Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has announced the addition of 18 more professions to its online licensing system, CORE (Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment). This development is part of Phase 2.2 of the system's rollout, with full completion of Phase 2 expected soon.

Phase 2 targets license types that were previously only available via paper applications. By transitioning these to the digital platform, IDFPR aims to eliminate paper applications and reduce processing times. Individuals seeking their first licenses in the newly added professions are encouraged to use CORE for their applications.

The newly included license types on CORE are Acupuncture Continuing Education Sponsor, Environmental Health Practitioner in Training, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Fingerprint Vendor, Cemetery Continuing Education Sponsor, Firearm Instructor, Cemetery Customer Service Employee, Funeral Director and Embalmer Continuing Education Sponsor, Cemetery Manager, Genetic Counselor, Certified Euthanasia Technician, Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Professional Midwife Continuing Education Sponsor, Nursing Home Administrator, Certified Veterinary Technician, Perfusionist, Detection of Deception Trainee, and Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology Continuing Education Sponsor.

Currently, 46 initial professional license applications are accessible through CORE. Future phases will incorporate all application methods such as renewals and reinstatements along with additional license types.

Phase 1 introduced three pilot professions—clinical psychologists, nail technicians, and music therapists—to test system functionality. It concluded on October 30, 2024. Subsequent phases have gradually expanded the range of professions covered by CORE.

Phases yet to be completed include full regulatory transitions for various divisions within IDFPR: Division of Professional Regulation (DPR), Division of Real Estate, Division of Banking, and Division of Financial Institutions. Full implementation is scheduled for August 2026.

The public will continue to receive updates on significant progress related to CORE's implementation through IDFPR's website: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/.