Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Illinois
2026 data Illinois board official source

Illinois Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Provides basic patient care under supervision. Requires NCLEX-PN exam.

What the Illinois data shows for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s

Illinois sets the entry bar for licensed practical nurse (lpn)s at 1,459 training hours and a passing score on NCLEX-PN. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Illinois's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Diploma or Associate Degree".

Budget $190 to get started, plus $142 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

For licensed practical nurse (lpn)s, the reciprocity picture is: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Ease Score

D
Licensing Ease Score
47/100
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) · Illinois

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
1,459 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$190
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$71/yr
$142 every 2 years
Continuing Education C-
12.0 hrs/yr
24 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Illinois

Education / Training Hours
Diploma or Associate Degree
1,459 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-PN
Required
Initial License Fee
$190
Renewal Fee
$142
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) All Illinois licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Illinois licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Illinois? ▼
In Illinois, the license path calls for 1459 education/training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-PN, and a $190 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Illinois? ▼
Certification as a licensed practical nurse (lpn) in Illinois means clearing the state's checklist: 1459 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Illinois licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license to Illinois from another state? ▼
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licenses generally reciprocate as follows: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Illinois licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Illinois require a background check for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for licensed practical nurse (lpn) licensing in Illinois. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Illinois? ▼
To stay licensed as a licensed practical nurse (lpn) in Illinois, plan on 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $142.

Related Guides

What to do with this licensed practical nurse (lpn) license

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Illinois, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a licensed practical nurse (lpn)-wide, 50-state comparison.

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Illinois licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.