In Illinois, registered nurses must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. To become licensed, applicants must:

  • graduate from an approved professional nursing education program of not less than two years;
  • pass an exam; and,
  • pay a licensing application fee.

Licensure must be renewed every two years.

Additional licensing as an Advanced Practice Nurse is required from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for Certified Nurse Practitioners, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, and Certified Clinical Nurse Specialists. Licensing requirements for these specialties include:

  • current Illinois registered nurse license number;
  • proof of approved current national certification in the specialty;
  • proof of successful completion of a master's program;
  • a complete work history since completion of an advanced practice nursing program;
  • proof of licensure from all states where the applicant was or is licensed; and,
  • payment of a fee.

Additional licensing information can be obtained from:

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor, Springfield, IL 62786
Phone: 217.785.0800, Fax: 217.782.7645