Complete licensure guide for travel PTs, PTAs, OTs, COTAs, and SLPs working in Illinois — including board contacts, fees, processing times, and compact membership status.
Last updated 2026-07-28. Licensing requirements and processing times change — verify current rules with the Illinois licensing board before you apply.
This is the official licensing authority for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and/or speech-language pathologists in Illinois.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| PT Application Fee | $200 |
| OT Application Fee | $200 |
| SLP Application Fee | $175 |
| Processing Time | 4–8 weeks |
| Temporary License | No |
| CE Requirements | 20 hrs/2yr |
| PT Compact | Not a member |
| OT Compact | Not a member |
Membership and issuing are different things: 3 jurisdictions have enacted the PT Compact without issuing a single privilege yet. Our Compact Eligibility Checker takes your home state and your destination and tells you whether a privilege is actually available today — 38 PT, 8 OT and 4 ASLP-IC jurisdictions are issuing as of 2026-08-27.
No — Illinois is not a PT Compact member (legislation has been introduced but not enacted), so PTs and PTAs must complete a full endorsement application. Learn more about the PT Compact → · Full PT Compact guide
No — Illinois is not an OT Compact member, so OTs and COTAs must complete a full endorsement application (OT Compact Commission, verified September 30, 2026). Learn more about the OT Compact →
SLPs must complete a full endorsement application. No formal SLP interstate compact is currently active. See our SLP Compact status page for updates.
Illinois is not a PT Compact member. Illinois is not an OT Compact member. Processing is unpredictable — 4–6 weeks normally, up to 10 weeks in busy periods. Online applications available. Chicago market has consistent demand for travel therapists.
Confirm your current license is active and unencumbered. If applying via compact, confirm both your home state and Illinois are compact members.
Typically required: diploma verification, NPTE/NBCOT/Praxis scores, license verifications from all current states, background check, and professional references.
Complete the online application through the Illinois licensing board portal. Pay all required fees. Submit supporting documents as instructed.
Most states require fingerprinting and/or a criminal background check. Processing time for this step varies — factor it into your overall timeline.
Check application status online or by contacting the board directly. Follow up if processing exceeds the estimated timeframe.
Once issued, verify your license number and expiration date. Note your CE deadline and renewal date immediately.
A travel therapy recruiter who specializes in Illinois can guide you through the application process, help you avoid common mistakes, and coordinate timing with your next assignment.
Get help navigating this state's licensing process from a travel therapy specialist.
Typical processing time is 4–8 weeks for a traditional endorsement application. Illinois is not in the PT Compact, so PTs and PTAs use the endorsement route. Always verify current timelines directly with the Illinois licensing board as processing times can change.
Yes. Illinois accepts out-of-state licensure by endorsement. You'll need to submit verification of your current state license(s), educational credentials, and national exam scores. Requirements vary by discipline.
Illinois is not a member of the PT Compact (legislation has been introduced but not enacted), so PTs and PTAs need a full Illinois license. Check the PT Compact Commission's compact map for changes.
Illinois requires 20 hrs/2yr of continuing education for license renewal. Requirements may differ slightly by discipline (PT vs OT vs SLP). Always verify the specific CE requirements for your discipline with the Illinois licensing board before your renewal deadline.