Illinois Physical Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
6-8 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$100
Renewal: $60 · Temp license available
Compact (PT Compact)
No
Not a PT Compact member state
Renewal
40 hours
Every 2 years
Overview
Illinois is not a PT Compact member. Physical therapists must pursue traditional endorsement (mail-based application with 6-8 week processing) or sit for Illinois-specific examination. No multistate reciprocity agreement exists; each license is state-specific.
Endorsement Process
Illinois uses a mail/pdf application endorsement process for physical therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $100 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application by mail
- Request license verification from current state (via FSBPT or direct) (can run concurrently)
- Await board review and license issuance
License verification is handled through FSBPT or direct board verification. Illinois requires verification from every state where you hold or have held a physical therapist license, so request verification early to avoid delays.
Background check requirements vary by applicant — confirm the current fingerprinting and screening steps with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — Division of Professional Regulation. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible, since background check processing is one of the most common sources of delay.
After all components are received, the Board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Check the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — Division of Professional Regulation website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $100 |
| Renewal | $60 (every 2 years) |
| PT and PTA initial application | $100 |
Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting. Many staffing agencies, including Fusion Medical Staffing, offer licensure reimbursement programs to help offset these expenses.
Temporary License
Illinois issues temporary physical therapy licenses, allowing physical therapists to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed. For travelers, this is often the fastest path to starting an assignment.
Eligibility requirements:
- Must have filed a complete endorsement application with Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Must hold a valid, active physical therapy license in another U.S. state or jurisdiction
- No criminal history disqualifiers (self-reported)
Issuance timeline:
- Complete and accepted endorsement application on file
- Verification of current state licensure confirmed via FSBPT or direct board request
- Background check (self-reported) shows no disqualifying criminal history
Denial risks:
- Any criminal conviction or disciplinary action on record in current or prior jurisdictions
- Incomplete application or missing verification from home state
- Failure to initiate FSBPT verification or direct state contact within specified timeframe
Important for travelers: Temporary license automatically expires upon issuance of permanent license or formal denial of endorsement application (up to 1 year maximum). Any disciplinary action or adverse finding during permanent license review may trigger immediate revocation of temporary license. Licensee cannot renew temporary license; must obtain permanent license before expiration or cease practice.
Processing Time
Illinois physical therapist endorsement applications typically take 6-8 weeks to process. The timeline is subject to moderate variability depending on the completeness of your application and external factors.
In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 4 weeks.
Common sources of delay:
- Mail-only application submission creates bottleneck; no online portal available, so processing clock starts only when physical application received
- Board review step cannot run concurrently with initial application submission; single sequential review cycle means missing one monthly review window adds 4+ weeks
- Background check relies on self-reported criminal history with no third-party verification engine, requiring manual board staff review and potential follow-up requests
Illinois does not offer an expedited processing track. 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.
Continuing Education
Illinois requires 40 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for physical therapist license renewal.
- Mandatory topics: ethics — 4 hours per cycle, sexual harassment prevention — 1 hour per cycle
- Physical Therapist Assistants: 20 contact hours every 2 years (vs 40 for physical therapists)
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Illinois may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring September 30 of even years — $60 via IDFPR portal
- CE topics: ethics — 4 hours per cycle and sexual harassment prevention — 1 hour per cycle
- Renewal window: Opens 90 days before expiration
- Late penalty: License becomes expired, and must restore and pay late fee
- Traveler tip: Track your Illinois license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation -- Division of Professional Regulation
Board Website·Application Portal·License Verification
Phone: (844) 789-3676
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Requirements and processes can change frequently. Healthcare professionals are strongly encouraged to verify details directly with Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation -- Division of Professional Regulation's official website.
