Illinois Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

Illinois Respiratory Therapist License Overview

We have not found an interstate compact that covers Respiratory Therapists in Illinois. Plan on meeting Illinois's own requirements before you practice there.

How to Get an Illinois Respiratory Therapist License by Endorsement

Illinois uses an online application 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.

1. Submit the application online through IDFPR's CORE system
2. Request license verification from current state (via NBRC 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 NBRC 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 Respiratory Therapist License Fees

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

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Illinois Temporary Respiratory Therapist 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 Respiratory Therapist License Processing Time

Illinois Respiratory Therapist endorsement applications typically take 8-12 weeks to process.

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

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 Respiratory Therapist Continuing Education

Illinois requires 24 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Respiratory Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

• Mandatory topics: sexual harassment prevention training (1 hour)

Illinois Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $120 via IDFPR's CORE system if you applied in CORE, otherwise through IDFPR's existing renewal process
• Renewal timing: Illinois RT licenses have historically expired September 30 of odd-numbered years (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1340). Confirm the current expiration date with IDFPR.
• 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]