Illinois rad tech license: x-ray and sonographer rules

Illinois rad tech license: an x-ray technologist needs a state accreditation, a sonographer none; 44 programs.

The state rules apply where you take the images

Example: Illinois· change any figure to see your own result

Illinois: state license for an x-ray technologist

Yes

Yes, a state accreditation · sonographer: no state license

Radiologic technologist (radiography)Yes, a state accreditation
Sonographer (ultrasound)No state license
Limited x-ray operatorNo limited credential in the ASRT table
Other licensed modalitiesNone in the ASRT table
AgencyIllinois Emergency Management Agency
Programs reported to IPEDS (2023-24)30 radiography, 14 sonography

Rule from the ASRT state table, checked against the page of Illinois Emergency Management Agency on November 13, 2026.

How this is computed

Compiled by Radif Partners · How the rules were read

Illinois calls its credential an accreditation, issued by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency rather than a health board. It costs $120 and lasts two years, renewable up to 60 days before it expires. Limited scope radiography has its own exam, taken before accreditation. Sonography has no Illinois credential. Southwestern Illinois College reported the largest radiography class in 2023-24. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency accredits radiologic technologists rather than licensing them: accreditation costs $120 and is valid for two years, with renewal open up to 60 days before it expires. Limited scope radiography needs a passed exam before accreditation, and a temporary accreditation holder must pass the ARRT boards within two years to renew. By awards in 2023-24, the largest programs were Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville (radiography, 46), City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College in Chicago (radiography, 33), College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn (radiography, 27), William Rainey Harper College in Palatine (radiography, 25), Triton College in River Grove (sonography, 25), Midwestern Career College in Chicago (radiography, 24), Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College in Rockford (sonography, 24) and Midwestern Career College in Chicago (sonography, 22).

How to get the Illinois rad tech license

Complete the Initial Accreditation in Medical Radiation Technology application with the name on your state ID, pay the $120 fee (a 2.25% convenience fee applies to cards), and send your ARRT result. Limited scope applicants book the state exam first.

Illinois: imaging modalities with a state rule (ASRT table, read November 13, 2026)
ModalityState credential
RadiographyNo license (accredited)
Nuclear medicineNo license (accredited)
Radiation therapyNo license (accredited)
Limited x-rayNo license (accredited)
Radiologist assistantNo license (accredited)
Illinois: fees printed on the agency page, read November 13, 2026
FeeAmount
Accreditation (2 years)$120

Illinois rad tech and sonography schools

Illinois: the largest of 30 radiography and 14 sonography programs; public in-state median $9,990 and $9,200 a year (IPEDS 2023-24)
SchoolCityProgramAwards 2023-24In-state tuition and fees
Southwestern Illinois CollegeBellevilleRadiography46$6,390
City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X CollegeChicagoRadiography33$11,520
College of DuPageGlen EllynRadiography27$10,410
William Rainey Harper CollegePalatineRadiography25$9,990
Triton CollegeRiver GroveSonography25$11,790
Midwestern Career CollegeChicagoRadiography24n/a
Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career CollegeRockfordSonography24$16,699
Midwestern Career CollegeChicagoSonography22n/a
Kaskaskia CollegeCentraliaRadiography21$7,770
Sauk Valley Community CollegeDixonRadiography21$11,580

Tuition and exam: becoming a technologist in Illinois

Example: sonography, 2 years in Illinois· change any figure to see your own result

Sonography in Illinois: tuition and exam

$18,975

$9,200 a year × 2 + ARDMS SPI and one specialty $575

Median public in-state tuition and fees in Illinois$9,200 a year (2023-24)
Years of study2
Exam fees$575
State licenseNo state license
Full calculator: Sonographer: the job and the route →

Questions students and technologists ask

Tap a question to see the answer.

How much does Illinois accreditation cost for a rad tech?

$120 for two years, plus a 2.25% convenience fee when you pay by credit card, according to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency page we read on November 13, 2026. You can renew up to 60 days before the accreditation expires.

Can I work in Illinois on a temporary accreditation?

Yes, for a limited time: the agency says a temporary accreditation holder must pass the ARRT boards within two years to be eligible to renew. Limited scope radiography works differently, with a state exam required before the accreditation is granted.

How much does rad tech or sonography school cost in Illinois?

Yearly tuition and required fees for residents in 2023-24, from the IPEDS charges file, the five lowest: John A Logan College in Carterville, $5,990 ($7,610 for nonresidents); Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, $6,390 ($6,210 for nonresidents); Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, $6,960 ($10,248 for nonresidents); Elgin Community College in Elgin, $7,140 ($9,516 for nonresidents); Kaskaskia College in Centralia, $7,770 ($12,570 for nonresidents).

Next steps

Rad tech license by state

39 jurisdictions issue a credential to radiographers; the word each uses, and the 12 that do not.

Sonographer license by state

Only 5 places license sonographers; the agency of each, and what the other states ask instead.

Moving to another state

Licensed in one state, moving to another: whether you need a new state credential, and where to apply.

Radiology tech schools

482 radiography programs with graduates in 2023-24: find those of your state with tuition and fees.

State tables, agency pages, fee pages and federal files behind this page (4)

Each form number, fee, length and signer list was read on these official documents on November 13, 2026.

Compiled by

Independent publisher of state-by-state licensing rules and exam cost calculators for sonographers and radiologic technologists. Paid by no one: no school lead, no affiliate link, no paid placement.

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The answers apply the ASRT state table and the agency pages read on November 13, 2026, and the IPEDS files for 2023-24. Rules change: your state agency decides.