Last reviewed: July 2026
If you’re renewing your Illinois Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in 2027, you generally must complete 20 hours of approved continuing education (CE) during the 24 months preceding your renewal. Illinois LPN licenses expire January 31 of odd-numbered years, so for the 2027 renewal cycle, the applicable CE period is generally February 1, 2025 through January 31, 2027. Depending on your previous training and practice, you may also need to complete specific Illinois-mandated continuing education topics.
Illinois LPN License Renewal: Quick Facts
- Profession: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- State: Illinois
- Renewal deadline: January 31, 2027
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years
- CE requirement: 20 approved contact hours
- CE completion window: February 1, 2025 – January 31, 2027
- Online CE: Permitted through approved providers
- First Illinois renewal: May be exempt from the 20-hour CE requirement
Complete your Illinois LPN CE in one convenient online package
How Many CE Hours Do Illinois LPNs Need?
Illinois Licensed Practical Nurses generally must complete 20 hours of approved continuing education during each two-year renewal cycle.
For licenses expiring January 31, 2027, continuing education is generally completed during the period beginning February 1, 2025 and ending January 31, 2027.
If this is your first renewal of an Illinois-issued LPN license, you may not be required to complete the full 20 contact hours. Review your renewal status before purchasing continuing education.
Illinois Mandatory CE Topics
Completing 20 hours alone may not be enough.
Illinois also requires certain continuing education topics depending on your renewal cycle, previous training, and practice.
These topics may include:
- Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
- Implicit Bias Awareness Training
- Cultural Competency Education (when due)
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias Education (when applicable)
Some of these requirements occur every renewal cycle, while others are required less frequently or only apply to certain nurses.
Before renewing, verify which mandatory topics apply to your individual license.
Complete Your Illinois LPN CE in One Package
The Renew Now CE Illinois LPN License Renewal CE Package is designed to help Illinois LPNs complete their required continuing education in one convenient online purchase.
The package includes:
- 20+ approved contact hours
- Illinois-required CE topics included in the package
- Fully online, self-paced courses
- Instant certificates after successful completion
- Mobile-friendly access
Rather than purchasing several separate courses, you can complete your continuing education from one account and download certificates as you finish each course.
Can Illinois LPNs Complete CE Online?
Yes.
Illinois permits LPNs to complete continuing education through approved providers offering online coursework.
Online courses allow you to:
- Complete courses on your own schedule
- Pause and resume anytime
- Download certificates immediately after successful completion
- Meet your CE requirement without attending live classes
What Happens If You Don’t Complete Your CE?
Illinois requires licensees to certify that they completed the required continuing education when renewing.
Failure to complete applicable continuing education requirements could delay renewal or create licensing issues if you’re selected for an audit.
Keep your certificates and renewal documentation after completing your courses.
Common Illinois LPN Renewal Mistakes
Waiting until January to start CE
Beginning your continuing education early gives you time to complete any mandatory topic courses that apply to your renewal.
Assuming every 20-hour package includes the required topics
Some CE packages advertise total hours without clearly identifying whether they include Illinois-required education such as implicit bias, cultural competency, or sexual harassment prevention when applicable.
Before purchasing, review the included courses rather than comparing total hours alone.
Forgetting first-renewal exemptions
Not every Illinois LPN must complete 20 hours during the first Illinois license renewal.
Verify whether the exemption applies before enrolling.
Not saving certificates
Download and retain your certificates after completing each course.
Illinois may request documentation during a continuing education audit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CE hours do Illinois LPNs need for 2027 renewal?
Most Illinois LPNs must complete 20 approved contact hours during the 24 months preceding renewal.
When do Illinois LPN licenses expire?
Illinois Licensed Practical Nurse licenses expire on January 31 of odd-numbered years.
Can Illinois LPNs complete CE online?
Yes. Illinois permits online continuing education through approved providers.
Does Illinois require mandatory CE topics?
Yes. Depending on your renewal cycle and previous training, Illinois may require education in topics such as sexual harassment prevention, implicit bias, cultural competency, and Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Do first-time Illinois LPN renewals require CE?
Not always. Nurses renewing an Illinois-issued LPN license for the first time may qualify for an exemption from the standard 20-hour requirement.
Illinois LPN Renewal Checklist
Before renewing your Illinois LPN license, confirm that you have:
- Completed 20 approved contact hours, if required
- Completed any mandatory Illinois CE topics that apply to you
- Verified whether a first-renewal exemption applies
- Downloaded and saved your CE certificates
- Submitted your renewal before the January 31, 2027 deadline
Complete your Illinois LPN continuing education online with the Renew Now CE Illinois LPN License Renewal Package.
This article summarizes current Illinois LPN license renewal requirements for informational purposes only. Requirements may change. Always verify current renewal requirements with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation before renewing your license.