How to Become a Physical Therapist in Illinois
In Illinois, a Physical Therapist license typically requires a 225-question national plus state exam, and a $485 exam fee.
Diagnoses and treats movement and mobility disorders. Requires a DPT and the NPTE administered by FSBPT. Requirements change — always confirm with Illinois Physical Therapy Board (IDFPR) before paying.
Licensing steps in Illinois
- 1Meet the basic requirements
Age and background check rules vary — confirm with the state board.
- 2Complete pre-license education
Required training hours are not published here — check with the state board for the current figure.
- 3Register and pass the exam
The exam is administered by FSBPT (NPTE) — Prometric with a 300-minute time limit.
- 4Pay fees and get licensed
Exam fee $485 · application $100 · license $100
- 5Stay current
License renews every 2 years with 40 hours of continuing education.
Physical Therapist requirements — Illinois at a glance
| Education hours | — |
| Exam vendor | FSBPT (NPTE) — Prometric |
| Questions (national/state) | 225 / — |
| Passing score | — |
| Exam fee | $485 |
| Application fee | $100 |
| License fee | $100 |
| First-attempt pass rate | not published |
| Retake rule | — |
| Renewal | every 2 years · 40 CE |
| Reciprocity | Yes — PT Compact member; 3 hours of ethics/jurisprudence CE required per cycle |
Official source: Illinois Physical Therapy Board (IDFPR) ↗
Transferring a Physical Therapist license between states
Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact). Physical therapists transfer through the PT Compact, but it works differently from nursing: you keep your home-state licence and buy a separate compact privilege for each state where you want to practise.
38 jurisdictions currently use it. Illinois is not currently a participant — plan on Illinois's own application route.
Check the PT Compact map for whether both your home state and your destination are actively issuing privileges. Mechanism data retrieved 2026-09-13.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a Physical Therapist license in Illinois?
After completing the required education, most candidates need 4-12 weeks of study before the exam. Total timeline depends on scheduling.
How hard is the Physical Therapist exam in Illinois?
Official first-attempt pass rates are not published by Illinois; check the state board.
What does the Physical Therapist license cost in Illinois?
The exam fee is $485, the application fee is $100, and the license fee is $100
Can I transfer my Physical Therapist license to Illinois?
Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact): Physical therapists transfer through the PT Compact, but it works differently from nursing: you keep your home-state licence and buy a separate compact privilege for each state where you want to practise. For Illinois specifically, our dataset notes: Yes — PT Compact member; 3 hours of ethics/jurisprudence CE required per cycle.
Plan your Physical Therapist licensing in Illinois
Work the road in order — check what Illinois requires, price the prep, lock a study schedule, then keep the license current.
- 1. Confirm requirements — education hours, fees and the board that issues it.
- 2. Budget the prep — exam + application + license + course costs before you pay.
- 3. Study to the exam — the Physical Therapist exam blueprint and a dated study plan.
- 4. Sit the exam — what to bring, where to test, and the retake rule if you miss.
- 5. Stay licensed — renewal cycle, CE hours, and Illinois reciprocity.
Physical Therapist tools for Illinois
Every step of the Illinois Physical Therapist road has a free tool — from the first requirements check to renewal and reciprocity.
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Requirements change frequently — verify all figures with Illinois Physical Therapy Board (IDFPR) (retrieved 2026-08-20).