Complete requirements guide for traveling healthcare workers
Application Fee
$25
Processing Time
14–30
days
Renewal Period
2
years
Renewal Fee
Varies
Illinois requires a criminal background check through their specific state vendor. If you are moving from another state, you must proactively mail the transfer application and $25 fee to SIU before you can be listed on the Health Care Worker Registry.
License by Endorsement
Available for out-of-state licensees
Temporary License
Not available
Background Check
Required
Fingerprinting
Required
Jurisprudence Exam
Not required
Endorsement Fee: $25
A $25 fee is required to transfer certification to Illinois. Applications are mailed to Southern Illinois University (SIU) Nurse Aide Testing.
Manual review of mailed applications typically takes 2-4 weeks.
12 hours required every 2 years
Employment in a nursing-related field is required to remain active; nursing homes typically mandate 12 hours of in-service training annually.
Illinois does not issue paper certificates; all verification is done online via the HCWR search portal.
Join TravTrak to get reminders before your license expires and manage all your healthcare credentials in one place.
Sign Up Free →Information last verified: March 29, 2026