LPN license requirements in Illinois (2026)
If you’re already working as a CNA, or just starting out in healthcare, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Illinois is one of the most practical upgrades you can make. You’ll earn significantly more, take on a broader scope of patient care, and build a real foundation if you eventually want to become an RN. The path takes longer than CNA certification, but it’s structured and achievable, even without prior college credit. This guide breaks down every requirement, cost, exam detail, and salary figure you need to make a confident decision in 2026, all verified against current IDFPR sources.
LPN vs CNA, why it’s worth the upgrade
Thinking about making the move from CNA to LPN? Here’s a side-by-side look at what changes, and why most CNAs who complete the transition say it was worth the extra year of school.
CNA in Illinois
- ~120 hours of training (4–12 weeks)
- Average pay: ~$19–$20/hr statewide
- Assists with ADLs and basic patient care
- Works under LPN or RN supervision
- Registry listing (no physical license)
- Common entry point into healthcare
LPN in Illinois
- 12–18 months of approved training
- Average pay: ~$29–$32/hr statewide
- Administers medications, IVs, and wound care
- Works under RN or physician supervision
- IDFPR-issued state nursing license
- Pathway to RN through bridge programs
Who regulates LPN licensing in Illinois?
LPN licensing in Illinois is managed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), specifically through the Illinois Board of Nursing. IDFPR approves all practical nursing programs, processes license applications, and maintains the public license lookup. The NCLEX-PN, the national licensure exam required to become an LPN, is developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and administered through Pearson VUE testing centers.
| Body | Role in LPN Licensing |
|---|---|
| IDFPR & Illinois Board of Nursing | Approves practical nursing programs, issues LPN licenses, enforces nursing regulations, reviews applications, and oversees professional standards throughout Illinois. |
| NCSBN | Develops and maintains the NCLEX-PN examination, establishes national testing standards, and determines the passing standard used by all participating nursing boards. |
| Pearson VUE | Administers the NCLEX-PN exam at authorized testing centers across Illinois and the United States, including scheduling, registration, and score reporting. |
| IDFPR License Lookup | Public verification system used to confirm active Illinois nursing licenses. Employers routinely check this database before hiring or credentialing LPNs. |
Important: Illinois has passed legislation to join the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) but has not yet implemented it as of April 2026. You cannot practice in Illinois on an out-of-state multistate license. If you’re relocating from a compact state, you must apply for an Illinois license by endorsement through IDFPR before starting work.
Basic requirements to become an LPN in Illinois
Before applying to a practical nursing program, make sure you meet the core eligibility requirements set by IDFPR and most Illinois nursing schools.
| Requirement | What It Means | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Must be at least 18 years old. | Required |
| Education | High school diploma or GED. | Required |
| Practical Nursing Program | Complete an IDFPR-approved Practical Nursing (PN) program, typically lasting 12–18 months full-time. | Required |
| NCLEX-PN | Pass the national licensure examination administered through Pearson VUE. | Required |
| Background Check | Complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check through the Illinois State Police within 60 days of submitting your application. | Required |
| IDFPR Application | Submit a licensure application and required fee through the IDFPR online portal. | Required |
| Disqualifying History | Certain criminal convictions may affect eligibility. Each case is reviewed individually by IDFPR before a licensing decision is made. | Case-by-Case |
60-day fingerprint window: Your fingerprint results must be submitted within 60 days of filing your IDFPR application. If results arrive outside this window, IDFPR will reject them and you’ll need to repeat the process, and pay the fees again. Book your fingerprinting appointment the same day you submit your application.
Step-by-step: how to get your Illinois LPN license
From the first day of school to working your first shift, here’s every step in the process with the specifics you actually need to know.
Complete an IDFPR-Approved Practical Nursing Program
Enroll in a state-approved LPN program at a community college, vocational school, or hospital-based program. Most full-time programs take 12–18 months and combine classroom instruction with supervised clinical rotations.
Coursework typically includes anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, maternal health, and mental health nursing. Clinical experiences take place in real healthcare settings under licensed nurse supervision.
Well-known Illinois options include Heartland Community College, College of Lake County, and other approved programs throughout the state.
