How to Renew Your Illinois RN License in 2026: CE Requirements, Cultural Competency & a Simple Step-by-Step Guide (Complete Guide)

Question: Is cultural competency and implicit bias training mandatory for Registered Nurses in Illinois?

Answer: Yes. Registered Nurses (RNs) in Illinois are required to complete cultural competency and implicit bias training as part of their license renewal. Illinois RNs must complete 20 hours of approved continuing education (CE) within the two-year renewal period, which includes 1 hour of Cultural Competency and 1 hour of Implicit Bias Awareness training. This requirement is governed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

Renew Now CE provides an Instant Certificate for immediate license submission.

Complete the Illinois RN License Renewal CE Package →

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.

Because the May 31, 2026 deadline is close, Illinois RNs should complete any remaining CE before submitting renewal and confirm their license status through IDFPR.

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.

Illinois RNs should make sure their 20 CE hours include any required topics that apply to their license and practice setting, including:

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.

How to Renew Your Illinois RN License in 2026

Confirm your Illinois RN license expiration date and renewal status through IDFPR.
Complete 20 hours of approved CE during the June 1, 2024 through May 31, 2026 renewal cycle.
Make sure your CE includes required topics that apply to you, including sexual harassment prevention, implicit bias awareness, cultural competency, and Alzheimer’s/dementia training if applicable.
Save your CE certificates and completion records.
Submit your renewal through IDFPR before the May 31, 2026 deadline.

What Illinois RNs Should Keep for Records

Keep copies of CE certificates and completion records in case IDFPR requests documentation. Your records should show the course title, completion date, number of CE hours, provider information, and required-topic coverage where applicable.

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.