Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has announced the addition of 24 more professions to its new online licensing system, CORE (Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment). This marks the completion of Phase 2.3 of CORE, with the final part of Phase 2 expected to be completed this summer. The department will provide updates on the completion of Phase 2 and additional professions added to CORE.

Phase 2 is focused on transitioning license types from paper applications to the online system, which aims to eliminate paper applications that require longer processing times. Individuals seeking their first license in these newly available professions should use IDFPR's new licensing system for application.

The newly added license types include Barber School, Interior Designer, Canine Instructor, Landscape Architect, Cemetery Authority, Nail Technician School, Nonresident Mail-Order Ophthalmic Provider, Nurse Continuing Education Sponsor, Occupational Therapy Continuing Education Sponsor, Orthotist, Pedorthist, Physical Therapy Continuing Education Sponsor, Podiatry Continuing Education Sponsor, Prosthetist, Public Accountant Continuing Education Sponsor among others.

To date, there are now 70 initial professional license applications available on CORE. Future phases will continue adding application methods such as renewals and reinstatements along with additional license types.

Phase 1 began with three pilot professions: clinical psychologists, nail technicians, and music therapists. Subsequent phases will cover all remaining Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) professions and transition other divisions like Real Estate and Banking into CORE by August 2026.

IDFPR will keep the public informed about significant updates during CORE's implementation and improvements in current licensing processes. More information is available on IDFPR's website: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/.