NP Advanced Practice

Illinois Nurse Practitioner License Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Nurse Practitioner in Illinois

Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Initial Cost
$125
Renewal Period
2 years
Practice Authority
reduced
Reduced Practice

Reduced practice authority with some limitations

Prescriptive Authority: Full Practice Authority available after 250 hrs collaboration/4,000 patient contact hours

1 Education Requirements

Degree Required

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Program Requirements

  • Complete accredited Nurse Practitioner program
  • Hold active RN license in the state
  • Clinical hours as specified by program

2 National Certification

Certification Body

ANCC or AANPCB

Required

Yes

American Nurses Credentialing Center or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board

3 Background Check

Fingerprint-based criminal background check
FBI and state background check required

4 Fees

Initial Licensure

Application Fee $125
Total $125

Renewal

Renewal Fee (every 2 years) $80

Continuing Education Requirements

80
Contact hours required
2 years
Renewal cycle

Pharmacology: 20 hours required

10 hours opioid required

Prerequisites

To become a Nurse Practitioner in Illinois, you must first hold an active RN license. Illinois requires a state-specific RN license.

State Board of Nursing

Official Name
Illinois Board of Nursing
Phone
888-473-4858

Stay Updated

Get Illinois NP licensing updates, renewal reminders, and career tips delivered to your inbox.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team

Based on 1 official sources Last verified: January 2026