Illinois Nursing License Requirements 2026
Illinois RNs and LPNs are licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Prospective nurses must graduate from a state-approved program and pass either the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN. Illinois is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so each Illinois license is valid only within Illinois.
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The IDFPR handles all nursing licensure in Illinois, from initial examination applications through renewals. Both LPN and RN pathways run through national exams — the NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN, respectively — administered through Pearson VUE. This page covers requirements for each license type, including endorsement from out of state, renewal requirements, and resources for international applicants.
Use the links below to jump to the section that applies to you.
- LPN requirements in Illinois
- RN requirements in Illinois
- Licensing by endorsement (out-of-state nurses)
- International nurses seeking Illinois licensure
- License renewal and continuing education
- Illinois nursing resources and organizations
LPN Requirements in Illinois
LPN Education Requirements
LPNs in Illinois must complete a practical nursing program approved by the IDFPR. Candidates should verify a program’s approval status before enrolling — the IDFPR maintains a current list on its website. LPN programs typically run 12 to 18 months and combine classroom instruction with supervised clinical hours.
Illinois offers financial assistance to prospective nurses through the Illinois Department of Public Health. The Nursing Education Scholarship Program has historically provided awards to students who commit to providing direct patient care in Illinois, including at the LPN level. At least 10% of awards have been designated for practical nursing students. Check the IDFPR and IDPH websites for current availability and deadlines.
LPN Application Process and NCLEX-PN
After completing an approved program, a candidate applies to the IDFPR for licensure by examination through Continental Testing Services (CTS). Applications can be submitted online. Verify the current application fee with the IDFPR, as fees are subject to change.
Fingerprinting and a criminal background check are required. Illinois has required fingerprinting to be completed within 60 days of the application date; missing that window means the results are rejected, and the process starts over, including the fee. Confirm current fingerprinting requirements and timing rules with the IDFPR before applying. In-state candidates should use a vendor approved by the Illinois Department of State Police.
After applying, candidates register separately for the NCLEX-PN through Pearson VUE. Wait for an Authorization to Test (ATT) before scheduling — you can’t sit for the exam without it. Candidates who pass may work as a “license pending” practical nurse under direct supervision only after receiving written authorization from the IDFPR. Confirm the current requirements for this work status with the IDFPR before assuming eligibility. Illinois has historically required the NCLEX-PN to be passed within three years of initial application; verify the current deadline with the IDFPR before applying.
For more on what to expect from approved programs, read Choosing an LPN Program in Illinois. For a closer look at what LPNs can do once licensed, see LPN scope of practice in Illinois.
RN Requirements in Illinois
RN Education Requirements
Illinois RNs must graduate from a state-approved nursing program. Both associate degree in nursing (ADN) and bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs qualify. The IDFPR’s approval process is ongoing — programs whose graduates post less than a 75% NCLEX pass rate for two consecutive years are placed on probation.
For a guide to selecting an approved program, see Choosing an RN Program in Illinois. For a look at the career landscape after licensure, see nursing career paths for Illinois RNs.
RN Application Process and NCLEX-RN
After graduation, a candidate applies for licensure through Continental Testing Services; an application fee is required. Official transcripts confirming degree completion are required. If transcripts haven’t been issued yet, documentation from the nursing program can be submitted to start the process, with transcripts to follow.
Fingerprinting is required for all first-time RN applicants unless the candidate already holds an active Illinois LPN license. Illinois has required fingerprinting within a 60-day application window — verify current timing requirements with the IDFPR. In-state candidates use a vendor approved by the Illinois Department of State Police.
The NCLEX-RN registration is handled separately through Pearson VUE. After receiving an ATT, candidates schedule and sit for the exam. Candidates who pass may practice as a “license pending” nurse under appropriate supervision only after the IDFPR sends a letter explicitly authorizing that status — confirm current requirements for this work status with the IDFPR. Illinois has historically required the NCLEX-RN to be passed within three years of initial application, with those who miss the deadline required to complete two additional years of nursing education; verify the current rule before applying.
Licensing by Endorsement
Illinois is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses licensed in NLC states cannot practice in Illinois on their multistate license — they must apply for a separate Illinois license by endorsement. Legislation to join the NLC has been introduced in Illinois on multiple occasions, but has not passed.
Both RN and LPN endorsement applicants apply directly to the IDFPR. Required documentation includes license verification from the current state of licensure, from the original state if different, and from any state where the nurse has practiced within the past five years. If a state participates in Nursys — the national nurse license verification system — electronic verification can be requested directly. States that don’t participate in Nursys require direct contact with that state’s board of nursing.
RN endorsement applicants may request a temporary permit, which allows them to begin practicing while the full application processes. The fee for a temporary permit is higher than the standard endorsement fee — confirm both current amounts with the IDFPR before applying.
