Illinois
Non-CompactNursing Continuing Education Requirements
Illinois Nursing CEU Overview
Illinois requires registered nurses to complete 20 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain an active license. Newly licensed nurses are exempt from CE requirements for their first renewal period.
The Illinois Board of Nursing requires specific mandatory topics, including Sexual Harassment Prevention, Cultural Competency, Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care. These topics must be completed according to the frequency specified by the board.
All continuing education hours may be completed online through approved providers. Always verify course accreditation with the Illinois Board of Nursing before enrolling.
Nursing in Illinois
Illinois has approximately 190,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 12.5 million. Chicago is home to major academic medical centers including Northwestern Memorial, Rush University Medical Center, and University of Chicago Medicine. The state faces nursing shortages in rural areas, particularly in southern Illinois.
Illinois requires 20 contact hours of continuing education every two years for RN license renewal. The state does not mandate specific course topics, giving nurses flexibility to choose education relevant to their practice area. Illinois accepts CE from providers accredited by recognized national nursing organizations.
Common Practice Settings in Illinois
Chicago Academic Centers
Northwestern, Rush, and University of Chicago hospitals offer nurses access to specialty practice and research.
Community Hospitals
Hospitals throughout Illinois serve local communities and often provide CE opportunities for staff.
Rural Critical Access
Southern and western Illinois critical access hospitals face ongoing recruitment challenges.
Illinois License Renewal Tips
Complete 20 contact hours from accredited CE providers before renewal.
Keep CE certificates for at least 6 years for potential audit.
Choose courses relevant to your current practice area.
Many Illinois hospitals offer free CE to nursing staff.
Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
20
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Sexual Harassment Prevention Workplace sexual harassment prevention | 1 | Each renewal |
Cultural Competency Required each renewal | 1 | Each renewal |
Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care Required each renewal | 1 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Must complete 1 hour sexual harassment prevention each renewal.
- Must complete 1 hour cultural competency each renewal.
- Must complete 1 hour Alzheimer's/dementia care each renewal.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
20
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Sexual Harassment Prevention Workplace sexual harassment prevention | 1 | Each renewal |
Cultural Competency Required each renewal | 1 | Each renewal |
Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care Required each renewal | 1 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Must complete 1 hour sexual harassment prevention each renewal.
- Must complete 1 hour cultural competency each renewal.
- Must complete 1 hour Alzheimer's/dementia care each renewal.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
50
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Sexual Harassment Prevention Workplace sexual harassment prevention | 1 | Each renewal |
Cultural Competency Required each renewal | 1 | Each renewal |
Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care Required each renewal | 1 | Each renewal |
Opioid Prescribing For prescribers, controlled substance prescribing | 3 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Higher CE hours for APRNs.
- Prescribers need opioid CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current national certification
Advanced Practice Specialties
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Contact Hours
50
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Sexual Harassment Prevention Workplace sexual harassment prevention | 1 | Each renewal |
Opioid Prescribing For prescribers, controlled substance prescribing | 3 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Higher CE hours for APRNs.
- Prescribers need opioid CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC or AANP certification
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Contact Hours
50
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Sexual Harassment Prevention Workplace sexual harassment prevention | 1 | Each renewal |
Opioid Prescribing For prescribers, controlled substance prescribing | 3 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Higher CE hours for APRNs.
- Prescribers need opioid CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC certification in specialty area
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Contact Hours
50
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Sexual Harassment Prevention Workplace sexual harassment prevention | 1 | Each renewal |
Opioid Prescribing For prescribers, controlled substance prescribing | 3 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Higher CE hours for APRNs.
- Prescribers need opioid CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
50
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Sexual Harassment Prevention Workplace sexual harassment prevention | 1 | Each renewal |
Opioid Prescribing For prescribers, controlled substance prescribing | 3 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Higher CE hours for APRNs.
- Prescribers need opioid CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
Illinois requires 20 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, Wisconsin has no general CE requirement, while Iowa requires more (36 hours). Illinois is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so nurses need a separate license to practice here.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward Illinois requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how Illinois compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Illinois Board of Nursing
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Illinois Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.