VETINUITY
How many CE hours do Illinois veterinarians need?
40 hours of CE relevant to the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery during the prerenewal period, which is the 24 months before the license expires.
● ANSWER
Sourced & dated
Illinois veterinary CE requirements
Illinois veterinarians need 40 CE hours in the 24 months before license expiration, plus a one-hour sexual harassment prevention course.
● WHAT'S DOCUMENTED
Illinois veterinarians must complete 40 hours of CE relevant to the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery during the 24 months before their license expires.
Illinois renewal and CE
| Requirement | Board information |
|---|---|
| License renewal cycle | Licenses expire on January 31 of each odd-numbered year |
| Required CE | 40 hours during the prerenewal period, the 24 months before the license expires |
| Online and live rules | CE hours may be earned through self-study courses offered by an approved provider |
| Renewal deadline | January 31 of each odd-numbered year; renewal opens the month before expiration |
| Exemptions | No CE is required for the first renewal. The Division may waive CE for good cause, such as full-time armed forces service, incapacitating illness or undue hardship. |
| Reciprocity | CE hours used for another state’s requirement may count in Illinois if consistent with the Illinois rule. RACE, AVMA, AAHA, state veterinary associations, approved veterinary programs, specialty organizations and USDA programs are approved providers. |
| Records | Keep CE records for 4 years and certify compliance on the renewal application |
Required topics in Illinois
| Topic | Hours | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Sexual harassment prevention | 1 | Each renewal cycle, starting with the first renewal after initial licensure. Required by IDFPR for every individual license holder. |
Illinois veterinarian rules, checked 2026-11-07.
Confirm Illinois requirements with the licensing board before renewing.
Veterinary CE requirements by state
Illinois CE hours and renewal period
Illinois requires 40 hours of CE relevant to the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery during the prerenewal period, the 24 months before the license expires. Every veterinarian license expires on January 31 of each odd-numbered year, and licensees can renew during the month before that date.
Approved providers and course rules
CE counts when given or approved by an approved veterinary program, the AVMA or its constituent organizations, the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association or another state or provincial association, AAHA, AAVSB’s RACE, veterinary specialty organizations, or the USDA. Courses must run at least 1 hour, defined as 50 to 60 minutes of contact time. Self-study courses from an approved provider count, and instructors can claim presentation time plus up to 2 hours of preparation per hour presented.
Out-of-state programs and waivers
For a program from another jurisdiction that the Division has not approved, licensees submit an individual program approval request with a processing fee before attending or within 90 days before the license expires. The Division may waive CE for good cause, including full-time armed forces service, incapacitating illness or undue hardship.
Vetinuity
In Illinois, Vetinuity is a veterinary clinical assistant.
● SOURCES
- 1. Illinois veterinarian rules, 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1500.25 and 1500.45 (linked from IDFPR). Section 1500.25 Continuing Education; Section 1500.45 Renewals. Checked 2026-11-07.
- 2. IDFPR continuing education requirements. Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Requirement. Checked 2026-11-06.
● RELATED ANSWERS
- Idaho Veterinary CE Requirements
Idaho requires renewing veterinarians to report 15 hours of continuing education.
- Hawaii Veterinary CE Requirements and Renewal Rules
Review Hawaii veterinary CE requirements, including the 20-hour credit requirement, approved sponsors, and first-renewal graduate exemptions.
- Florida Veterinary CE Requirements
Florida veterinarians must complete 30 CE hours every 24-month biennium by May 31 of even-numbered years.
- Indiana Veterinary CE Requirements Guide
Indiana veterinarians must complete 40 CE hours every 24 months by October 15 of odd-numbered years. Review state board requirements.
- Iowa Veterinary CE Requirements Guide
Iowa veterinarians must complete 60 CE hours every 36 months, with up to 30 hours allowed from approved distance education courses.
- Kansas Veterinary CE Requirements & Fees
Review Kansas veterinary CE requirements, including the 20-hour annual requirement, June 30 renewal deadline, and fee schedule.
● FAQ
When do Illinois veterinary licenses expire?
Every Illinois veterinarian license expires on January 31 of each odd-numbered year. Licensees may renew during the month before the expiration date.
Does Illinois accept RACE approved and self-study CE?
Yes. Programs approved by RACE, the AVMA, state veterinary associations, AAHA and the other listed providers count, and self-study courses from an approved provider can satisfy the requirement.
Do newly licensed Illinois veterinarians need CE for their first renewal?
No. The Illinois rule states a renewal applicant does not have to meet the CE requirement for the first renewal.
● OPEN APP
SEE HOW VETINUITY HANDLES THIS.
Vetinuity explains clinical options with journal citations.
The veterinarian diagnoses and prescribes.