International Nurses Seeking Illinois Licensure
Foreign-educated nurses may apply for Illinois licensure if they hold an active nursing license in the country where they completed their training and meet all IDFPR requirements. A credential evaluation report from an IDFPR-approved agency is required. Credentials and license documents not in English must include a certified translation.
If English was not the candidate’s primary language, proficiency must be demonstrated through the TOEFL or the IELTS Academic Module. The IDFPR may waive this requirement for a nurse who completed their nursing program in English or who took a licensing examination administered in English — this determination is made based on the credential evaluation service’s recommendation.
Requirements can change. International applicants should contact the IDFPR Nursing Unit to confirm current documentation requirements before submitting an application.
License Renewal in Illinois
Illinois nursing licenses renew every two years. RN licenses have historically expired May 31 of even-numbered years; LPN licenses have historically expired January 31 of even-numbered years. Renewal schedules can change — confirm current dates with the IDFPR. Illinois doesn’t offer a grace period: a license that lapses requires a formal restoration process before the nurse can return to practice.
Both RNs and LPNs must complete 20 contact hours of continuing education (CE) per renewal cycle. Required topics have included the following, though the list changes periodically — check the IDFPR portal for current cycle requirements:
- Implicit Bias Awareness (1 hour)
- Cultural Competency (1 hour)
- Sexual Harassment Prevention (as required under Illinois law)
- Dementia training, including Alzheimer’s disease (for nurses providing direct care to patients with dementia)
First-time renewers are generally exempt from CE requirements. All licensees are responsible for keeping their own CE records — the IDFPR can request documentation at any time. CE hours completed in another jurisdiction may be applied toward Illinois renewal requirements. Renewals are processed online through the IDFPR portal.
Illinois Nursing Resources and Organizations
The organizations below are primary resources for Illinois nurses at all stages of licensure.
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — Nursing
The licensing authority for RNs and LPNs in Illinois. Current application forms, fee schedules, approved program lists, and renewal information are available here.
Illinois Center for Nursing
A state agency that monitors nurse supply and demand across Illinois, including regional workforce data and information on state scholarship programs.
Illinois Nurses Association
The professional association for Illinois nurses. Provides advocacy, continuing education, and professional development resources.
Looking for information on other Illinois nursing license types? See:
- Certified Nursing Assistant requirements in Illinois
- Advanced Practice Nurse requirements in Illinois
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my Illinois nursing license lapses?
Illinois doesn’t offer a grace period on expired licenses. Once a license expires, the nurse must stop practicing and go through a formal restoration process through the IDFPR — standard renewal is not an option. Contact the IDFPR directly for current restoration requirements and fees.
How long does it take to get an Illinois nursing license?
The IDFPR doesn’t publish a standard processing timeline. Common delays include missing documents, fingerprints submitted outside the 60-day window, or transcripts not yet on file. Having all materials complete and submitted at the time of application is the best way to avoid a slower turnaround.
Can I work while my Illinois nursing license application is pending?
Yes, but only after receiving written authorization from the IDFPR. Candidates who have passed the NCLEX may work as a “license pending” nurse under direct supervision, but not until that letter arrives. Don’t begin practicing based on an assumption of approval.
What continuing education is required to renew an Illinois nursing license?
RNs and LPNs must complete 20 contact hours of CE per two-year renewal cycle. Mandatory topics include implicit bias awareness, cultural competency, sexual harassment prevention, and dementia care (for those in direct patient care). First-time renewers are typically exempt. Renewals are submitted online through the IDFPR portal.
How does out-of-state endorsement work for Illinois nursing licensure?
Out-of-state RNs and LPNs apply for Illinois licensure by endorsement directly through the IDFPR. License verification from all states where the nurse has held a license or practiced in the past five years is required. If those states participate in Nursys, electronic verification is available. RN endorsement applicants may request a temporary permit to practice while the full application is reviewed.
Key Takeaways
- IDFPR issues all Illinois nursing licenses — both RN and LPN licensure flows through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
- Two-step application process — initial licensure applications go through Continental Testing Services, while NCLEX exam registration is handled separately through Pearson VUE; both steps are required.
- Confirm fingerprinting rules before applying — Illinois has required fingerprints within a set window after application; missing the deadline means starting the process over.
- NCLEX must be passed within a set deadline — both LPN and RN candidates have historically had three years from initial application; verify the current rule with the IDFPR.
- Renewal requires 20 CE hours every two years — required topics include implicit bias, cultural competency, and sexual harassment prevention; lapsed licenses require formal restoration, not standard renewal.
Use the tool below to find IDFPR-approved nursing programs in Illinois and review current admission requirements.