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Illinois Respiratory Therapy CE Requirements 2026

IL

Illinois

Respiratory Therapy
License Requirements

Your comprehensive guide to continuing education requirements for respiratory therapists in Illinois. Stay compliant, advance your career.

View Requirements Get Unlimited CEUs

24 CEUs

Total Hours

2 Years

Renewal Cycle

(Biennial)

0 Hours

Live Hours

(No strict Live requirement)

24 Hours

Flexible Hours

(All hours may be online/self-study)

Next renewal deadline:October 31st(Biennial)

Continuing Education Requirements

Updated: December 15, 2025

Illinois Respiratory Therapy CE Requirements

24 Hours every 2 years - Total CE requirement for license renewal

Total Requirement: 24 contact hours of acceptable continuing education are required every renewal period.
Online/Self-Study: Illinois does not strictly limit the number of hours taken online for Respiratory Care Practitioners, provided the courses are from approved sponsors (e.g., AARC, ISRC, ANCC). You can technically complete all 24 hours via approved online methods.
Sexual Harassment Prevention: You must complete 1 hour of training on sexual harassment prevention. This is a mandatory requirement for all licensed professionals in Illinois.
Implicit Bias Awareness: You must complete 1 hour of implicit bias training. This course must be approved by the Department or an approved CE provider.
Dementia Recognition: You must complete 1 hour of training on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. This applies to all healthcare professionals who provide services to adults age 26 or older.
Cultural Competency: Effective Jan 1, 2025, you must complete 1 hour in Cultural Competency training.
Approved Sponsors: Courses must be taken from sponsors approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), such as the AARC or affiliates.

Illinois License Renewal Process

Expiration Date: Licenses expire on October 31st of every odd-numbered year (e.g., 2025, 2027).
Renewal Window: The renewal period typically opens 2-3 months prior to the expiration date (around August/September).
Online Portal: Renewal is completed through the IDFPR Online Services Portal.
Fees: The renewal fee is approximately $120.00 (calculated as $60/year). Fees are subject to change by the IDFPR.
First-Time Renewal: If this is your first renewal after your original license issuance, you are exempt from the 24-hour CE requirement. You still need to renew and pay the fee, but you do not need to submit proof of CEUs.
Audit: The State conducts random audits. You must retain your CE certificates for at least 5 years.

Illinois State Board Information

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)

Phone: 1-800-560-6420

Website: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/respcare.html

Important Note:

Requirements may change. Always verify with the Illinois state licensing board for the most current information.

FAQs

Illinois CE Requirements FAQ

Common questions about Illinois respiratory therapy continuing education requirements

Not strictly. Unlike some states that require a specific number of in-person or real-time hours, Illinois allows Respiratory Therapists to complete their CEUs through approved online courses (AARC/ANCC approved). However, checking for Live Webinar options is always a safe bet for quality education.

No. If this is your first renewal since you received your initial license, you are exempt from the CE requirements. You simply pay the renewal fee. The 24-hour requirement begins for your *second* renewal cycle.

No. The Sexual Harassment Prevention training is a specific legal mandate in Illinois. You must take a course specifically titled and designed to meet the Sexual Harassment Prevention requirement.

If you fail to renew by October 31st, your license will expire. You cannot practice with an expired license. You will have to pay a late fee/restoration fee and may need to submit proof of CEUs to reinstate your license.