Illinois RN License Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a Registered Nurse in Illinois
Processing Time
2-4 weeks
Total Initial Cost
$310
Renewal Period
2 years
CE Hours Required
20 hours / 2 years
1 Education Requirements
Minimum Degree
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Requirements
- Complete an approved pre-licensure nursing program
- Program must be approved by state board or equivalent
- Foreign-educated nurses must meet CGFNS requirements
Graduate from a state-approved nursing education program
2 NCLEX-RN Examination
Exam Name
NCLEX-RN
Administered By
Pearson VUE
Passing Standard
Pass/Fail (Adaptive)
Tip: Register for the NCLEX through Pearson VUE after receiving your Authorization to Test (ATT) from the state board.
Need NCLEX-RN prep? Archer Review has a affordable prep, high pass rate.
3 Background Check
Fingerprint-based background check
FBI and Illinois State Police background check
Use fingerprint vendor from approved list
4 Fees
Initial Licensure
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Examination Fee | $200 |
| Fingerprinting | $60 |
| Total | $310 |
Total includes application ($50), NCLEX ($200), and fingerprinting ($60). Illinois is NOT an NLC compact member state.
Renewal
| Renewal Fee (every 2 years) | $60 |
Continuing Education Requirements
20
Contact hours required
2 years
Renewal cycle
Required Topics
- • General Nursing CE: 20 hours
State Board of Nursing
Official Name
Illinois Board of Nursing
Phone
1-888-473-4858
Free Tools
Check License Reciprocity
See if your license transfers
Calculate Costs
Estimate total licensing costs
Track CE Hours
Stay on top of requirements
Readiness Checklist
Prepare your application
Practice Map
Where can you practice?
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Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team
Based on 3 official sources • Last verified: January 2025