Are you a Registered Nurse (RN) in Illinois with a license expiring on May 31, 2026? This guide breaks down the Illinois RN license renewal process, including all continuing education (CE) requirements, cultural competency training, and helpful tips to renew on time.
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.
We recommend completing your continuing education requirements no later than April to avoid last-minute delays or issues with license processing.
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.
The Illinois RN 20-Hour CE Package from Renew Now CE includes:
- 1 hour of cultural competency training
- 1 hour of implicit bias education
- 18 additional CE hours on timely clinical topics
These required courses are integrated seamlessly into the full CE package to make renewal as simple as possible.
What’s Included in the Illinois RN 20-Hour CE Package?
This online, self-paced package is ANCC-accredited and approved for use by Illinois RNs. The included courses are:
- Pharmacology (10 hours): A deep dive into commonly prescribed medications for primary care and med-surg nurses
- The Obesity Epidemic and Nutrition (6 hours): Covers evidence-based approaches to nutrition, weight management, and comorbidities
- Cultural Competency and Implicit Bias (2 hours total): Meets state-required training standards
- Ketamine, Esketamine, and Treatment-Resistant Depression (1 hour): An overview of novel psychiatric treatment strategies
- Human Trafficking (1 hour): Learn how to identify and support victims in clinical settings
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.
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.
We’re here to support your nursing career—every renewal, every step of the way.
Joanna Nolte, APRN, MSN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC
Accredited Provider Program Director, Renew Now CE