Illinois RN/LPN License Renewal and CE Requirements – What You Need to Know

Illinois nurses must complete continuing education (CE) every two years to maintain an active license. Whether you’re a new nurse or a longtime professional, staying informed about the Illinois RN/LPN License Renewal and CE Requirements is essential to ensure timely renewal and continued compliance with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) Board of Nursing.

Illinois Board of Nursing CE Requirements

To renew your Illinois nursing license, you must complete the following CE requirements during each two-year renewal cycle:

Registered Nurses (RNs):

• CE Hours: 20 contact hours every two years.
• License Expiration: RNs renew by May 31 of every even-numbered year.
• Renewal Fee: $80
• First-time Renewal: RNs licensed less than 12 months before the renewal date are not required to complete CE.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs):

• CE Hours: 20 contact hours every two years.
• License Expiration: LPNs renew by January 31 of every odd-numbered year.
• Renewal Fee: $60
• First-time Renewal: LPNs licensed less than 12 months before the renewal date are not required to complete CE.

Mandatory CE Courses for Illinois RN/LPN Renewal

In addition to the 20 total hours, Illinois requires nurses to complete specific topic-based CE:

• 1 Hour – Sexual Harassment Prevention Training: Required every renewal cycle since January 1, 2020.
• 1 Hour – Implicit Bias Awareness Training: Required each renewal cycle beginning January 1, 2023.
• 1 Hour – Alzheimer’s and Dementia Training: Required every six years for RNs (starting 2024) and LPNs (started 2023).
• 1 Hour – Cultural Competency Training: Required every six years starting January 1, 2025 (may be repeated and counted toward CE hours each cycle).
• Mandated Reporter Training: Required within 3 months of becoming a mandated reporter and every six years thereafter.

All of these required topics may be counted toward your 20 total CE hours for renewal.

Documentation and Approved CE Providers

• Keep Records: Nurses must keep CE documentation for at least five years.
• Approved Providers: CE must be offered by approved providers such as ANCC, state boards of nursing, or other IDFPR-approved organizations. Renew Now CE is an approved provider accepted by the Illinois Board of Nursing.

Fulfill Your Illinois RN/LPN License Renewal Requirements with Our 20-Hour CE Package

Our comprehensive Illinois RN/LPN 20-Hour CE Package includes all mandatory courses and general CE hours needed for renewal. All courses are self-paced, fully online, and accessible 24/7.

What’s Included in the 20-Hour Package:

• 1 Hour – Sexual Harassment Prevention
• 1 Hour – Implicit Bias Training
• 1 Hour – Alzheimer’s and Dementia Training
• 1 Hour – Cultural Competency Training (optional but counts toward renewal)
• 16 Hours – General Nursing CE Topics such as:
  • Pain management
  • Infection control
  • Documentation best practices
  • Patient communication and more

All courses are ANCC-accredited and meet Illinois Board of Nursing requirements.

Get instant access and certification—only $45 for the full package!

FAQs About Illinois RN/LPN License Renewal and CE Requirements

1. How many CE hours do I need to renew my Illinois RN or LPN license?

Both RNs and LPNs need 20 contact hours of continuing education every two years.

2. What are the mandatory CE topics for Illinois nurses?

All Illinois nurses must complete CE in:

• Sexual harassment prevention (1 hour)
• Implicit bias (1 hour)
• Alzheimer’s/dementia (1 hour every 6 years)
• Cultural competency (1 hour every 6 years beginning 2025)
• Mandated reporter training (every 6 years)

3. Can I use online CE courses for Illinois RN/LPN renewal?

Yes. Illinois accepts online CE from accredited providers like Renew Now CE.

4. What if I’m renewing for the first time?

If you’ve been licensed for less than 12 months before your first renewal, CE is not required.

5. When do Illinois RN and LPN licenses expire?

RN licenses: May 31 of even-numbered years.
LPN licenses: January 31 of odd-numbered years.

Renew Your Illinois Nursing License with Ease

With our Illinois Board-approved 20-hour CE package, you can meet all your Illinois RN/LPN License Renewal and CE Requirements on your schedule. Complete the courses at your own pace, anytime, anywhere—and renew your license with confidence.

For more details on Illinois RN/LPN license renewal and CE requirements, you can view the official Illinois Board of Nursing FAQ here.