All states · Illinois
Licensing in Illinois
Most professional licenses in Illinois are issued by IDFPR (Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation). Nursing assistants, plumbers and tattoo studios are regulated by IDPH, and construction licenses are issued by cities.
State licenses
License names are official, as they appear in state documents. Choose a field.
| License | Training | Renewal | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologisthair, skin and nails | 1,500 hours | Every 2 years | 14 |
| Barberhaircuts and shaving | 1,500 hours | Every 2 years | 1 |
| Estheticianskin care | 750 hours | Every 2 years | 10 |
| Nail Techniciannail care | 350 hours | Every 2 years | 10 |
| Hair Braidernatural hair braiding | 300 hours | Every 2 years | 10 |
- Licenses are issued by IDFPR. CE hours include a mandatory hour of sexual harassment prevention.
| License | Training | Exam | Renewal | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Massage Therapistmassage therapist (LMT) | 600 hours | MBLEx | December 31, every 2 years | 25 |
- Licenses are issued by IDFPR. Starting with the 2026 renewal, the 25 CE hours include 1 hour on domestic violence and sexual assault.
- The state does not license massage businesses — cities do. Chicago requires a Massage Establishment license.
| License | Issued by | Exam | Renewal | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurseregistered nurse (RN) | IDFPR, Board of Nursing | NCLEX-RN | May 31 of even-numbered years | 20 |
| Licensed Practical Nursepractical nurse (LPN) | IDFPR, Board of Nursing | NCLEX-PN | January 31 of odd-numbered years | 20 |
| Certified Nursing Assistantnursing assistant (CNA) | IDPH, Health Care Worker Registry | State exam after a 120-hour course | — | — |
| Medical Assistantmedical assistant | No state license | CMA or RMA — optional | — | — |
- Illinois is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact: nurses from other states need an Illinois license.
- Nurses' CE hours include required topics: implicit bias, sexual harassment prevention and cultural competency.
- Foreign nursing diplomas are evaluated by an approved agency (for example, CGFNS); TOEFL or IELTS is also required.
| Profession | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Roofing Contractorroofer | IDFPR — state license | The exam is taken by the company's qualifying party |
| Plumberplumber | IDPH — state license | 4-year apprenticeship and a state exam; renewed annually by April 30 |
| Locksmithlocksmith | IDFPR — state license | Exam and fingerprints; a separate license for the agency |
| General Contractorgeneral contractor | Cities | No state license. Chicago has 5 classes (A–E) based on project value |
| Electricianelectrician | Cities | No state license. Chicago requires a Supervising Electrician license: 2 years of experience and an exam |
| What | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Salon or barbershop | IDFPR | Every location must be registered, including when professionals rent a chair. An unlicensed owner hires a licensed manager. Renewal by November 30 of even-numbered years |
| Beauty school | IDFPR | A school license plus separate program approvals: cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nail technology, braiding |
| Tattoo, PMU, piercing | IDPH | The studio is registered; artists are not licensed individually. A bloodborne pathogens course is required |
| LLC | Secretary of State | Online filing — $150, annual report — $75 |
| Sales tax | Illinois Department of Revenue | Register in MyTax Illinois if you sell goods; free |
| Chicago licenses | City of Chicago (BACP) | Salon — Limited Business License, $500 for 2 years (from 2026); massage establishment — $550 for 2 years |
Your state requires an exam — we prepare you online
An exam-prep platform for Cosmetology, Barber, Esthetician and Nail Technician, as well as state law tests. Questions in the real exam format, a breakdown of every mistake, access from your phone and computer — study whenever it suits you.
Learn about the program- Tests in the real exam format
- An explanation for every answer
- Study materials in your personal account
- Study in Russian and English
Illinois specifics
- Not in the Nurse Licensure Compact. Multistate nursing licenses are not valid here.
- Salons are registered with the state. In addition to a city license, a salon registers with IDFPR.
- Tattoo and PMU. The studio registers with IDPH, not the artist.
- General contractors and electricians — city level. There are no state licenses for them.
- Roofers and locksmiths — state level. They are licensed by IDFPR.
- Plumbers — separately. Licensed by IDPH and renewed every year.
What professionals earn in Illinois
Median annual wage statewide, excluding tips. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Frequently asked questions
I have a license from another state. Can I transfer it?
Yes, Illinois offers licensure by endorsement. Your state's requirements must be substantially equivalent to Illinois requirements — IDFPR reviews this.
Does a salon need to register if professionals rent chairs?
Yes. The law requires every salon that employs professionals or rents space to them to register. Registration is required for each location.
Can a nurse from a Compact state work in Illinois?
No, Illinois is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. You need an Illinois license by endorsement.
*Current as of September 29, 2026. The information on this page is not official and is for general reference only. Requirements are set by state and city authorities and may change — always check the official websites: IDFPR, IDPH, Illinois Secretary of State, City of Chicago. Wage data — BLS.