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Surgical Technologist License in Illinois

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your Surgical Technologist license in IL. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$200

Processing Time

3-5 Weeks

Exam Required

CST Exam (NBSTSA)

Difficulty Level

Medium

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your Surgical Technologist license in Illinois.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved Surgical Technologist 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 CST Exam (NBSTSA).

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the Illinois licensing board and pay the $200 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 3-5 weeks in IL. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

Getting licensed as a Surgical Technologist 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 CST Exam (NBSTSA). After passing, submit your application along with all required documents to the Illinois state board.

Requirements

Before applying for a Surgical Technologist license in Illinois, ensure you meet all eligibility criteria. IL requires candidates to have completed the necessary educational coursework and accumulated the required training hours. All applicants must pass a comprehensive background check and provide proof of identity. Successfully passing the CST Exam (NBSTSA) is a non-negotiable requirement in Illinois.

Fees & Costs

Obtaining your Surgical Technologist license in Illinois requires a financial investment. The base licensing fee in IL is $200, which includes application processing and credential verification. Exam registration fees are separate and vary by testing center. Budget for approximately $350 total when accounting for all associated costs in Illinois.

License Fee Calculator — Surgical Technologist in Illinois

Base License Fee$200
Estimated Total$200

Renewal Process

Your Surgical Technologist license in Illinois must be renewed every 2 years. The renewal fee in IL is $125. Illinois requires completion of continuing education credits before renewal. Submit your renewal application at least 30 days before expiration to avoid late fees. Practicing with an expired license in IL can result in fines and disciplinary action.

License Expiry Calculator — Surgical Technologist 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 Surgical Technologist 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 Surgical Technologist 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 — Surgical Technologist

0 of 5 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My Illinois Surgical Technologist 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) PartialAL requires additional exam or paperwork for IL license holders.
Arizona (AZ) FullAZ accepts IL Surgical Technologist license via reciprocity agreement.
Arkansas (AR) FullAR accepts IL Surgical Technologist license via reciprocity agreement.
Colorado (CO) FullCO accepts IL Surgical Technologist license via reciprocity agreement.
Delaware (DE) PartialDE requires additional exam or paperwork for IL license holders.
California (CA) FullCA accepts IL Surgical Technologist license via reciprocity agreement.
Florida (FL) NoneFL does not recognize IL Surgical Technologist license. Full re-application required.

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.