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Professional Engineer (PE) License in Illinois

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your Professional Engineer (PE) license in IL. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$500

Processing Time

8-12 Weeks

Exam Required

FE & PE Exams (NCEES)

Difficulty Level

High

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your Professional Engineer (PE) license in Illinois.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved Professional Engineer (PE) training program in Illinois.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 5 required documents for your IL application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the FE & PE Exams (NCEES).

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the Illinois licensing board and pay the $500 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 8-12 weeks in IL. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

Getting licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Illinois starts with meeting the educational prerequisites set by the IL licensing authority. Once you have completed your training, you will need to register for and pass the FE & PE Exams (NCEES). After passing, submit your application along with all required documents to the Illinois state board.

Requirements

The Illinois licensing board sets clear requirements for aspiring Professional Engineer (PE) professionals. These include age verification (minimum 18), completion of state-approved education, and passing the FE & PE Exams (NCEES). IL also requires a thorough background investigation and may request additional documentation depending on your specific circumstances.

Fees & Costs

The initial application fee for a Professional Engineer (PE) license in Illinois is approximately $500. This fee covers the processing of your application and initial license issuance. IL also charges an examination fee which is typically paid directly to the testing provider. Late application submissions in Illinois may incur additional penalties of up to $125.

License Fee Calculator — Professional Engineer (PE) in Illinois

Base License Fee$500
Estimated Total$500

Renewal Process

Illinois requires Professional Engineer (PE) license holders to renew their credentials every 2 years. The renewal fee is $350 in IL. Continuing education requirements must be met before the renewal application is submitted. Illinois offers both online and mail-in renewal options for licensed professionals.

License Expiry Calculator — Professional Engineer (PE) in IL

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. Illinois requires renewal every 2 years.

Additional Information

Illinois takes professional licensing seriously, and the Professional Engineer (PE) field is no exception. The state board in IL regularly updates its requirements to align with industry standards and protect public safety. As a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Illinois, you will be expected to maintain high ethical standards and stay current with developments in your field. The IL licensing board provides resources and support to help professionals meet their obligations.

Document Checklist — Professional Engineer (PE)

0 of 5 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My Illinois Professional Engineer (PE) License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) PartialAK requires additional exam or paperwork for IL license holders.
Alabama (AL) NoneAL does not recognize IL Professional Engineer (PE) license. Full re-application required.
Arizona (AZ) PartialAZ requires additional exam or paperwork for IL license holders.
Arkansas (AR) PartialAR requires additional exam or paperwork for IL license holders.
Colorado (CO) PartialCO requires additional exam or paperwork for IL license holders.
Delaware (DE) NoneDE does not recognize IL Professional Engineer (PE) license. Full re-application required.
California (CA) PartialCA requires additional exam or paperwork for IL license holders.
Florida (FL) FullFL accepts IL Professional Engineer (PE) license via reciprocity agreement.

Where to File Locally in Illinois

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

Chicago

100 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601

(312) 814-4500

Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Springfield

320 W Washington St, Springfield, IL 62786

(217) 785-0800

Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Rockford

425 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104

(815) 987-5600

Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Peoria

419 NE Jefferson Ave, Peoria, IL 61603

(309) 671-3000

Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Naperville

400 S Eagle St, Naperville, IL 60540

(630) 420-6111

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Official Illinois Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the Illinois state board. Regulations may change.

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Disclaimer

US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.