Physicians · Illinois · Continuing education
Illinois CME Requirements for Physicians (2026)
01 In short
- MD/DO150 CME hours every 3 years, including 1 h implicit bias & cultural competency, 1 h dementia & Alzheimer's care (every 6 years), 1 h cultural competency (every 6 years), 1 h sexual harassment prevention; renewal by July 31.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
Illinois MD/DO CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 150CME hours
- Renewal cycle
- 3 years
- Deadline
- Jul 31
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By July 31
- Accepted credit
- At least 60 hours formal CME (programs conducted/endorsed by hospitals, specialty societies, medical/osteopathic schools, board certification/recertification programs, approved sponsors; up to 12.5 h per month of postgraduate training); up to 90 hours informal (online searching, consultation, teaching, writing, self-assessment, peer review, etc.). AMA PRA certificate accepted as proof of the 150 hours
- Carryover
- CME used for one renewal cannot be used for another period.
- New licensees
- Not required for the first renewal of an Illinois license, or after reinstatement to active status during the prerenewal period.
- Audits & records
- Licensees keep their own completion records; the Division may require evidence (e.g. certificates).
- Renew online
- online-dfpr.micropact.com ↗
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Implicit bias & cultural competencyPhysicians (medical and osteopathic); counts toward CE hours | 1 | every renewal |
| Dementia & Alzheimer's careOnly physicians with direct patient interaction with adults aged 26+; repeated once every 6 years | 1 | every 6 years |
| Cultural competencyPhysicians; from first renewal on or after Jan 1, 2025, repeated once every 6 years | 1 | every 6 years |
| Sexual harassment preventionAll licensees; counts toward CE hours | 1 | every renewal |
Alternatives & exemptions. Waiver for hardship (armed forces service, incapacitating illness, undue hardship) requested before the renewal date. Out-of-state CME accepted if approved by that jurisdiction.
Good to know. One license type for MDs and DOs. Prerenewal period = 36 months before July 31 of the renewal year (2026 deadline extended to Aug 31, 2026 by variance). Opioid prescribing CE for controlled substance licensees and mandated-reporter training not confirmed on official pages read.
Source: www.ilga.gov · 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1285.110; 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130.400, 1130.500, 1130.525, 1130.550 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in Illinois
05 Questions
Which CE courses count for physicians in Illinois?
At least 60 hours formal CME (programs conducted/endorsed by hospitals, specialty societies, medical/osteopathic schools, board certification/recertification programs, approved sponsors; up to 12.5 h per month of postgraduate training); up to 90 hours informal (online searching, consultation, teaching, writing, self-assessment, peer review, etc.). AMA PRA certificate accepted as proof of the 150 hours.
How do I verify a physician license in Illinois?
Use the license lookup of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (Illinois State Medical Board) (idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/physicians.html); the board's own record is the primary source. CE status itself is checked by the board at renewal.
How many CE hours do physicians need in Illinois?
150 CME hours every 3 years.
Which CE topics are mandatory for physicians in Illinois?
Implicit bias & cultural competency — 1 h (every renewal); Dementia & Alzheimer's care — 1 h (every 6 years); Cultural competency — 1 h (every 6 years); Sexual harassment prevention — 1 h (every renewal).
How do physicians report CE in Illinois?
By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.
When is the renewal deadline for physicians in Illinois?
Licenses renew by July 31 (3 years cycle).