Career Resources / Nursing Licensure / Illinois Living in Illinois offers many advantages. The state’s strong economy is a magnet for industries and innovators, and residents enjoy
great culture, great sports teams, an amazing infrastructure, and easy access to one of the world’s biggest transportation hubs and best medical centers. In this article, we will cover: Tired of applying for nursing jobs?With Incredible Health, hospitals apply to YOU. Join free How to get your Illinois nursing license by examinationStep 1: EducationThere are multiple paths to becoming a registered nurse in the state of Illinois. Whether you pursue a two-year Associate’s degree, a four-year baccalaureate program, or opt to become a nurse after earning your bachelor’s in another area of study, your nursing degree is the foundation on which the rest of your career is built.
Step 2: ApplyThe application process for an Illinois registered nursing license begins with visiting the Continental Testing website, selecting State of Illinois Examinations, and then selecting the Registered Professional Nurse (RN) link under the heading of IL Division of Professional Regulation. Once on the nursing page, you can click on Apply for Exam. All registration fees are currently waived. You also must register to take the NCLEX exam and pay the registration fee of $200. You can do this online at Pearson VUE or by phone at 1-866-496-2539. Step 3: Submit Transcripts
Out-of-state applicants must submit Nurse Education Form ED-NUR or submit an official transcript to the Board of Nursing to: Continental Testing Services Inc. Step 4: Criminal Background Check (CBC)Illinois requires that all applicants for a registered nurse license provide proof of fingerprinting by a licensed Illinois Live Scan fingerprint vendor. If you are out of state you must complete and submit form OOS-FP showing submission of fingerprints to an Illinois-licensed Live Scan vendor who will ensure electronic transmission of the Fee Applicant fingerprint card. The completed form and receipt are only valid for 60 days. Step 5: Take the NCLEXOnce you have completed all of your application requirements, CTS will notify Pearson VUE and they will email you an Authorization to Test for the NCLEX-RN exam. This authorization is only valid for 90 days. This standardized national test will gauge your retention of the material covered during your nursing education, including:
Once you’ve taken the exam, your official results will be released within 7-10 days. The Official Results Letter will contain instructions on how to apply for licensure. This requires applying to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). You cannot apply for licensure with IDFPR until you have received your Official Results Letter from CTS. If you do not pass the NCLEX, you can apply online with CTS to retake the exam and pay the application fee again. You do not have to resubmit the ED-NUR or fingerprint information if your retake is within the three-year application period. You must also register with Pearson VUE again, pay their registration fee, and wait to receive an Authorization to Test. You can take the NCLEX examination once every 46 days. Licensing by endorsement (already have RN licensure)Registered nurses who hold licenses in another U.S. state can switch their license to Illinois by applying for licensure by endorsement. This process begins with completing an application through the state’s online portal. The application asks for personal information including date and place of birth, Social Security number, and other demographic information. Licensing fees are currently waived in Illinois. Other requirements include:
How to renew your Illinois nursing licenseStep 1: When to submit your renewal applicationIllinois’s registered nursing licenses expire on May 31 of each even-numbered year. You can renew your license during the month preceding the expiration date by visiting the IDFPR website during the renewal period and paying the required fee. If you are not in the renewal period for registered nurses, no application link will appear on the site. Step 2: Fulfill continuing competency requirementsIllinois requires registered nurses to complete 20 hours of continuing education during each licensing period. Incredible Health offers free, easy-to-access Illinois continuing education units to help you meet your continuing competency requirements. Once completed, the site provides a certificate of completion for your records. Step 3: Submit your renewal applicationOnce you are in your renewal period, go to the IDFPR website, locate the link to Registered Nurse renewals, and submit your application. Renewal fees are currently waived. Illinois nursing licensing feesBelow are the fees for becoming a nurse in Illinois whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to Illinois from another state. For more information visit the Illinois licensing page. Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):
Licensing fees by endorsement (already have RN licensure):
License renewal fee:
Illinois legislation is pending for becoming a nursing compact state, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses. Check the NCSBN website to stay updated. *Fees are subject to change. Earn your CEUs freeOur easy online CE courses are ANCC-accredited and 100% free for nurses. Get started Continuing education requirementsRN/LPN: 20 contact hours every 2 years, one of them must be a sexual harassment prevention training course. APRN: 80 contact hours every 2 years, one of them must be a sexual harassment prevention training course. Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free and online. The Illinois Board of Nursing accepts courses that are ANCC accredited. Illinois Board of Nursing Website: https://www.idfpr.com/profs/nursing.asp Physical address (Chicago): Physical address (Springfield): Mailing address: IDFPR/Nursing Unit More Illinois Resources
When can I renew my Illinois RN license?You will be able to renew for approximately 2-3 months prior to the expiration date shown on your license. If you don't know your expiration date, you may find it by using the IDFPR License Lookup application.
How do I reinstate my Illinois nursing license?If you wish to have your license reinstated permanently, please email [email protected] and request a reinstatement application. How do I check the status of my application? You will receive an email once your application has been reviewed. Please allow at least a week for processing.
What happens if your nursing license expires in Illinois?If you have let your license lapse without renewing, you will need to go through the license restoration process. To restore a license that has expired or been placed on inactive status for more than five years, you must submit all documents and forms required for licensure by restoration.
How many CEU needed to renew RN license Illinois?Illinois RN Continuing Education Re-licensure FAQs
APRN licensure renewal: 80 hours of approved Continuing Education will be required for the June 1, 2020 through May 31, 2022 license renewal cycle.
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