Illinois Respiratory Therapist License
Illinois IDFPR — Respiratory Care
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
- NBRC Credential — Copy of your NBRC credential as a CRT or RRT to verify education and examination requirements. Request NBRC Verification
- Official Transcripts — Transcripts from a CoARC or CAAHEP accredited respiratory care program.
- Fingerprint Receipt — Receipt from an approved livescan vendor showing the Transaction Control Number (TCN).
- Personal History Information — Disclosure of any criminal history or prior disciplinary actions.
How to Apply
-
Create an ILogin Account ▾Register for a State of Illinois ILogin account to access the CORE licensing system.
ILogin Registration Info -
Access the CORE Portal ▾Log in to the Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment (CORE) to start your new application for Respiratory Care Practitioner.
CORE Portal Login -
Submit NBRC Credentials ▾Provide proof of your CRT or RRT credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
NBRC Website -
Complete Fingerprinting ▾Undergo a criminal background check through an IDFPR-approved livescan vendor.
-
Pay Application Fee ▾Pay the non-refundable initial application fee of $120 through the online portal.
Pay Online -
Verify Application Status ▾Monitor the status of your application and any deficient items through your CORE dashboard.
Check Status
Total Fee
$160
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Respiratory Therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.
Steps
-
Verify Out-of-State License ▾Request official verification of licensure from every state where you have ever held a license.
-
Submit NBRC Verification ▾Ensure your NBRC credentials are sent directly to the IDFPR.
NBRC Verification -
Apply via CORE ▾Select the 'Endorsement' method when starting your application in the CORE portal.
Start Endorsement Application -
Complete Illinois Background Check ▾Even if fingerprinted in another state, you must complete the Illinois-specific background check.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Illinois IDFPR — Respiratory Care
Keeping Your License Active
Illinois Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Illinois IDFPR — Respiratory Care for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Visit board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $60.00 |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Missing NBRC Verification
▾
Failure to have the NBRC send official verification directly to the board is a primary cause of delays.
Fingerprint Processing
▾
Background checks can take several weeks; ensure you use an approved vendor and keep your TCN receipt.
Incomplete Out-of-State Verifications
▾
Waiting for other state boards to send license verifications can stall the endorsement process.
Questions
How many continuing education (CE) hours are required for renewal?
▾
24 hours of continuing education are required every two-year renewal period, including specific mandatory courses like sexual harassment prevention and implicit bias awareness.
When does my Illinois Respiratory Care license expire?
▾
All Respiratory Care Practitioner licenses expire on October 31 of every odd-numbered year.
Is the RRT credential required for licensure in Illinois?
▾
The CRT is the minimum requirement, but the RRT is accepted in place of the CRT.
Can I apply for my license using a paper application?
▾
While paper applications may still be available, the IDFPR strongly encourages using the CORE online system to avoid significant processing delays.