Illinois e-News Release
For Immediate Release:
February 3, 2026
Contact: Steven Johnson
IDFPR Advances Phases 3 and 4 of CORE, Expanding New Licensing System with 16 Additional License Types
CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) today announced it is advancing Phases 3 and 4 of CORE (Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment), bringing 16 additional license types onto the state’s modernized regulatory platform. The expansion marks a major step in transitioning from legacy systems to an integrated, enterprise-wide solution that supports the full lifecycle of professional regulation.
With this phase, CORE evolves beyond an online licensing portal to a 360-degree regulatory system that will integrate licensing, continuing education, inspections, compliance, and enforcement into a single record. The platform will provide regulators with enhanced tools to protect consumers while giving professionals a more transparent, efficient, and user-friendly experience.
“By implementing CORE in thoughtful phases, we are getting this right the first time, advancing the system deliberately so each step is secure, intuitive, and centered on the people we serve,” said IDFPR Secretary Mario Treto, Jr. “Every profession added reflects the power of collaboration between IDFPR, the Department of Innovation and Technology, and Department leaders committed to modern, transparent regulation in Illinois.”
A Platform for the Full Regulatory Lifecycle
Phase 3 will introduce online inspection capabilities that allow field staff to complete and submit inspection forms digitally, reducing processing times and strengthening oversight, Additionally, future releases will integrate enforcement case information with licensing records, giving the Department a comprehensive view of each licensee and improving coordination across divisions.
“CORE is more than new technology: it is a transformation in how Illinois serves professionals and consumers,” Secretary Treto added. “This progress reflects the dedication of agency leaders and subject-matter experts who chose discipline over shortcuts so that modernization strengthens consumer protection and public trust.”
| Massage Therapist | Music Therapy Continued Education Sponsor |
| Registered Dental Hygienist | Restricted Shorthand Reporter |
| Approved Shorthand Reporter CE Sponsor | Professional Limited Liability Company |
| Architect | Enrolled Professional Engineer Intern |
| Professional Engineer | Structural Engineer |
| Enrolled Structural Engineering Intern | Physical Therapist Assistant |
| Chiropractic Physician | Physical Therapist |
| Occupational Therapist | Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant |
Building Toward a Unified System
To date, more than 115 new applications for licensure are now being accepted on CORE. All application methods (including renewals, reinstatements, and restorations) – along with additional license types – will be added to CORE during the following phases:
| Phase 1 | Three pilot professions added to test system functionality. New applications only for clinical psychologists, nail technicians, and music therapists. |
| Phase 1.1 | Four additional license types added to CORE. |
| Phase 2 | Add all remaining Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) professions with manual or paper processes, with a priority on healthcare professions. This phase will be for new applications only. |
| Phase 3 | Full regulatory transition for DPR (which includes ALL application types, enforcement integration, and data migration of legacy licenses). - Phase 3.1 was completed on February 3, 2026.
|
| Phase 4 | Full regulatory transition for the Division of Real Estate. |
| Phase 5 | Full regulatory transition for the Division of Banking. |
| Phase 6 | Full regulatory transition for the Division of Financial Institutions. |
IDFPR will continue to provide updates throughout CORE’s implementation as additional professions and regulatory functions come online. For more information on CORE and other IDFPR improvements and success, please visit THE HUB:
https://idfpr.illinois.gov/thehub.
Attachments
To unsubscribe or modify your subscription click the following link https://www.illinois.gov/about/communications-management.html?ui=77D5B485-638C-412E-8EC0-17D0707FA9EB. Please do not forward this email to other individuals or they will have access to your e-Subscription account settings.