The ICTS basic skills test includes four subtests. These four parts include a multiple choice reading comprehension portion, a multiple choice portion on language arts, a multiple choice mathematics component, and a response to a writing prompt. The tests can be taken electronically or as a paper-based test. The exam costs $60, plus you are changed $26 for registering for the test.
As of September 2010, you must pass each of the four subtests in order to pass the ICTS basic skills test. Each subtest's possible score ranges from 100 to 300, but you need to earn at least a 240 on each part if you want to pass the examination. That works out to answering more than three-fourths of the questions correctly in the three multiple choice sections and earning 8 out of 12 points in the writing section.
If you do not pass the ICTS basic skills test, you do have the option of retaking the exam. However, there are some limitations. Because computer-based tests can be scheduled at your convenience and are not spread out like paper-based versions, you need to wait 120 days before retaking the computer-based version. Also, as of September 2010, the Illinois State Board of Education has limited test-taking attempts to a maximum of five. If you do not pass all four sections of the basic skills test after the fifth attempt, you will not be allowed to register for the exam again.
Because your number of test retake opportunities is limited, you need to prepare adequately when you retake the exam. You can take the diagnostic skills test through the ICTS website so you can see which specific areas are most in need of improvement. If you are a college student in an Illinois teacher education program, you can also receive a code to access free preparation materials through the Illinois State Board of Education's website.