Credential

APN

Est. Fees

$440

CE Hours

80 hrs/cycle

Controlled Subs

Sched II-V w/ collab agreement

Reduced Practice Authority

Highest CE nationally (80 hrs/cycle). Collaborative agreement required for prescribing.

Verify your active RN license

Hold a current RN license in Illinois or a valid compact multistate RN license. Board: idfpr.illinois.gov

Complete an accredited MSN or DNP

CCNE or ACEN accredited with your NP specialty focus and at least 500 supervised clinical hours.

Pass your national certification exam

AANP or ANCC in your specialty. Illinois Board verifies this directly.

Submit your APN application

Apply online to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Fee: $440.

Complete background check

Fingerprinting through an approved vendor. Allow 2–4 weeks for processing.

Establish a collaborative practice agreement

Required for prescribing in Illinois. Agreement with a collaborating physician must be on file with the board.

Apply for DEA registration

Apply at dea.gov after state licensure. $888 every 3 years. Register with IL PDMP within 30 days.