Applying for a medical license is a tedious process that everyone will start in January of their third year. Before this time, all you need to do is pass Step 3 and save money. The process will vary slightly depending on the state you will be practicing in, but is generally the same everywhere. If you will be starting a job or fellowship in another state, please refer to your new states own guidelines to applying. Listed below is a guide to completing the process in Illinois.
OVERVIEW
This is a general guideline to the steps in becoming a board-certified pediatrician in the state of Illinois. If you are moving to a different state there will likely be differences in the process. This is a multi-step process and each step is contingent on the step before. The process takes MONTHS - it’s best to start early. You will surely have questions along the way. Here are some important contacts for you:
Brenda Vera's Tips
Important Items needed
This is a general guideline to the steps in becoming a board-certified pediatrician in the state of Illinois. If you are moving to a different state there will likely be differences in the process. This is a multi-step process and each step is contingent on the step before. The process takes MONTHS - it’s best to start early. You will surely have questions along the way. Here are some important contacts for you:
- Brenda Vera: Visa/Licensing Coordinator for McGaw. She is your best contact for licensing questions along the way.
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 312-503-4748
- Milica Stojanovic & Chiefs: Can help with Lurie-specific questions
Brenda Vera's Tips
- Carefully follow though the pdf from the Step-by-Step Guide.
- Send Brenda a “print preview” to check for errors BEFORE you pay and submit.
- Log in to your account regularly to check for status updates and deficiencies.
- You will be notified by email from IDFPR when license is issued
Important Items needed
- Electronic USMLE transcript (yes, this needs to be done even if you hold a current IL temp)
- TN-MED (See bottom of page, Bring it to Milica when you're finished and he will help you complete it)
- Fingerprints. (LMCCs/NBOMEs accepted as equivalent to USMLE).
- Undergrad and medical school transcripts
Cost
Step 3: $895
Illinois License Application: $500 (waived for first time applicants in 2024)
Illinois License Extra Costs: $135
Controlled Substance Application: $5
DEA: $888
ABP Certifying Board Exam: $2,265
Study Materials: Varies (can use book money)
Credentialing Costs: ~$300 (differs at each institution)
Lawyer (contract review): ~$1000
GETTING A LICENSE, CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, & DEA
STEP 1: Take STEP 3 AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
STEP 2: Illinois State License
STEP 3: Controlled Substance (CS) License
STEP 4: DEA
- You cannot apply for a license without having passed all STEP exams
- The test only gets harder the further you are from medical school
STEP 2: Illinois State License
- Apply through IDFPR: Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation
- https://www.idfpr.com
- See Step-by-Step Guide at the bottom for instructions
- Important required components of the application (EXTRA FEES):
- FSMB Transcripts: $70
- Fingerprinting: $65 (will need receipt with TCN Number to submit to IDFPR)
- See fingerprinting guide below
- Out-of-state applications fingerprinting can be done for free at the Northwestern Police station at 211 East Superior location
- Timeline: Takes 4-12 weeks to be approved
- AFTER license has been approved:
- Update NPI number with new license number (https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/#/)
STEP 3: Controlled Substance (CS) License
- Start the process while your IL state license is pending
- Apply through the same IDFPR website
- Timeline: Takes 2-4 weeks to be approved
STEP 4: DEA
- Cannot complete until your IL state license & controlled substance license are completed
- Website: https://apps.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/webforms2/spring/main?execution=e1s1
- Timeline: Takes about 1 week
Applying for the ABP CERTIFYING EXAM
You will also need to register for the General Pediatrics Certifying Examination in the spring of your 3rd year. NOTE there is a late fee of $345 if you do not register during ‘regular’ registration dates. The regular registration dates are January 15th – March 31st. Do not pay an extra $345 – register during this time period! Check with your employer or fellowship program to see if any of the cost is reimbursable through them!
- Website: ww.abp.org
- You can register for the exam prior to receiving your permanent Illinois License, HOWEVER you need to submit your license to them before the first day of the month of the actual exam.
-After you apply for the exam, you will still need to schedule through the Prometric Testing Center to secure a testing spot and date at the location you wish to take it at.
You will also need to register for the General Pediatrics Certifying Examination in the spring of your 3rd year. NOTE there is a late fee of $345 if you do not register during ‘regular’ registration dates. The regular registration dates are January 15th – March 31st. Do not pay an extra $345 – register during this time period! Check with your employer or fellowship program to see if any of the cost is reimbursable through them!
- Website: ww.abp.org
- You can register for the exam prior to receiving your permanent Illinois License, HOWEVER you need to submit your license to them before the first day of the month of the actual exam.
-After you apply for the exam, you will still need to schedule through the Prometric Testing Center to secure a testing spot and date at the location you wish to take it at.