Cultural Competency CE Requirement for Illinois Registered Nurses – 2026 License Renewal Guide
Cultural Competency CE Requirement for Illinois RNs: Beginning with 2026 renewals, Illinois registered nurses (RNs) must complete 1 hour of Cultural Competency continuing education (CE). This new requirement promotes health equity by equipping nurses to respectfully and effectively care for patients from all cultural backgrounds.
If you’re a licensed RN in Illinois, here’s what you need to know to stay compliant — and how to complete this training online, quickly and easily.
Illinois Requirement – Cultural Competency CE for Registered Nurses
Under 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130.5250, all Illinois healthcare professionals who are subject to continuing education — including licensed registered nurses — must complete at least one hour of Cultural Competency CE during each renewal cycle.
This requirement becomes mandatory for license renewals due in 2026 and remains in place for all future renewal periods. RNs are responsible for completing and documenting this CE activity as part of their ongoing education requirements.
Complete Your CE Requirement Online
Renew Now CE offers a 1-hour Cultural Competency course designed to meet the Illinois state requirement for RNs. It’s fast, flexible, and easy to complete online.
- 100% online and mobile-friendly
- Self-paced — complete anytime
- Instant certificate of completion
- Approved for the 2026 Illinois RN renewal cycle
Why Cultural Competency Matters in Nursing Practice
Cultural Competency CE helps registered nurses to:
- Understand how culture, language, and identity influence health beliefs and behaviors
- Improve communication and build stronger therapeutic relationships with patients
- Deliver equitable, patient-centered care to individuals from diverse backgrounds
- Promote trust in healthcare and reduce health disparities
This CE requirement not only supports compliance — it plays a vital role in improving patient outcomes and strengthening nursing practice across all settings.
Accreditation
Renew Now CE is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education. This course meets ANCC standards and is accepted by nursing boards, including the Illinois Board of Nursing.