Illinois

Credit Required for Relicensure: 150

Timeline In Years: 3

CME Requirements: 60 hours must be Category 1

Content Specific Requirements:

  • Physicians must renew their licenses every three years. The next deadline is July 31, 2026
  • During each 3-year renewal cycle, all licensed physicians must complete 150 hours of CME. This includes:
    • A minimum of 40% (60 hours) in formal CME programs (Category 1). Only an organization accredited for continuing medical education can designate a CME activity for Category 1 credit.
    • A maximum of 60% (90 hours) in informal CME programs or activities (Category 2). This includes any self-designated activity that the physician determines to be educationally beneficial.
  • During the renewal process, physicians must attest to compliance with state CME requirements. The IDFPR will conduct random audits of physicians for compliance with the CME requirements. Therefore,
    • Keep record of all Category 1 CME credits
      • Credits earned by attending education accredited by the FSM Office of CME are available for review. You must be logged in to the FSM CME website. Select “My CME” and then “Transcript”.
      • You may also store external credit documentation here by selecting “upload files”.
    • Record Category 2 credit (include the date, number of hours, and purpose)
  • Applicants renewing their medical license for the first time following issuance of a license are NOT required to complete the 150 hours of CME in Illinois.

The IDFPR mandates specific requirements for IL physicians. These requirements are subject to change. For the most updated information, please visit the IDFPR . The Illinois State Medical Society also provides helpful information related to physician licensure. NEW for 2026: certain mandated courses are now only required every other licensure cycle, and the number of mandated hours for some education is reduced. Please note, these requirements count toward the total 150-hour CME requirement.

  • Every 3 Years:
    • Sexual Harassment Prevention: One hour of sexual harassment prevention education is required.
    • Implicit Bias Awareness: One hour of education on recognizing implicit bias in health care is required.
  • Every 6 Years:
    • Cultural Competency: One hour training on culture competency is required. NEW for 2026
    • Safe Opioid Prescribing: One hour training for IL physicians with a Controlled Substance Registration is required. CHANGED for 2026
    • Recognizing Dementia: One hour training is required for IL physicians who directly interact with patients aged 26 and above. Must include education on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
  • Other:
    • Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse: Physicians and other who are required to report child abuse or child neglect must complete mandated reporter training within three months of their date of engagement in the profession, and every 6 years thereafter if they work with children in a professional capacity. At each license renewal, physicians who work with children must attest to their understanding of their role as a mandated reporter.

    The city of Chicago requires all employees who work in Chicago to complete annual sexual harassment training.

    • Employees must participate in 1 hour of sexual harassment prevention training and 1 hour of bystander training annually.
    • Anyone who supervises or manages employees must participate in 2 hours of sexual harassment prevention and 1 hour of bystander training annually.

    For more information visit the Illinois Division of Professional Regulation - Medical Licensing Board Website

    MATE Act

    Find CME related to substance use disorders, effective treatment planning, pain management, and substance abuse here