Illinois Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
8-12 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$100
Renewal: $120
Credential
NBRC
Required national certification
Renewal
24 hours
Every 2 years
Overview
Illinois does not participate in an interstate compact for respiratory therapy. Travelers must obtain an individual Illinois license through the endorsement process before practicing in the state, regardless of what licenses they hold elsewhere.
Endorsement Process
Illinois uses an online via core (https://idfpr.illinois.gov/core.html) using Illinois ilogin sso; new applications migrated from the legacy online-dfpr.micropact.com portal on october 30, 2024 endorsement process for respiratory 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 via Illinois board portal
- Request license verification from current state (via NBRC or direct) (can run concurrently)
- Complete any state-specific requirements (jurisprudence exam, background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
- Await board review and license issuance
License verification is handled through NBRC or direct board verification. Illinois requires verification from every state where you hold or have held a respiratory 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. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible, since background check processing is one of the most common sources of delay.
Jurisprudence Exam Required: Illinois requires a mandatory Respiratory Therapy Jurisprudence Examination covering Illinois-specific law. This cannot be waived regardless of your experience level or compact status. Schedule this early — no license (temporary or permanent) will issue until you've passed it.
After all components are received, the Board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Check the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $100 |
| Renewal | $120 (every 2 years) |
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 does not issue temporary respiratory therapy licenses. Your permanent license must be fully issued before you can begin working on assignment. Travelers should plan their start dates accordingly and allow the full processing window before their expected first day.
Processing Time
Illinois respiratory therapist endorsement applications typically take 8-12 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 6 weeks (if application complete, verification immediate, and no background check delays).
Common sources of delay:
- Board processes applications in batches; applications submitted mid-cycle may wait 4-6 weeks before next review window
- Missing or incomplete license verification from current state delays processing; NBRC verification can take 2-3 weeks
- Incomplete background check submissions or delays in fingerprint processing add 2-4 weeks to timeline
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 24 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for respiratory therapist license renewal.
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Illinois may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $120 via Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation portal
- Renewal timing: Biennial — specific expiration date not verified from IDFPR public sources (Illinois RT renewal historically expires Sept 30 of odd-numbered years per 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1340; recommend confirming current cycle directly with IDFPR).
- 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
Board Website·Application Portal·License Verification
Phone: (888) 473-4858
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's official website.
Resources
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Breathe in through your nose, hold, and exhale through your mouth. Repeat at least twice a day, as needed.
