.

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High school equivalency

In Illinois, individuals who did not complete high school can take an exam to obtain a high school equivalency certificate. The state accepts three exams for high school equivalency: GED®, HiSET®, or TASC™. To be eligible to take the HiSET exam, you must be 17 years of age or older and not enrolled in high school. If you are 16 years old, you may register for the HiSET exam if you are enrolled in the Illinois National Guard's Lincoln's Challenge Program. If you are homeschooled, you must provide a signed letter from the person responsible for your homeschooling stating that you are no longer in the program and are not enrolled in any other secondary school. Additionally, you must be a resident of Illinois for 30 days or more before taking the HiSET exam.

Prior to July 1, 2022, individuals seeking a high school equivalency certificate in Illinois were required to pass the U.S. and Illinois State Constitution and Flag Test ("Constitution Test") in addition to completing one of the high school equivalency exams. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and limited access to testing, the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) approved the suspension of the Constitution Test requirement from February 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022. During this period, individuals who passed an ICCB-approved high school equivalency exam were issued a State of Illinois High School Diploma without needing to complete the Constitution Test.

As of July 1, 2022, the Constitution Test has been replaced by the online Illinois Constitution Module. This module is available for free at http://ilconstitution.org/ and is estimated to take approximately two hours to complete. It can be taken independently and does not require proctoring at a testing center. After completing the module, individuals will be asked to provide information to match their completion with HSE records in the Illinois High School Equivalency Portal. They will also be able to print or download a certificate of completion. Those who previously passed the Constitution Test, either in high school or at an authorized Adult Education program, are not required to complete the new Constitution Module.

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The Constitution Test in Illinois schools

The Constitution Test, also known as the U.S. and Illinois State Constitution and Flag Test, was previously a requirement for students in Illinois public schools to graduate from eighth grade. The test covered the U.S. and Illinois constitutions, with schools designing their own exams. However, in recent years, there have been changes to the Constitution Test requirement in Illinois.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and limited access to testing centers, the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) suspended the administration of the Constitution Test between February 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022. During this period, individuals who completed and passed a high school equivalency exam, such as the GED®, HiSET®, or TASC™, were issued an Illinois High School Equivalency (ILHSE) Certificate or State of Illinois High School Diploma without needing to complete the Constitution Test.

As of July 1, 2022, the Constitution Test has been replaced by the new online Illinois Constitution Module. This module is available at http://ilconstitution.org/ and is estimated to take approximately two hours to complete. It can be taken independently without proctoring at a testing center. The module consists of watching videos and answering questions about each lesson, with multiple attempts allowed to get the correct answer.

While the specific grade level is not mentioned, it appears that the new Constitution Module is primarily intended for high school equivalency candidates rather than eighth-grade students. However, it is important to note that students who completed the previous Constitution Test or passed it in high school are exempt from taking the new Constitution Module.

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The Constitution Test and diplomas

The Constitution Test is a requirement for students to graduate from eighth grade in Illinois. The test covers the U.S. and Illinois constitutions, and students must pass it to receive their diplomas. The Constitution Test is also a requirement for adults seeking a high school equivalency certificate or diploma in Illinois.

Historically, candidates for an Illinois High School Equivalency Certificate were required to take and pass the U.S. and Illinois State Constitution and Flag Test, in addition to completing a high school equivalency exam (such as the GED, HiSET, or TASC) or a transcript-based alternative method of credentialing. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and limited access to testing centers, the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) suspended the administration of the Constitution Test between February 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022. During this period, individuals who completed and passed an ICCB-approved high school equivalency exam were awarded the Illinois High School Equivalency (ILHSE) Certificate or State of Illinois High School Diploma without needing to complete the Constitution Test.

As of July 1, 2022, the Constitution Test has been replaced by an online Constitution Module. This module is available for free at http://ilconstitution.org/ and is estimated to take two hours to complete. It can be taken independently and does not require proctoring at a testing center. Individuals who completed the previous Constitution Test or passed it in high school are exempt from taking the new module.

Upon completion of the Constitution Module, individuals will be able to print or download a certificate of completion. This certificate, along with the completion of a high school equivalency exam or alternative credentialing method, will be required to obtain an Illinois High School Equivalency Certificate or Diploma. Therefore, while the specific format of the Constitution Test has changed, the requirement to demonstrate knowledge of the U.S. and Illinois constitutions remains in place for individuals seeking a high school diploma or certificate in Illinois.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, the Constitution Test is still required in Illinois, but it is no longer considered a "test".

The Constitution Test, also known as the U.S. and Illinois State Constitution and Flag Test, is a requirement for students to graduate from eighth grade and for candidates to earn an Illinois High School Equivalency Certificate.

The Illinois Constitution Test involves watching videos and answering questions about each lesson. Students are allowed multiple attempts to get the correct answer.

The Illinois Constitution Test is estimated to take two hours to complete.

The Illinois Constitution Test can be taken online at http://ilconstitution.org/. It does not require proctoring at a testing center.

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