Submit Your IDFPR Licensure Application and Fingerprints
After graduating, submit your application through the IDFPR online portal. You’ll need to provide official transcripts, pay the licensing fee, and ensure your nursing program sends verification directly to IDFPR.
At the same time, complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check through an approved Illinois vendor. Fingerprints must generally be completed within 60 days of application submission.
Receive Your Authorization to Test (ATT) and Register for NCLEX-PN
Once IDFPR approves your application, you’ll receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) from Pearson VUE. This document allows you to schedule the NCLEX-PN examination.
Register with Pearson VUE, pay the NCLEX-PN examination fee, and select a testing center and date. The ATT remains valid for a limited period, so schedule promptly.
Pass the NCLEX-PN
The NCLEX-PN uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), meaning the difficulty and number of questions adjust based on your performance throughout the exam.
The exam evaluates safe and effective care environments, health promotion, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity. Most candidates receive unofficial results within two business days through the Quick Results service.
Receive Your Illinois LPN License
After successfully passing the NCLEX-PN, IDFPR processes your results and issues your Illinois LPN license. Processing typically takes a few weeks, depending on application volume.
Once your license appears in the IDFPR license lookup system, you’re legally authorized to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse anywhere in Illinois.
How long does it take to get your Illinois LPN license?
From the first day of your practical nursing program to your first licensed shift, expect roughly 13 to 20 months total. The bulk of that time is the program itself, application processing and NCLEX scheduling typically add 4 to 8 weeks on top.
| Program Type | Program Length | Total Timeline to Licensed |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (Daytime) | 12–14 months | 13–16 months |
| Part-Time (Evenings/Weekends) | 18–24 months | 20–26 months |
| LPN Bridge (from CNA/MA) | Varies, often accelerated | Can reduce by 2–4 months |
How much does it cost to become an LPN in Illinois?
LPN education is a more significant investment than CNA training, but the salary return makes it worthwhile fast. Program costs vary widely depending on whether you attend a community college (most affordable) or a private vocational school. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what to budget for.
| Cost Item | Low Estimate | High Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| LPN Program Tuition | $5,000 | $20,000 | Community college programs are typically more affordable, while private vocational schools tend to charge significantly higher tuition. |
| NCLEX-PN Exam Fee | $200 | $200 | Fixed national examination fee paid directly to NCSBN through Pearson VUE. |
| IDFPR License Application | $50 | $75 | Submitted through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) online portal. |
| Fingerprint / Background Check | $50 | $80 | Completed through an IDFPR-approved fingerprinting vendor as part of the licensing process. |
| Books, Uniforms & Supplies | $300 | $800 | Includes nursing textbooks, scrubs, clinical supplies, stethoscope, and other required equipment. |
| Total Estimated Cost | $5,600 | $21,155 | Financial aid, grants, scholarships, and employer-sponsored tuition assistance are widely available. |
Community college LPN programs in Illinois are significantly more affordable than private schools, often $5,000–$8,000 total, and many accept FAFSA financial aid. Some healthcare employers also offer tuition reimbursement or upfront sponsorship for LPN programs in exchange for a post-graduation work commitment.
LPN salary and job outlook in Illinois, 2026
The pay jump from CNA to LPN in Illinois is substantial and immediate. The statewide average for LPNs runs about $29–$32/hr, which is roughly 50–60% more than the average CNA wage in the state. Chicago-area LPNs earn slightly more, with Glassdoor reporting an average of $33/hr in the Chicago metro.
For most new LPN graduates in Illinois, a starting hourly rate of $26–$29/hr is realistic. With 2–3 years of experience in a specialty setting (long-term care, home health, or a hospital unit), hitting $32–$37/hr is very achievable.
| Work Setting | Approx. Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Term Care / SNF | $58,000–$62,000 | Largest employer of Illinois LPNs, offering consistent demand and opportunities for overtime. |
| Home Health / Hospice | $59,933 | Based on ZipRecruiter estimates (April 2026); often includes flexible scheduling and mileage reimbursement. |
| Statewide Average | $60,215–$66,274 | Combined salary estimates from ZipRecruiter and Glassdoor for Illinois LPNs in 2026. |
| Chicago Metro | $64,064–$68,435 | Higher wages than the statewide average, reflecting greater demand and cost of living. |
| Top Earners (90th Percentile) | $81,398–$86,977 | Typically experienced LPNs in specialty settings, leadership roles, or positions with significant overtime. |
Salary Disclaimer: Salary estimates are based on publicly available wage data, employer job postings, and labor market information. Actual earnings vary by employer, geographic location, specialty, shift differentials, overtime opportunities, certifications, and experience level.
