Occupational Therapist / Illinois
2026 data Illinois board official source

Illinois Occupational Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

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Helps patients develop daily living and work skills. Requires masters or doctoral degree.

What the Illinois data shows for Occupational Therapists

Illinois's path to occupational therapist licensure runs through 3,919 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on NBCOT Certification Exam, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Illinois folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Masters or Doctoral Degree".

The initial price tag is $282, and renewal costs $236 every 2 years. The license also carries an ongoing 36-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: OT Licensure Compact: 25+ member states.

Licensing Requirements in Illinois

Education / Training Hours
Masters or Doctoral Degree
3,919 hours
Exam Requirement
NBCOT Certification Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$282
Renewal Fee
$236
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
36 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

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Compare all states for Occupational Therapist 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 Occupational Therapist in Illinois? ▼
Illinois's requirements cover 3919 hours of education or training, the NBCOT Certification Exam exam, and an initial fee of $282. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as an Occupational Therapist in Illinois? ▼
Illinois licenses occupational therapists who complete its requirements (3919 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Illinois licensing board.
Can I transfer my Occupational Therapist license to Illinois from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for occupational therapists nationally works like this: OT Licensure Compact: 25+ member states. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Illinois. Verify the specifics with the Illinois licensing board.
Does Illinois require a background check for Occupational Therapist licensing? ▼
Illinois does require a background check before issuing an occupational therapist license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Occupational Therapist in Illinois? ▼
To stay licensed as an occupational therapist in Illinois, plan on 36 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $236.

Related Guides

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

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