Physician Assistants · Illinois · Continuing education
Illinois Physician Assistant CME Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- PA50 hours every 2 years, including 1 h implicit bias & cultural competency, 1 h dementia & Alzheimer's care (every 6 years), 1 h mandated reporter training (every 6 years), 1 h cultural competency (every 6 years); renewal by March 1 in even-numbered years.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
Illinois PA CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 50hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Mar 1, even yrs
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By March 1 in even-numbered years
- Category 1 minimum
- 25
- Accepted credit
- Category 1 CME as determined by NCCPA (sponsors AAFP, AAPA, AMA/ACCME, AOA or Department-approved schools/agencies/associations; also AAPA-preapproved certification programs, PI-CME, self-assessment); Category 2 for the remaining 25 hours
- Renewal fee
- $80
- New licensees
- No CE required for the first renewal of an Illinois license.
- Audits & records
- Certify compliance on the renewal application; proof (certificates) only in a random audit. Out-of-state programs from non-approved sponsors need prior approval ($25).
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Implicit bias & cultural competencyHealth care professionals with CE requirements, from the first renewal requiring CE | 1 | every renewal |
| Dementia & Alzheimer's careRenewals on/after Jan 1, 2025: before the first renewal requiring CE, then once every six years (20 ILCS 2105/2105-365) | 1 | every 6 years |
| Mandated reporter trainingPAs who work with children: mandated reporter training at least every six years; others attest at each renewal (325 ILCS 5/4) | 1 | every 6 years |
| Cultural competencyRenewals on/after Jan 1, 2025: before the first renewal requiring CE, then once every six years (20 ILCS 2105/2105-370) | 1 | every 6 years |
| Sexual harassment preventionAll individual licensees; counts toward CE | 1 | every renewal |
Alternatives & exemptions. Waiver for good cause (armed forces service, incapacitating illness, physical inability to access programs) on affidavit filed before the renewal date.
Good to know. Licenses expire March 1 of even-numbered years; 50 hours in the 24 months before expiration. Renewal fee $40 per year. Mandated topic hours count toward the 50.
Source: www.ilga.gov · 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1350.115, 1350.116; 20 ILCS 2105/2105-15.5, 2105-15.7, 2105-365, 2105-370 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in Illinois
05 Questions
Which CE courses count for physician assistants in Illinois?
Category 1 CME as determined by NCCPA (sponsors AAFP, AAPA, AMA/ACCME, AOA or Department-approved schools/agencies/associations; also AAPA-preapproved certification programs, PI-CME, self-assessment); Category 2 for the remaining 25 hours.
How many CE hours do physician assistants need in Illinois?
50 hours every 2 years, at least 25 of them Category 1.
How do I verify a physician assistant license in Illinois?
Use the license lookup of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation – Physician Assistant licensing (idfpr.illinois.gov); the board's own record is the primary source. CE status itself is checked by the board at renewal.
How do physician assistants report CE in Illinois?
By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.
When is the renewal deadline for physician assistants in Illinois?
Licenses renew by March 1 in even-numbered years (2 years cycle).