Illinois LPN License Requirements 2026
Illinois LPNs are licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. To qualify, candidates must complete an IDFPR-approved practical nursing program, pass the NCLEX-PN, and clear a fingerprint background check. Illinois licenses renew every two years and expire on May 31 of even-numbered years.
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The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) issues practical nursing licenses in the state. The process involves two separate applications: one to IDFPR and one to Continental Testing Services (CTS), the state’s third-party testing coordinator. Fingerprinting is also required before you can sit for the NCLEX-PN. Illinois is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so a license issued here is valid in Illinois only.
Use the links below to jump to education requirements, the application process, renewal rules, and salary data for Illinois LPNs.
- LPN scope of practice in Illinois
- Education requirements
- How to apply for an Illinois LPN license
- Endorsing a license from another state
- License renewal and continuing education
- Compact status
- Where Illinois LPNs work
- LPN salary and job outlook in Illinois
LPN Scope of Practice in Illinois
Illinois LPNs work under the delegation of a registered nurse or advanced practice registered nurse, or under the direction of a physician assistant, physician, dentist, or podiatric physician. Their scope sits above that of a CNA and below that of an RN. Under Illinois Administrative Code Section 1300.250, LPNs conduct focused nursing assessments and contribute to the comprehensive assessment performed by the RN. They participate in the evaluation of patient responses to interventions, implement aspects of the plan of care, administer medications, and carry out other technical nursing duties for which they are trained. Some IV-related procedures are also within scope under Section 1300.240, including monitoring infusion rates, changing peripheral IV tubing, and starting peripheral IVs.
The level of direct supervision varies by setting. LPNs in hospital environments typically work under closer RN oversight. Those in nursing facilities often operate with greater day-to-day independence, though they still work under delegated authority. Nurses considering an RN license in Illinois can find full scope and application requirements on that page.
Education Requirements
To qualify for an Illinois LPN license, you must graduate from a practical nursing program approved by the Illinois Board of Nursing. These programs are typically 12 to 18 months long and include both classroom instruction and supervised clinical rotations. IDFPR publishes a current list of approved programs and releases an annual report on pass rates by program.
Programs cannot be completed entirely online. IDFPR requires in-person clinical training, generally in hospitals, long-term care facilities, or other healthcare settings. Some didactic coursework may be available in a hybrid format, but clinical hours must be completed in person to qualify for the NCLEX-PN. Review LPN programs in Illinois for a list of approved options.
How to Apply for an Illinois LPN License
Licensure by examination in Illinois requires two separate applications submitted in a specific order. Start with IDFPR, then proceed to CTS and Pearson VUE after IDFPR approves your application.
With IDFPR: create an account on the IDFPR nursing portal and submit your application with an official transcript and fingerprint receipt. Fingerprints must be taken by an Illinois-licensed Live Scan vendor within 60 days of your application date. Out-of-state applicants must use a specific out-of-state fingerprint form. Allow about 10 business days for IDFPR to review your submission.
Once IDFPR approves your application, you’ll receive an Examination Approval Letter with a unique ID number. Use that number to register with CTS at continentaltesting.net and pay the CTS fee. Then register separately with Pearson VUE at pearsonvue.com/nclex to complete NCLEX-PN registration and receive your Authorization to Test (ATT).
The ATT is valid for 180 days with no extensions. If you don’t test within that window, you must reapply with CTS and Pearson VUE and pay the fees again. Your IDFPR application stays valid for three years. If you haven’t passed the NCLEX-PN within three years of your IDFPR application date, you’ll need to reapply with a new transcript, new fingerprints, and proof of completing an NCLEX review course. Retakes are permitted once every 46 days.
Foreign-educated candidates must submit a credential evaluation from an IDFPR-approved agency. If English is not your primary language, IDFPR also requires scores from an approved English proficiency exam (TOEFL, IELTS, OET, PTE, or the Michigan English Test), though this requirement may be waived for candidates who completed their nursing education in English.
Endorsing a License from Another State
LPNs licensed in another state can apply for an Illinois license through the IDFPR online portal. Illinois is not a compact state, so multistate license holders must obtain a separate Illinois license to practice here. A compact license from another state does not authorize practice in Illinois. IDFPR will verify your out-of-state license and may require additional documentation depending on how your original license was issued. Check the current IDFPR website for the endorsement checklist and any applicable fees before applying.
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Illinois LPN licenses expire on May 31 of every even-numbered year, regardless of when IDFPR originally issued the license. IDFPR sends renewal reminders about three months before the expiration date, but renewing on time is the licensee’s responsibility. Illinois has no grace period: an expired license means you cannot legally practice until it’s restored.
