Optometrist / Illinois
2026 data Illinois board official source

Illinois Optometrist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

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

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Examines eyes for vision defects and prescribes corrective lenses.

What the Illinois data shows for Optometrists

Illinois sets the entry bar for optometrists at 4,919 training hours and a passing score on NBEO Exam Series. 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 "Doctor of Optometry (OD)".

Upfront cost is $466, with renewal running $374 on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 40-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

For optometrists, the reciprocity picture is: Not part of compact — state-by-state endorsement.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
24/100
Optometrist · 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
4,919 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$466
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$187/yr
$374 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
20.0 hrs/yr
40 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Illinois

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Optometry (OD)
4,919 hours
Exam Requirement
NBEO Exam Series
Required
Initial License Fee
$466
Renewal Fee
$374
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
40 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Optometrist 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 Optometrist in Illinois? ▼
In Illinois, the license path calls for 4919 education/training hours, a passing score on NBEO Exam Series, and a $466 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as an Optometrist in Illinois? ▼
To become a licensed optometrist in Illinois, you must meet the state's requirements including 4919 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Illinois licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Optometrist license to Illinois from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for optometrists: Not part of compact — state-by-state endorsement. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Illinois licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Illinois require a background check for Optometrist licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for optometrist licensing in Illinois. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Optometrist in Illinois? ▼
To stay licensed as an optometrist in Illinois, plan on 40 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $374.

Related Guides

What to do with this optometrist license

Optometrist in Illinois, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in an optometrist-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Illinois's optometrist requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Optometrist in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state optometrist license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Illinois's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Illinois overview

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.