Where can you work as an LPN in Illinois?
Once you hold an active Illinois LPN license, you can work in a wide range of settings. LPNs in Illinois practice under the supervision of RNs or physicians, but their scope includes medication administration, wound care, IV management (in most settings), and direct patient monitoring, tasks that CNAs cannot legally perform.
| Setting | Common Roles and Tasks | Demand Level |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Term Care / SNFs | Medication administration, wound care, resident monitoring, documentation, and support with care planning activities. | Very High |
| Hospitals | Rehabilitation units, long-term acute care, select medical-surgical floors, patient monitoring, and coordination with RNs. | High |
| Physician Offices / Clinics | Patient intake, vital signs, injections, patient education, chronic disease management, and follow-up care. | High |
| Home Health / Hospice | Skilled nursing visits, wound care, medication management, patient assessments, and family education. | Very High |
| Correctional Facilities | Sick-call assessments, medication administration, chronic disease management, and emergency response. | Moderate |
| Schools | Student health services, medication administration, health screenings, and emergency medical response. | Moderate |
How to renew your Illinois LPN license
Illinois LPN licenses expire on May 31 of even-numbered years (so next renewal is May 31, 2026, then May 31, 2028). Illinois has no grace period, if your license expires, it lapses immediately and you must stop practicing until it’s reinstated. Mark the date and start your CE early.
| Renewal Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years. Illinois LPN licenses expire on May 31 of even-numbered years. |
| Continuing Education Requirement | Complete 20 contact hours of approved continuing education during each renewal cycle. |
| Renewal Fee | Approximately $80. Fees are set by IDFPR and may change over time. |
| CE Documentation | Continuing education certificates are not submitted during renewal but must be retained for 5 years in case of audit. |
| Grace Period | None. The license lapses immediately if the May 31 renewal deadline is missed. |
| Lapsed Less Than 5 Years | Apply for reinstatement through IDFPR, pay the required reinstatement fee, and complete any outstanding continuing education requirements. |
| Lapsed 5+ Years | Additional reinstatement requirements apply. Contact IDFPR directly for the current restoration process and documentation requirements. |
Illinois has specific mandatory CE topics that count toward your 20 hours but cannot be skipped. All four must be completed during each renewal cycle.
Sexual Harassment Prevention
Required for all Illinois licensed healthcare professionals. Covers workplace harassment prevention, reporting procedures, and professional conduct expectations.
MandatoryImplicit Bias Awareness
Mandatory for Illinois RNs and LPNs. Focuses on recognizing unconscious bias and improving equitable patient care outcomes.
MandatoryAlzheimer’s & Dementia Care
Required awareness training on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia recognition, communication techniques, and patient support strategies.
MandatoryOpioid & Substance Use
Training focused on opioid misuse prevention, addiction recognition, substance use disorders, and patient safety best practices.
MandatoryIs Illinois a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state?
Not yet, and this is one of the most common points of confusion for traveling or relocating nurses. Illinois has passed legislation to join the NLC, but the law has not been implemented as of April 2026. That means the following applies to every nurse practicing in Illinois:
| Scenario | What You Need to Do |
|---|---|
| Moving to Illinois from a Compact State | You cannot practice on your multistate license. Apply for an Illinois LPN license by endorsement through IDFPR before starting work. |
| Illinois Resident Wanting a Multistate License | Not available. Illinois residents can only hold a single-state Illinois license until the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is implemented. |
| Travel Nurse Assignments in Illinois | A single-state Illinois license is required. Allow several weeks to a few months for processing before your assignment start date. |
| Out-of-State LPN with Active Illinois License | Your Illinois license remains valid and does not change. Continue renewing through IDFPR according to Illinois renewal requirements. |
Ready to start working as an LPN in Illinois?
Once you’re licensed and credentialed, MyShyft lets you pick up shifts on your schedule, work at nearby facilities, and get paid quickly, without the typical hiring delays.
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.