Occupational licensing · Illinois · burden rank #3 of 51
Illinois Occupational Licensing Requirements
Illinois's licensing burden varies by profession. This registry brings together education hours, initial and renewal fees, exams, background checks and reciprocity notes for 97 professions. Its source trail records the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) compilation and responsible boards. Use the table to compare occupations, then verify the current rule with the responsible state board before applying.
Illinois sits in the high-burden band (#3 of 51). Highest education-hour licenses here: Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber; Psychologist. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: California; Oregon; Nevada; Colorado. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Open a named profession or a peer state before treating rank as a career verdict.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #3 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 2,455
- Avg initial fee
- $273
Illinois vs all states by licensing burden score
Where this state's Institute for Justice License to Work composite sits among every state and D.C. Lower score = heavier documented barriers.
31 Among the heaviest more restrictive than 94% of 51 states
States and D.C., banded by IJ License to Work composite burden score (low = heavy)
Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more states. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Source Institute for Justice License to Work · 2026
Highest education-hour licenses here: Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber; Psychologist. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: California; Oregon; Nevada; Colorado. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Electrician
In Illinois, Electrician lists 7,676 education hours with an exam and a $232 initial fee. Compare the same license in California on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Elevator Installer
In Illinois, Elevator Installer lists 7,676 education hours with an exam and a $326 initial fee. Compare the same license in California on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among Illinois's higher initial fees at $692 after 20 education hours. Open Oregon for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Illinois's higher initial fees at $468 after 5,838 education hours. Open Oregon for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Illinois against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Illinois already selected on state A and a peer jurisdiction on state B.
Opens the live compare tool with both states and the profession already selected. Browse all comparisons.
Nationwide jurisdictions with similar burden or fee shape
Two peer sets for Illinois: IJ composite burden rank and average confirmed initial license fee, distinct from the inline burden neighbors above.
Similar licensing burden rank
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by Institute for Justice composite burden (#3 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- Nevada · burden #4/51
- Oregon · burden #2/51
- California · burden #1/51
- Colorado · burden #5/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($273 here).
- Oregon · avg $275 initial fee
- Nevada · avg $266 initial fee
- California · avg $289 initial fee
- Colorado · avg $254 initial fee
Agriculture in Illinois
| IL profession | IL edu hrs | IL exam | IL initial $ | IL renew $ | IL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kentucky.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kentucky |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
Animal Care in Illinois
| IL profession | IL edu hrs | IL exam | IL initial $ | IL renew $ | IL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Iowa.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Iowa |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 5,838 | Yes | $468 | $376 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 2,419 | Yes | $234 | $188 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
Construction in Illinois
| IL profession | IL edu hrs | IL exam | IL initial $ | IL renew $ | IL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 7,676 | Yes | $232 | $186 | 1 yr | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 7,676 | Yes | $326 | $280 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| - | Yes | $466 | $374 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 5,676 | Yes | $186 | $140 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Indiana.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Indiana |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 37 | Yes | $186 | $163 | 3 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Maine.
| 7,676 | Yes | $278 | $232 | 1 yr | vs Hawaii · vs Maine |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
Cosmetology in Illinois
| IL profession | IL edu hrs | IL exam | IL initial $ | IL renew $ | IL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 1,459 | Yes | $150 | $76 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 1,551 | Yes | $173 | $85 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 1,021 | Yes | $186 | $140 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 940 | Yes | $154 | $71 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 946 | Yes | $187 | $94 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Indiana.
| 655 | Yes | $135 | $66 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Indiana |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
Design in Illinois
| IL profession | IL edu hrs | IL exam | IL initial $ | IL renew $ | IL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Louisiana.
| - | Yes | $326 | $234 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Louisiana |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| - | Yes | $374 | $282 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
Education in Illinois
| IL profession | IL edu hrs | IL exam | IL initial $ | IL renew $ | IL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 110 | No | $186 | $140 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | Yes | $233 | $141 | 5 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| - | Yes | $279 | $187 | 5 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | Yes | $233 | $141 | 5 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
Engineering in Illinois
| IL profession | IL edu hrs | IL exam | IL initial $ | IL renew $ | IL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $466 | $374 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Maine.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Maine |
Finance in Illinois
| IL profession | IL edu hrs | IL exam | IL initial $ | IL renew $ | IL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | Yes | $464 | $372 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kentucky.
| 75 | Yes | $231 | $185 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kentucky |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 20 | Yes | $692 | $462 | 1 yr | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
Food & Hospitality in Illinois
| IL profession | IL edu hrs | IL exam | IL initial $ | IL renew $ | IL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maryland.
| 15 | Yes | $69 | $46 | 3 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maryland |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 15 | Yes | $46 | $37 | 3 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
Healthcare in Illinois
| IL profession | IL edu hrs | IL exam | IL initial $ | IL renew $ | IL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 3,419 | Yes | $234 | $188 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Kansas.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Kansas |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 3,419 | Yes | $328 | $188 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 194 | Yes | $163 | $140 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 1,459 | Yes | $190 | $142 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 3,919 | Yes | $282 | $236 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 4,919 | Yes | $466 | $374 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 1,935 | Yes | $234 | $188 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 5,378 | Yes | $330 | $284 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 3,919 | Yes | $328 | $282 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Louisiana.
| 4,378 | Yes | $376 | $330 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Louisiana |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Kansas.
| 2,443 | Yes | $234 | $188 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Kansas |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $280 | $234 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 2,919 | Yes | $236 | $165 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 2,419 | Yes | $234 | $188 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 3,919 | Yes | $328 | $236 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
Legal & Security in Illinois
| IL profession | IL edu hrs | IL exam | IL initial $ | IL renew $ | IL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 74 | No | $232 | $139 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 5,517 | Yes | $372 | $326 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Iowa.
| 37 | No | $232 | $186 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Iowa |
Mental Health in Illinois
| IL profession | IL edu hrs | IL exam | IL initial $ | IL renew $ | IL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 3,919 | Yes | $236 | $190 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 3,419 | Yes | $235 | $189 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 3,419 | Yes | $282 | $236 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 6,838 | Yes | $468 | $376 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
Miscellaneous in Illinois
| IL profession | IL edu hrs | IL exam | IL initial $ | IL renew $ | IL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maryland.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maryland |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 190 | Yes | $278 | $186 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
Real Estate in Illinois
| IL profession | IL edu hrs | IL exam | IL initial $ | IL renew $ | IL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 187 | Yes | $372 | $280 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 169 | Yes | $278 | $228 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 253 | Yes | $372 | $303 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
Transportation in Illinois
| IL profession | IL edu hrs | IL exam | IL initial $ | IL renew $ | IL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 37 | Yes | $139 | $94 | 4 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 307 | Yes | $185 | $94 | 4 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 114 | Yes | $139 | $94 | 4 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Illinois ranks #3 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Top 10% highest) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Illinois directly against another state, side by side. Compare states
- Before relocating or entering a profession, compare its education hours, fees, and exam requirements across states. Browse all professions
- Check whether your license transfers under an interstate compact before assuming you need to start over. Reciprocity guide
Burden scores are compiled from Institute for Justice License to Work research and NCSL board coverage; always confirm current rules with the licensing board before relying on any single row.
Related for Illinois
NCSL and state-board extracts for Illinois. Burden peers on this ladder include California, Oregon, Nevada, Colorado; verify current rules with the named boards before applying.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential state file (current as of May 15, 2026) aggregates 4,947 licensing requirement records; see the methodology.
Every figure on PlainCredential is rendered directly from NCSL and state occupational- licensing board data, no number is typed in by an editor. Figures for Illinois render from NCSL and state licensing board rows; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.