Continuing Education Requirements for APNs

(65/15-45; 1305:100)

The first time that APNs needed to obtain 50 hours of Continuing Education (CE) was during the licensing cycle 2004 - 2006. However, this CE requirement for licensure has nothing to do with keeping one’s certification current. It is up to the APN to differentiate how to comply with Illinois license requirements and his/her respective certification requirements. IDFPR does not intend to have everyone submit proof of CE as is done with some certifying bodies. However, at any given time the IDFPR has the right to perform random audits. Therefore, it behooves all APNs to always be prepared to show proof of their CE.

A list organizations from which continuing education credit is acceptable is contained in the Rules (1305.100) In general, if a certain type of continuing education credit is allowed by the certifying bodies accepted by IDFPR, chances are that credit will be accepted for licensure renewal.