Are you a Registered Nurse (RN) in Illinois with a license expiring on May 31, 2026? This guide breaks down the Illinois RN license renewal process, including all continuing education (CE) requirements, cultural competency training, and helpful tips to renew on time.
When Is the Illinois RN License Renewal Deadline?
In Illinois, RN licenses expire every two years on May 31 of even-numbered years. For the current cycle, that means your license must be renewed by May 31, 2026.
We recommend completing your continuing education requirements no later than April to avoid last-minute delays or issues with license processing.
How Many CE Hours Are Required for Illinois RN License Renewal in 2026?
To renew your Illinois RN license, you must complete 20 hours of approved continuing education (CE) within the two-year renewal period. These hours must be completed by the May 31, 2026 deadline.
Renew Now CE offers a complete Illinois RN 20-Hour Renewal Package that meets all requirements and includes the mandatory cultural competency training.
Does Illinois Require Cultural Competency or Implicit Bias Training?
Yes. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) requires that all Illinois RNs complete training in cultural competency and implicit bias as part of license renewal.
The Illinois RN 20-Hour CE Package from Renew Now CE includes:
- Sexual Harassment Prevention Training (1 hour)
- Implicit Bias Awareness (1 hour) – Required for renewals after Jan 1, 2023
- Cultural Competency (1 hour) – New requirement effective 2025
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Training (1 hour) – Required if you care for adults age 26+
- Electives (16 hours) – Covers heart failure, obesity care, and clinical best practices
These required courses are integrated seamlessly into the full CE package to make renewal as simple as possible.
All courses are delivered through short, engaging video lessons that you can complete on your own time. Your progress is saved automatically, and certificates are available for instant download.
A: The deadline for Illinois RN license renewal is May 31, 2026. All renewal requirements must be met before this date.
A: Illinois RNs must complete 20 hours of approved continuing education (CE) during each 2-year renewal cycle.
A: Yes. As of 2026, required courses include:
Implicit Bias Training (1 hour)
Sexual Harassment Prevention (1 hour)
Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse (Mandated Reporter Training)
Cultural Competency Training (1 hour)
Safe Opioid Prescribing (for Prescribers only)
A: Yes. Illinois allows RNs to complete all 20 hours of CE online as long as the courses are provided by an approved CE provider.
A: Renew Now CE offers a 20-hour CE package designed specifically for Illinois RN license renewal that includes all required topics.
A: You do not need to submit CE certificates unless audited. However, you must keep records of completed CE for at least 5 years after your renewal.
A: If your license expires, you may not legally practice as an RN in Illinois. You’ll need to apply for restoration, which includes additional fees and documentation.
Why Choose Renew Now CE for Illinois RN License Renewal?
Renew Now CE is nationally accredited by the ANCC (Provider ID: P0557) and a trusted provider for thousands of nurses across the country. Our Illinois CE package is:
- 100% online and self-paced
- Accepted by the Illinois Board of Nursing
- Built with short video lessons for better retention
- Mobile-accessible with instant certification
- Inclusive of all state-mandated topics
Renew your license with confidence, knowing your education is compliant, convenient, and designed by nurses who understand your needs.
We’re here to support your nursing career—every renewal, every step of the way.
Joanna Nolte, APRN, MSN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC
Accredited Provider Program Director, Renew Now CE