Illinois Nursing CE & License Renewal Requirements (2026)
To renew, Illinois registered nurses need 20 hrs / 2 yrs (first renewal exempt). The board also requires 1 mandatory topic (listed below). Renewal: RN expires May 31 even years (2026 cycle Jun 1 2024–May 31 2026). CE reporting: No upload: you attest at renewal and keep your certificates in case of audit. Verified against the Illinois board of nursing on 2026-10-16.
Hours
20 hrs / 2 yrs (first renewal exempt)
Cycle & deadline
RN expires May 31 even years (2026 cycle Jun 1 2024–May 31 2026)
LPN / LVN
20 hrs / 2 yrs; LPN expires Jan 31 odd years; first renewal exempt
Reporting
Attest; audit
Last verified 2026-10-16 · Source: Illinois board of nursing · Checked against the full official board page
Illinois CE requirements by license type
| License | Requirement |
|---|---|
| RN | 20 hrs / 2 yrs (first renewal exempt) |
| LPN / LVN | 20 hrs / 2 yrs; LPN expires Jan 31 odd years; first renewal exempt |
Required (mandatory) topics in Illinois
| Required topic |
|---|
| 1 hr implicit bias + 1 hr sexual harassment prevention (within 20) |
Illinois license renewal deadline & cycle
RN expires May 31 even years (2026 cycle Jun 1 2024–May 31 2026)
How to renew your Illinois nursing license
- Check your expiration date on your board portal or Nursys.com.
- Complete your CE: 20 hrs / 2 yrs (first renewal exempt).
- Report or record CE: Attest; audit.
- Submit the renewal application and fee on the Illinois board site.
- Keep certificates in case of audit.
Renewal fees & late renewal
RN renewal fee: not yet verified by us. Check your board's renewal page for the current fee.
Late renewal: late fees and lapse rules vary; check your board's renewal page. Don't practice on an expired license.
Is Illinois a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
No. Illinois is not in the Nurse Licensure Compact; you need a Illinois license to practice there.
Where to take Illinois-approved CE
Use providers accredited by ANCC or approved by your board, and check that courses cover the required topics above.
Illinois nursing CE FAQ
How many CE hours does a Illinois RN need?
20 hrs / 2 yrs (first renewal exempt).
When does a Illinois nursing license expire?
RN expires May 31 even years (2026 cycle Jun 1 2024–May 31 2026).
What mandatory CE topics does Illinois require?
Required topics: 1 hr implicit bias + 1 hr sexual harassment prevention (within 20).
Does Illinois use CE Broker or require CE reporting?
Attest; audit.
Do Illinois LPNs/LVNs need CE?
20 hrs / 2 yrs; LPN expires Jan 31 odd years; first renewal exempt.
Is Illinois a compact (NLC) state?
No. Illinois is not in the Nurse Licensure Compact; you need a Illinois license to practice there.
Sources & verification
Official source: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/nursing/documents/pdf/2025-10-17-il-rn-ce-relicensure-faqs.pdf
Last verified: 2026-10-16. Re-fetched official page Oct 16, 2026; key figures present.