Physician Assistant / Illinois
2026 data Illinois board official source

Illinois Physician Assistant License Requirements

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

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

What the Illinois data shows for Physician Assistants

To practice as a physician assistant in Illinois, the state licensing board requires 4,378 documented education or training hours, a passing score on the PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam) examination. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Illinois's professional licensing framework, which classifies training 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.

Reciprocity is available: PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states. Compared to the profession-wide pattern, the numbers above should be cross-checked against other states before relocating — licensing cost, training hours, and exam requirements vary enough that a different state may cut thousands of dollars and months of training from the path. The state board, not this page, is the final authority; verify every field below with the official regulator before you pay fees or enroll in training.

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
0

License Reciprocity

PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states

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?
Illinois requires 4378 education/training hours, passing an exam (PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam)), and an initial fee of $376. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Physician Assistant in Illinois?
To become a licensed physician assistant in Illinois, you must meet the state's requirements including 4378 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Illinois licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Physician Assistant license to Illinois from another state?
Illinois has reciprocity provisions: PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states. Many professions are covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability. Contact the Illinois licensing board for specific reciprocity details.
Does Illinois require a background check for Physician Assistant licensing?
Yes, Illinois requires a criminal background check as part of the physician assistant licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by 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.

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

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