Physician Assistant / Illinois
2026 data Illinois board official source

Illinois Physician Assistant License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Practices medicine under physician supervision. Requires PANCE exam and masters degree.

What the Illinois data shows for Physician Assistants

Illinois's path to physician assistant licensure runs through 4,378 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying 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 Degree (MPAS or MMS)".

Upfront cost is $376, with renewal running $330 on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 100 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

On reciprocity, physician assistants should know: PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states.

Licensing Requirements in Illinois

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)
4,378 hours
Exam Requirement
PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$376
Renewal Fee
$330
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
100 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

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Compare all states for Physician Assistant 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 Physician Assistant in Illinois? ▼
In Illinois, the license path calls for 4378 education/training hours, a passing score on PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam), and a $376 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Physician Assistant in Illinois? ▼
Certification as a physician assistant in Illinois means clearing the state's checklist: 4378 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Illinois licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Physician Assistant license to Illinois from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for physician assistants: PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states. 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 Physician Assistant licensing? ▼
Illinois does require a background check before issuing a physician assistant license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Physician Assistant in Illinois? ▼
Licensed physician assistants in Illinois must complete 100 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $330.

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.