The renewal fee is $80, paid through the IDFPR online portal. LPNs must complete 20 contact hours of approved continuing education during each two-year renewal cycle. First-time renewees are exempt from this requirement.
As of January 1, 2020, one of the 20 CE hours must cover sexual harassment prevention. A second hour of implicit bias awareness training is also required, with compliance phased in beginning with the 2024 renewal period. CE hours can be earned through independent study, journal articles, approved home study programs, or presentations to other health professionals. Keep your CE records for at least five years. IDFPR conducts random audits.
Compact Status
Illinois is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Legislation to join the compact has been introduced multiple times in the General Assembly, including bills in 2024 and 2025, but none have passed both chambers. More than 40 states now participate in the NLC. For the current membership count, check the NCSBN website directly, as new states continue to implement the compact.
In practical terms, an Illinois LPN license is valid in Illinois only. If you hold a multistate NLC license issued by another state, it does not authorize you to practice in Illinois. Nurses who want to work in Illinois from a compact state need to apply through endorsement.
Where Illinois LPNs Work
Long-term care represents the largest employment sector for Illinois LPNs. Nursing facilities, extended care facilities, and assisted living residences collectively employ the largest share of the state’s practical nursing workforce. Home health is another significant segment. Hospital employment accounts for a smaller share, and LPNs in those settings generally work under closer RN oversight than those in nursing facilities.
Ambulatory care, school health, correctional facilities, and community health settings also employ LPNs in Illinois. The state’s growing elderly population continues to drive demand in long-term care, and workforce projections show continued pressure on nursing homes in particular as a wave of experienced LPNs approaches retirement age.
LPN Salary and Job Outlook in Illinois
According to BLS data, licensed practical nurses in Illinois earned a median annual salary of $75,000 as of May 2025. The average annual wage was $73,430. LPNs at the 75th percentile earned $79,560, and those in the top 10% earned $89,810 or more.
| Wage Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Median (50th percentile) | $75,000 |
| Mean (average) | $73,430 |
| 75th percentile | $79,560 |
| Top 10% | $89,810 |
Projections Central estimates 2.7% employment growth for LPNs in Illinois between 2022 and 2032, with an average of 1,510 job openings per year. That figure includes both new positions and openings created by retirements and attrition, which run higher in long-term care settings where Illinois LPNs are concentrated.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an Illinois LPN license?
After submitting your application, IDFPR typically takes about 10 business days to review it. Once approved, you apply with Continental Testing Services and Pearson VUE to schedule the NCLEX-PN. Most candidates who apply promptly and pass the exam on their first attempt can complete the full process within two to three months, though timelines can vary depending on application volume and how quickly you schedule your exam.
Is Illinois a compact nursing state?
No. Illinois is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. An Illinois LPN license is valid in Illinois only. Nurses holding a multistate NLC license from another compact state cannot practice in Illinois without obtaining a separate Illinois license through endorsement.
How many CE hours do Illinois LPNs need to renew?
Illinois LPNs must complete 20 contact hours of approved continuing education per two-year renewal cycle. One of those hours must address sexual harassment prevention, and one must cover implicit bias awareness. First-time renewees are exempt from the CE requirement entirely.
Can I endorse my LPN license to Illinois from another state?
Yes. LPNs licensed in another state can apply for an Illinois license by endorsement through the IDFPR online portal. Illinois is not a compact state, so even multistate NLC license holders must obtain a separate Illinois license. Check the IDFPR website for the current endorsement requirements and fees before applying.
What is the renewal fee for an Illinois LPN license?
The renewal fee is $80, paid online through the IDFPR portal. Illinois LPN licenses renew on a two-year cycle, with all licenses expiring on May 31 of even-numbered years regardless of when they were issued. There is no grace period, so renew before the deadline to avoid a lapse in licensure.
Key Takeaways
- IDFPR issues Illinois LPN licenses — The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation handles all practical nursing licensure in the state.
- Two-step exam application process — Candidates apply separately to IDFPR and Continental Testing Services, then register with Pearson VUE to receive their Authorization to Test for the NCLEX-PN.
- Biennial renewal with 20 CE hours — Illinois LPN licenses expire May 31 of even-numbered years. The renewal fee is $80, and 20 continuing education hours are required each cycle (exempt on the first renewal).
- Illinois is not an NLC state — An Illinois LPN license is valid in Illinois only. Multistate compact licenses from other states do not authorize practice here.
- Median salary of $75,000 — Illinois LPNs earned a median annual wage of $75,000 as of May 2025, with 1,510 average annual job openings projected through 2032.
Find IDFPR-approved LPN programs in Illinois, review admission requirements, and compare program options in your area.
2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and Projections Central 2022-2032 job growth forecasts for Licensed Practical & Vocational Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Advanced Practice Nurses across roles, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2026.