Illinois RN & LPN CE requirements

Required topics

• Sexual harassment prevention: 1 hour
• Implicit bias awareness: 1 hour
• Alzheimer's disease and dementia: 1 hour (if you care for adults 26 and older)
• Cultural competency: 1 hour
• Mandated reporter training at least every 6 years (if you work with children)

Illinois's required topics count toward the 20 hours; they don't add to the total.

Ways to earn your hours

Contact hours usually come from accredited online courses, conferences, webinars and hands-on skills courses like an IV refresher. Make sure each course awards contact hours from a provider your board accepts, and keep your certificates in case you're audited.

Take the free IV therapy practice test → · What to look for in an IV refresher

Frequently asked questions

How many CE hours do nurses need in Illinois?

RNs: 20 contact hours. LPNs: 20 contact hours. Renewal: every 2 years.

Does Illinois require specific CE topics for nurses?

Yes: Sexual harassment prevention: 1 hour; Implicit bias awareness: 1 hour; Alzheimer's disease and dementia: 1 hour (if you care for adults 26 and older); Cultural competency: 1 hour; Mandated reporter training at least every 6 years (if you work with children).

Does an IV refresher course count toward CE in Illinois?

It can, if the course awards contact hours from a provider your board accepts. Check the course's accreditation before you enroll.

Summary of Illinois board of nursing rules for general RN and LPN renewal as of September 2026. APRN, prescriber and DEA requirements are not included. Requirements change; always confirm with the Illinois board of nursing before you renew.

CE requirements for all states · LPN CE requirements · Required topics: Implicit bias · Human trafficking · Suicide prevention · Child abuse and mandated reporter · Alzheimer's disease and dementia · Pain management · Substance use and opioids · Cultural competency and LGBTQ · Domestic violence