Illinois Nursing Licensing Guide
Everything CNAs, LPNs, RNs & CMTs Need to Know About Getting Licensed in Illinois
Illinois is not a compact state. Licensing is split between two agencies. And the rules differ by role. If you’re a nurse coming from out of state, or a staffing agency placing nurses here, getting any of this wrong costs you weeks.
This page gives you the complete picture in one place.
Who Regulates What in Illinois?
Illinois separates nursing licensure and healthcare worker certification between two different state agencies. Knowing which organization manages your credential is the first step toward completing the correct application.
| Your Profession | Regulating Agency |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) |
| Certified Medication Technician (CMT) | Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) through the Healthcare Worker Registry |
IDFPR, For RNs, LPNs, CMTs
| Application Type | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Endorsement (out-of-state transfer) | 4–8 weeks |
| Initial licensure post-NCLEX | 2–4 weeks |
| Online renewal | 2–4 weeks, typically processed online |
The most common delay cause: incomplete applications. Missing license verification, transcripts, or supporting documents can slow the process. Submit your Nursys verification request the same day you file with IDFPR.
Processing times are estimates and may vary depending on application volume and if additional verification is needed.
IDPH and the Illinois Healthcare Worker Registry (For CNAs & CMTs)
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) oversees Certified Nursing Assistants and maintains the Illinois Healthcare Worker Registry (HWR), which tracks eligible healthcare workers in regulated settings.
Healthcare employers use the registry to verify certification status before hiring qualified professionals. The registry may also include findings involving abuse, neglect, or misappropriation when required under Illinois law.
Illinois Healthcare Credential Requirements
| Role | Licensing Body | Exam | Renewal | CE Required | Registry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNA | IDPH | NNAAP | Every 2 years | 12 hrs/year (in-service) | Illinois Healthcare Worker Registry |
| LPN | IDFPR | NCLEX-PN | Every 2 years | 20 hrs/cycle | None |
| RN | IDFPR | NCLEX-RN | Every 2 years | 20 hrs/cycle | None |
| CMT | IDPH | State compentency exam | Every 2 years | Employer/state requirements | Illinois Healthcare Worker Registry |
Sources: 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1300
Coming from a compact state? Read this first
Illinois is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
The NLC allows eligible nurses with a multistate license to practice in participating compact states. Illinois is not currently a compact state, so nurses must obtain an Illinois nursing license to practice in the state.
What this means in practice:
- A compact multistate license from another NLC states does not permit practice in Illinois.
- To work in healthcare in Illinois, you must hold a valid Illinois license, no exceptions.
- For staffing agencies: you must verify that every nurse has an active Illinois license before they schedule shifts
The one upside: Illinois-licensed nurses who relocate to a compact state can apply for a multistate license through their new home state once residency is established.
Moving to Illinois? Here’s How to Transfer Your License
Illinois doesn’t do reciprocity. Every out-of-state applicant goes through the endorsement process regardless of which state they’re coming from.
RN and LPN Endorsement (IDFPR)
- Create an account at IDFPR myLicense Office
- Complete the endorsement application and pay the applicable fee (verify current fees at IDFPR)
- Request license verification from your current state via Nursys, most states transmit this directly to IDFPR electronically
- Submit official nursing school transcripts or additional documentation if requested
- Complete Illinois State Police fingerprint background check if required
- Track your application through myLicense Office, processing typically takes 4–8 weeks for a complete application
CNA Reciprocity (IDPH)
To transfer a CNA certification from another state to Illinois:
- Your out-of-state certification must be current and in good standing
- No substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation on your record
- Out-of-state applications must meet federal minimums (75 hours). Illinois requires 120 hours for new in-state applicants, verify with IDPH if your hours qualify for reciprocity
Steps:
- Submit the Illinois HWR Reciprocity Application to IDPH
- Provide proof of training completion
- Complete a background check if required
Source: IDPH HWR
CE Rules That Catch Nurses Off Guard in Illinois
| Role | Hours per Cycle | Cycle | Mandatory Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | 20 contact hours | Every 2 years | Sexual harassment prevention training required by Illinois employers |
| LPN | 20 contact hours | Every 2 years | Sexual harassment prevention training required by Illinois employers |
| CMT | 20 contact hours | 2 years | 1 hr medication administration + 1 hr sexual harassment prevention |
| CNA | 12 hrs in-service (annually) | Annual | Employer-provided training required under federal regulations |
Source: 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1300
The Sexual Harassment Prevention Requirement
Since January 1, 2020, the Illinois Workplace Transparency Act (Public Act 101-0221) requires all IDFPR licensees, RNs, LPNs, CMTs, to complete at least 1 hour of sexual harassment prevention training per renewal cycle. It counts toward your CE total. It’s a required part of license renewal.
