Welcome to The Land of Lincoln!

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Each state needs a competent medical workforce to meet the needs of its citizens. However, the requirements for some healthcare professions are not the same in each state. That is why it is important to find out what is required of you as a future or current registered nurse before moving across state lines. Contact information is located at the bottom of this page.

Endorsement

• Complete the application with applicable fees.
• Graduate from an approved nursing program.
• Your SSN is mandatory for the application. If you do not have an SSN, submit a SSN affidavit available on the Department website.
• For nurses educated outside the U.S. and its territories, a credentials evaluation report of your foreign nursing education is required from either CGFNS or ERES.
• If English is not your first language, provide proof of English-language proficiency by passing and submitting certification of the TOEFL, or the IELTS.
• Verification of licensure can be obtained through the Nursys Verification System.
• Fingerprints are required. Visit the Fingerprint Vendor page to see approved vendors. Submit your receipt with the endorsement application.
• Pass a department-approved exam.

Your license will expire on May 31 of even-numbered years.

Continuing competency

You are required to engage in 20 contact hours of continuing education between each renewal period. Starting in 2024, this includes:

• One hour on sexual harassment prevention training.
• One hour of evidence-based implicit bias in healthcare training.
• One hour on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia types for RNs caring for patients aged 26 or older.
• Nurses working with children must complete mandated reporter training every six years.

For more information on CE, visit the Continuing Education Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.

This state requires nurses to hold current ACLS certification.

Contact information

James R. Thompson Center
100 West Randolph Street, Suite 9-300
Chicago, IL 60601

Phone: 312-814-2715
Fax: 312-814-3145

For more information, visit the Illinois Center for Nursing page.