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 Awarenesstraining. 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.
Don’t Risk Your Career – Renew with Confidence with Renew Now CE!
Meeting your Illinois RN CE requirements has never been easier. At Renew Now CE, we offer:
- Illinois RN 20-Hour Renewal Package: This comprehensive package is specifically designed to meet all Illinois RN renewal requirements for the May 31, 2026 deadline. It conveniently includes all mandatory topics, such as:
- Sexual Harassment Prevention Training (1 hour)
- Implicit Bias Awareness (1 hour)
- Cultural Competency (1 hour) – New requirement for 2025 renewals onwards!
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Training (1 hour) – Required if you care for adults age 26+.
- Individual CE Offerings: If you only need specific courses, we also offer individual CE courses to fulfill particular requirements or expand your knowledge. Our ANCC-accredited courses are all 100% online and self-paced.
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Consequences of Not Completing Required CE for Your Illinois RN License
Failing to complete the mandatory continuing education (CE) requirements for your Illinois Registered Nurse (RN) license renewal by the May 31, 2026 deadline can have serious consequences, including:
1. License Expiration and Inability to Practice
If your license expires, you cannot legally practice as an RN in Illinois. Practicing with an expired license can result in fines for your employer and disciplinary actions against you, including possible suspension or revocation.
2. Delayed Renewal and Additional Costs
Incomplete CE can place your license in a delinquent status. To reactivate, you must complete all required CE and pay additional fees, including a $130 late renewal fee if your license expires before the deadline.
3. Employment Challenges
Most healthcare employers require an active nursing license. Failure to complete CE can jeopardize your current job, make future employment difficult, and potentially hinder promotions or career growth.
4. Potential Disciplinary Action
The Illinois Board of Nursing enforces CE requirements strictly. Non-compliance can lead to fines, license suspension, or revocation, severely impacting your career and professional reputation.
5. Reduced Quality of Patient Care and Increased Legal Risks
Continuing education ensures nurses stay updated on treatments, medications, and technologies. Without it, patient care may suffer, and nurses may face increased legal risks in cases of medical errors or harm.
CE Extension Policy in Illinois
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) generally does not grant extensions for CE requirements. All continuing education must be completed within the two-year renewal period prior to the May 31 deadline. Completing CE early is strongly recommended to avoid last-minute issues.
Approved Cultural Competency Courses for Illinois Nurses
Effective January 1, 2025, all Illinois nurses (LPN, RN, and APRN) must complete at least one hour of cultural competency training for license renewal. Renew Now CE offers a state-compliant, 1-hour Illinois Cultural Competency CE course included in our comprehensive 20-Hour RN Renewal Package, accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Penalties for Practicing with an Expired Nursing License
Practicing with an expired license in Illinois can result in:
- Fines for you and/or your employer.
- Disciplinary actions, including public reprimands, probation, suspension, or permanent revocation.
- Referral to law enforcement in cases of unlicensed activity.
- Cease and desist orders, requiring immediate stop of nursing practice.
Once your license expires, you are not legally permitted to practice until it is fully reactivated.
Why Renew Now CE is the Smart Choice for Your License Renewal Continuing Education:
- Complete Your CE Requirements Today — No Subscriptions, No Stress
- Fully Accredited & Board-Accepted: ANCC-accredited and jointly accredited to provide CE for Nursing (ANCC), Medicine (ACCME), Pharmacy (ACPE), Dentistry (ADA CERP), and more.
- State-Mandated CE Compliance Guaranteed: Every course and package is built to meet your exact renewal-year requirements.
- Trusted by 100,000+ Clinicians Nationwide: Fast, accurate, and easy — with thousands of verified 5-star reviews.
- Buy Only What You Need: Choose a single course or a complete state bundle — no subscriptions, no upsells, no wasted hours.
- Instant Certificate: Finish your CE today and download your certificate immediately.
- Real Human Support: Get quick, reliable help from our U.S.-based team whenever you need it.
Why Choose Renew Now CE?
- 100% Online & Self-Paced: Learn at your own convenience, anywhere, anytime.
- ANCC Accredited: Our courses are recognized and accepted by the Illinois Board of Nursing.
- Engaging Video Lessons: Designed for better retention and an improved learning experience.
- Instant Certificates: Download your certificates immediately upon course completion.
- Mobile-Accessible: Complete your CE on any device.
Don’t wait until the last minute! Ensure your Illinois RN license renewal is smooth and stress-free. Visit Renew Now CE today to explore our Illinois RN 20-Hour Renewal Package and individual CE offerings.