In Illinois, the nursing profession is regulated by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, though there is a separate department that acts as a support and information system for nurses called the Illinois Center for Nursing. As is the case with most states, the substantive aspects of obtaining this license concern fulfilling the education requirements, and passing a test. Illinois, though, is an oddity among the states in that it outsources a large portion of its application procedure. In this fact sheet, we’ll guide you through the process of becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in the great state of Illinois.

Obtaining a License

Let’s get this out of the way: Illinois has an unfortunately very complex system of application and regulation for licensed practical nurses, and their website is not the most user-friendly. The best place to start is to review this packet, which goes through every step in detail. Those steps are:

• Enroll in and complete a program of study. A list of in-state programs can be found here. Generally, the only education requirement is to have a completed an LPN program – in other words, you need not hold a specific type of advanced degree, unlike some other states.
• You must then submit the entire application packet, found at the above link, to Continental Testing Services, which administers the NCLEX in-state. Again, Illinois is unusual here – most states ask that you register directly with the national agency Pearson. Additionally, you may not apply for the exam until you actually complete the education program – no early applications are allowed in Illinois.
• Take and pass the NCLEX. This is the “big one” so to speak – the test required in all 50 states to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (there is also a version for registered nurses).
• Note that you will be paying application fees twice – first, when you send in your initial application to Continental, and then again when you actually register to take the NCLEX (after your application has been submitted).
• All applicants must also submit to a criminal background check including fingerprinting prior to registering for the NCLEX exam.
• After you pass the test and your application packet is reviewed, you will be notified of your license.

Illinois does have a temporary licensure program, like some other states, though it is a bit limited. If you pass the NCLEX, but your application has not been approved, you may practice as a “licensed-pending practical nurse” for a period of three months after passage. Again, all information, packets, and fee schedules can be found here. One further thing to note is that you must take the exam within three years of submitting your application materials.

While there is currently legislation pending, Illinois has yet to join the Nursing Licensure Compact joined by 23 states. As such, Illinois applicants who have a license from another state must submit to a fairly lengthy and complex endorsement application process, the details of which can be found here. In essence, you must provide not only licensure proof, but also educational proof. You may receive a temporary, six-month practice permit after application but prior to approval.

Maintaining a License

In keeping with its system of being completely confusing, Illinois has no set date for renewal of nursing licenses. Rather, your physical license will come pre-printed with an expiration date on it, much like a credit card. If you lose your physical license, you can look up its information online here. Renewals occur online. LPNs are required, for this licensure period (which lasts until January of 2015), to have 20 hours of continuing education in order to be renewed. The details can be found here, but note that this requirement may change in the next renewal cycle.

Discipline is handled directly by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which handles discipline for dozens of professions throughout Illinois. Complaints against nurses are filed in the same place as complaints against other professionals, with the DFPR. Illinois does not publish a general guide to the disciplinary process for nurses (or any other profession), but the relevant legal standards an LPN must adhere to can be found here.