Illinois Occupational Therapist Licensing Guide

Illinois OT License Overview

Illinois is not an OT Compact member. All Occupational Therapists must obtain a state-specific Illinois license via endorsement or exam. There is no multistate privilege pathway; travel therapists must apply for full licensure at least 8-12 weeks before the assignment start date.

How to Get an Illinois OT License by Endorsement

Illinois uses an online portal endorsement process for Occupational Therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $25 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application via Illinois board portal
2. Request license verification from current state (via NBCOT or direct) (can run concurrently)
3. Complete any state-specific requirements (background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

License verification is handled through NBCOT or direct board verification. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Confirm the current fingerprinting and background check steps with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

Check the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation website for status updates on your application.

Illinois OT License Fees

Endorsement application and renewal: from our records; confirm with the board.

Occupational Therapy Assistants: renewal is $20 (figures above are for Occupational Therapists).

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Illinois Temporary OT License

We have not found a temporary license option on the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation's site. Confirm with the board before planning a start date.

Illinois OT License Processing Time

Illinois Occupational Therapist endorsement applications typically take 6-8 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 5 weeks (complete application submitted, NBCOT verification received immediately, no background check delays, board processes in first available window).

Common sources of delay:

• Illinois board processes applications on a rolling basis but may batch review cycle closures; applications submitted near month-end may wait 4-6 additional weeks for next review window
• Verification requests to NBCOT or other state boards can add 2-3 weeks if the source state is slow to respond or requires notarized documentation
• Incomplete applications are returned with no cure period stated; resubmission restarts the clock, causing 2-4 week delays for each iteration
• Background check delays specific to Illinois FOIA requests can extend processing by 1-2 weeks if records are flagged for manual review

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation's site. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.

Illinois OT Continuing Education

Illinois requires 24 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Occupational Therapist license renewal.

• Mandatory topics: sexual harassment prevention training (1 hour)
• First renewal: New licensees may qualify for reduced CE requirements during their first renewal cycle

Illinois OT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $40 via Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation portal
• Renewal timing: Prior to December 31st of odd-numbered years.
• CE topics: sexual harassment prevention training (1 hour)

Illinois Licensing Board and Resources

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: (888) 473-4858

Email: [email protected]