Illinois Physical Therapist License
Illinois IDFPR — Physical Therapy
Total Fee
$160
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO / Illinois State Police
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Certification of Education (ED-PT Form) — Official form completed by your educational institution verifying your degree and graduation date. Download Forms
- Official Transcripts — Transcripts must be sent directly from the university to IDFPR or uploaded if permitted by the CORE system.
- NPTE Score Report — Official scores must be transferred from FSBPT to the Illinois Board. Transfer Scores
- Fingerprint Receipt — The receipt from the live scan vendor containing the Transaction Control Number (TCN).
How to Apply
-
Create an ILogin Account ▾Register for a secure State of Illinois ILogin account to access the CORE licensing system.
-
Submit Initial Application via CORE ▾Complete the online application for Physical Therapist licensure. You must select whether you are applying by Examination or Endorsement.
-
Register for the NPTE ▾Illinois requires a dual registration process. You must register with the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
Register for NPTE -
Register with Continental Testing Services (CTS) ▾Applicants by examination must also register with CTS, the state's testing vendor, to verify eligibility for the exam.
Register with CTS -
Complete Fingerprint Background Check ▾Submit to a criminal background check through an IDFPR-licensed live scan vendor. This must be done within 60 days of submitting your application.
-
Submit Supporting Documents ▾Upload your Certification of Education (ED-PT form) and official transcripts directly into the CORE portal.
View Requirements
Total Fee
$160
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Physical Therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.
Steps
-
Verify Out-of-State Licenses ▾Request official verification of licensure from every state where you have ever held a PT license.
-
Transfer NPTE Scores ▾Request a score transfer from FSBPT to Illinois.
Transfer Scores -
Submit CORE Endorsement Application ▾Select the 'Endorsement' path in the CORE portal and pay the $100 fee.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Illinois IDFPR — Physical Therapy
Keeping Your License Active
Illinois Physical Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Illinois IDFPR — Physical Therapy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $60.00 |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Fingerprint Expiration
▾
Fingerprints must be taken within 60 days of the application submission. If taken too early or too late, they will not be accepted.
Dual Registration Failure
▾
Forgetting to register with BOTH Continental Testing Services (CTS) and FSBPT causes significant delays in exam eligibility.
Incomplete ED-PT Form
▾
The Certification of Education form must have the school seal and be signed by the registrar; missing details will stall the application.
Questions
How many CE hours do I need for renewal?
▾
Physical Therapists must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two-year renewal cycle.
When does my Illinois PT license expire?
▾
Licenses expire on September 30th of every even-numbered year (e.g., 2024, 2026).
Can I apply for my license before I graduate?
▾
Yes, you may apply to take the NPTE up to 120 days prior to your scheduled graduation date.
What are the mandatory CE subjects in Illinois?
▾
Requirements include 3 hours of Ethics/Jurisprudence, 1 hour of Sexual Harassment Prevention, 1 hour of Implicit Bias Awareness, and 1 hour of Alzheimer's/Dementia training (if treating adults 26+).