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How to become a licensed podiatrist (DPM) in Illinois. APMLE required. Surgical scope: full foot and ankle. Total initial fees: $500. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Podiatrist — DPM
Governing Authority
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation - Podiatry
Official website →Yes
APMLE Required
full foot and ankle
Surgical Scope
Not Required
Jurisprudence
Yes
DEA Required
100 hrs
CME Hours
$500
Total Initial Fees
DPM Degree & CPME Accreditation
VerifiedDPM Degree Required
Required
CPME Accreditation
Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) accredited program
Clinical Rotations
Extensive clinical rotations during years 3-4 of podiatric medical school; rotations include surgery, internal medicine, and podiatric specialties
Podiatrists must earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from a Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) accredited program. Programs typically span 4 years, including didactic coursework in podiatric medicine and surgery followed by clinical rotations across various specialties.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedAPMLE Required
American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination
APMLE Part I: Basic medical sciences; taken during or after second year of podiatric medical school
Part I
APMLE Part II: Clinical sciences; taken during or after clinical rotations in third or fourth year
Part II
APMLE Part III: Clinical proficiency; taken during residency training
Part III
Not Required
Jurisprudence Exam
The APMLE (American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination) consists of three parts: Part I covers basic sciences, Part II covers clinical sciences, and Part III covers clinical competency. All three parts must typically be passed for state licensure. Some states also require a state-specific jurisprudence exam covering podiatric medical laws and regulations.
Postgraduate Residency Training
VerifiedRequired
Residency
2 Years
Minimum Duration
CPME-approved Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency (PMSR); minimum 24 months
CPME-Approved
Most states require completion of a CPME-approved podiatric medicine and surgery residency (PMR). Residency programs are typically 3 years and include rotational training in podiatric surgery, medicine, orthopedics, and related specialties. Some states accept 1-2 year residencies completed before current standards were implemented.
Podiatric Surgical Authority
VerifiedSurgical Scope Level
Ankle Surgery
Permitted
Rearfoot Surgery
Permitted
Forefoot Only
No
Laser Surgery
Permitted
Scope Level Guide
Surgical Privileges Notes
Illinois permits podiatrists to perform medical and surgical treatment of the foot and ankle. The Illinois Podiatric Medical Practice Act governs the profession.
Podiatric surgical scope varies significantly by state. Some states allow full ankle and rearfoot surgery, while others restrict podiatrists to forefoot procedures only. Additional surgical training or board certification may be required for expanded surgical privileges. Hospital credentialing may further define surgical scope.
Practice Scope & Prescribing Rights
VerifiedPrescriptive Authority
Granted
Controlled Substances
Schedule II-V controlled substances within scope of podiatric practice
Wound Care
Wound care management for foot and ankle conditions including diabetic foot ulcers, surgical wound care, and post-traumatic wounds
Orthotics & Prosthetics
Prescribing and fitting of custom orthotics and prosthetic devices for foot and ankle
Sports Medicine
Foot and ankle sports medicine including biomechanical assessment, injury treatment, and surgical repair of sports-related injuries
DEA Registration Required
State CDS Registration Required
Podiatrists have prescriptive authority in all states, including controlled substances. DEA registration is required for controlled substance prescribing. Many states also require a separate state-level controlled dangerous substance (CDS) registration. Podiatric scope includes wound care, orthotics, biomechanical assessment, and sports medicine within the foot and ankle.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $300 |
License Fee | $200 |
Renewal Fee | $500 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application and license fees | $500 |
Renewal & CME Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
100 hrs
CME Hours Required
$500
Renewal Fee
CME Details
100 CME hours per 2-year renewal cycle (by January 31 of odd years); CPME, IPMA, or Board-approved sponsors; first renewal exempt from CE requirement
Regulatory Board
Podiatric licenses must be renewed on schedule with the state board. Continuing medical education (CME) requirements vary by state, typically ranging from 20-50 hours per renewal period. Some states require specific topics such as pharmacology, infection control, or pain management. Board certification maintenance through ABFAS or ABPM may also be required.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedEndorsement Available
Yes
Reciprocity Requirements
Most states offer licensure by endorsement for podiatrists holding a license in another state. Requirements typically include APMLE passage, verification of residency completion, good standing in all current jurisdictions, and meeting any state-specific requirements such as jurisprudence exams.
Illinois requires the highest CME hours among all states at 100 hours per biennial renewal. First renewal is exempt from the CE requirement. IDFPR launched the CORE online licensing system in October 2024.
Illinois requires a DPM degree from a CPME-accredited podiatric medical program.
All three parts of the APMLE (Parts I, II, and III) are required for licensure.
Completion of a 2-year CPME-approved podiatric residency is required.
Surgical scope in Illinois: Full foot and ankle.
100 CME hours are required per 2 years renewal cycle.
Illinois does not require a separate jurisprudence examination.
DEA registration is required for prescribing controlled substances.
Illinois requires a separate state controlled substance registration.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Illinois.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#2 of 51
Cost
#35 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 528–538 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation - Podiatry — Licensing Requirements
6-12 weeks after complete application
Estimated processing time
Source: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation - Podiatry — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the APMLE licensing exams.
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Illinois requires a DPM degree and APMLE passage for podiatrist licensure. Surgical scope: full foot and ankle. A CPME-approved residency is required. All licensing is managed through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation - Podiatry.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.