A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Illinois
Living in Illinois presents numerous benefits, including a robust economy that draws a range of industries and innovators. Residents can partake in diverse cultural experiences, enthusiastic sports teams, a solid infrastructure, and easy access to one of the largest transportation hubs and premier medical facilities in the world.
This article will examine: - Steps to obtain your Illinois nursing license via examination - Steps to secure your license through endorsement - How to renew your Illinois nursing license - Licensing costs - Requirements for continuing education - Contact details for the Illinois Nursing Board
### How to Obtain Your Illinois Nursing License by Examination
**Step 1: Education**
To become a registered nurse in Illinois, you have several educational pathways. You may opt for a two-year Associate’s degree, a four-year Bachelor’s degree program, or a transitional nursing program after finishing a bachelor's degree in another field. Your nursing degree is critical to starting your career.
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing for those with a prior bachelor’s degree in another discipline.
**Step 2: Application**
To initiate the application process for an Illinois registered nursing license, visit the Continental Testing website, select State of Illinois Examinations, and click on the Registered Professional Nurse (RN) option under the IL Division of Professional Regulation. Then select Apply for Exam.
At present, all registration fees are waived.
You will also need to register to take the NCLEX exam and pay a $200 registration fee, which can be paid online via Pearson VUE or by phone.
**Step 3: Submit Transcripts**
If you graduated from a nursing program in Illinois, your school may send an official student roster, transcript, or the Nurse Education Form ED-NUR. Complete the top section of the ED-NUR form and provide it to your nursing program administrators for completion and return.
Out-of-state applicants are required to submit the ED-NUR form or an official transcript to the Board of Nursing.
**Step 4: Criminal Background Check (CBC)**
Applicants for an Illinois registered nurse license must provide evidence of fingerprinting by a licensed Illinois Live Scan fingerprint vendor.
Out-of-state applicants can fill out the OOS-FP form to confirm fingerprint submission to an Illinois Live Scan vendor, which will handle electronic transfer of the Fee Applicant fingerprint card.
The provided form and receipt will only be valid for 60 days.
**Step 5: Take the NCLEX**
After completing all application requirements, CTS will notify Pearson VUE, who will send you an Authorization to Test for the NCLEX-RN exam, valid for 90 days.
This national exam evaluates your understanding of nursing education across various categories, including:
- Safe and Effective Care Environment - Management of Care - Safety and Infection Control - Health Promotion and Maintenance - Psychosocial Integrity - Physiological Integrity - Basic Care and Comfort - Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies - Physiological Adaptation
You will receive your official results within 7-10 days. The Official Results Letter will include guidance for applying for licensure, which will require submitting an application to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) using the Official Results Letter from CTS.
Should you not pass the NCLEX, you can apply online through CTS to retake the exam and pay the fee again. You will not need to resubmit your ED-NUR or fingerprint information for a retake within the three-year application window. However, a new registration with Pearson VUE is required, along with payment of their registration fee, after which you will await another Authorization to Test. You may retake the NCLEX once every 46 days.
### Licensing by Endorsement (For Those Already Holding RN Licensure)
Registered nurses who are licensed in another U.S. state can transfer their license to Illinois through an endorsement application. This requires filling out an application on the state's online portal, which asks for information like your date and place of birth, Social Security number, and demographic details. Currently, licensing fees are waived in Illinois.
**Other requirements include:**
- Providing documentation of all related or unrelated professional licenses held in Illinois or other states. For licenses from NURSYS-participating states, ask for verification to be sent to Illinois through that system. For states not involved with NURSYS, contact the Board of Nursing regarding how to submit verification through the portal. - An Education Form (ED-NUR) signed by your nursing program's Dean or Director that includes the institutional seal, along with official transcripts showing the school's seal. - Proof of fingerprinting by a licensed Illinois Live Scan vendor. Out-of-state applicants must submit the OOS-FP form that demonstrates fingerprints were submitted to an Illinois-licensed vendor. - The submitted form and receipt are valid for 60 days. Keep the fingerprint Transaction Control Number (TCN) from your fingerprint receipt, a 16-character identifier found on the vendor’s receipt. Hold onto your fingerprint receipt until your license is issued, as the IDFPR may request it if there are any issues.
### How to Renew Your Illinois Nursing License
**Step 1: Timing Your Renewal Application**
Registered nursing licenses in Illinois expire on May 31 of even-numbered years. You can renew your license a month before its expiration by visiting the IDFPR website during the renewal period and paying the necessary fee. If it is not the renewal time for registered nurses, you will not find the application link on the site.
**Step 2: Fulfilling Continuing Competency Requirements**
Illinois requires registered nurses to complete 20 hours of continuing education for each licensing cycle.
Company X offers accessible, free continuing education units that help you fulfill these continuing competency requirements. After finishing the course, you will receive a certificate for your records.
**Step 3: Submit Your Renewal Application**
During your renewal period, go to the IDFPR website, find the Registered Nurse renewals link, and complete your application. Currently, renewal fees have been waived.
### Illinois Nursing Licensing Costs
Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in Illinois, whether you are applying for the first time or transferring from another state. For more information, please visit the Illinois licensing webpage.
**Licensing fees for examination (for new nurses):**
- NCLEX fee: $200 - Application fee: $91
**Licensing fees for endorsement (if already RN licensed):**
- Application fee: $50
**License renewal fee:**
- Application fee: $80
Pending legislation in Illinois aims to create a nursing compact state, enabling multi-state licenses for nurses. Check the NCSBN website for updates.
### Continuing Education Requirements
For RNs and LPNs: 20 contact hours every two years, including one sexual harassment prevention training course. For APRNs: 80 contact hours every two years, with one required to be on sexual harassment prevention.
Company X provides free ANCC-accredited continuing education courses available online for nurses in all 50 states. The Illinois Board of Nursing recognizes ANCC accredited courses.
### Contacting the Illinois Board of Nursing
Illinois Board of Nursing Phone: (888) 473-4858 Website: [State Nursing Board](https://www.idfpr.com/profs/nursing.asp)