Approved CE Providers
IDFPR may conduct random CE audits at license renewal period. Use recognized providers and keep your completion certificates.
| Provider | Website |
|---|---|
| American Nurses Association (ANA) | nursingworld.org |
| Nurse.com CE Center | nurse.com/ce |
| Relias Learning | relias.com |
| Medscape Nursing | medscape.com/nurses |
| AANP | aanp.org |
Reminder: Always verify current renewal requirements with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), as continuing education requirements and renewal policies may change.
Illinois Healthcare Worker Registry (HWR)
The Illinois Healthcare Worker Registry (HWR) is maintained by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). It serves as the official record for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and other covered healthcare professionals working in regulated healthcare settings.
Healthcare employers rely on the registry to verify that applicants meet Illinois employment requirements before hiring. The registry also records findings involving abuse, neglect, or misappropriation when required under state law.
Maintaining an accurate registry record helps employers verify eligibility quickly and supports compliance with Illinois healthcare regulations.
Who Needs HWR Listing?
| Profession | HWR Required? |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Yes |
| Certified Medication Technician (CMT) | Yes, Where Applicable |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | No |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | No |
Employer and Agency Obligations
Under 210 ILCS 45/3-206 (Illinois Nursing Home Care Act and Healthcare Registry requirements), employers at long-term care facilities and home health agencies must:
- Verify registry status before hiring a CNA.
- Confirm there are no disqualifying findings recorded on the registry.
- Maintain documentation showing employment eligibility.
- Report required findings to the Illinois Department of Public Health when applicable.
For staffing agencies specifically: HWR verification needs to happen before every assignment placement, not just at initial hire. Keep verification records.
Background Check Requirement
CNA applicants who completed training after January 1, 2012 must submit fingerprints through the Illinois State Police Livescan system, one-time requirement for new certifications. Background screening requirements may vary depending on the certification, employment setting, and application type.
Before You Apply
Before accepting employment, verify that:
- Your Healthcare Worker Registry listing is active (if your role requires it).
- Your name appears correctly on the registry.
- Any certification or endorsement has been fully processed.
- Your employer or staffing agency can verify your eligibility.
Everything About Renewing Your Illinois Nursing License
Illinois nursing licenses, issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation(IDFPR) generally renew on a 2-year cycle (tied to your birth month.) IDFPR sends email reminders but renewal is your responsibility.
| Profession | Renewal Cycle | Typical Expiration |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Every 2 Years | Last Day of Birth Month |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Every 2 Years | Last Day of Birth Month |
| Certified Medication Technician (CMT) | Every 2 Years | Based on State Requirements |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Maintain Employment Requirements | Registry Status Maintained Through Eligibility Requirements |
How to Renew (IDFPR, RN, LPN, CMT)
- Log in to IDFPR myLicense Office
- Select “Renew a License” and choose your license type
- Attest to CE completion, have your certificates ready in case of audit
- Pay the required fee (verify at IDFPR)
- Save your renewal confirmation as proof of active status
Note: Renewal fees may change. Always verify current fees on the IDFPR website before submitting your renewal
If You Renew Late
- Additional late fees may apply
- You may not practice with an expired license
- The longer a license remains expired, the more reinstatement requirements may apply
- Practicing on an expired license violates 225 ILCS 65, this is an enforcement area, not just a technicality
Expired for an extended time period? You’ll need formal reinstatement rather than renewal, additional CE documentation and IDFPR review may be required.
Role-Specific Licensing Guides
This page gives you the Illinois-wide picture. Each guide covers eligibility requirements, exams, applications, renewals, continuing education, and other profession-specific requirements.
| Role | Guide covers | Regulatory body |
|---|---|---|
| CNA Illinois → | NNAAP exam, 120-hour training, HWR registration, and endorsement | IDPH / HWR |
| LPN Illinois → | NCLEX-PN, IDFPR application, CE, and endorsement | IDFPR |
| RN Illinois → | NCLEX-RN, IDFPR application, CE, and compact implications | IDFPR |
| CMT Illinois → | State exam, dual IDFPR / IDPH registration, and CE | IDFPR / IDPH |
Frequently Asked Questions
Licensing Information Disclaimer: Licensing requirements, fees, examination details, renewal standards, and Nurse Licensure Compact participation may change over time. While we strive to keep this information current and accurate, MyShyft does not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information provided. Always verify licensing requirements directly with the Illinois Board of Nursing before making educational, licensing, employment, or relocation decisions. Reliance on information contained on this page is at the reader’s own risk.