The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced today the launch of the Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment (CORE), its new online licensing system, for the first set of IDFPR-licensed professionals. The new online process eliminates the need for paper applications, gives applicants more control over their application materials, and helps prevent deficient applications from being submitted. In addition to creating a streamlined online application process, CORE features a simplified review process for all license applications received by IDFPR.
“Everyone wanting to earn a living in Illinois in the 21st century should have tools of the times available so they can be licensed and get to work as soon as possible,” said IDFPR Secretary Mario Treto, Jr. “Combined with our steps to streamline our current processes, CORE demonstrates our commitment to fulfilling that mission for the betterment of Illinois, and I look forward to our team fully transitioning our services to this new system over the next two years.”
Today’s launch of CORE marks the first completed step of a planned, multiphase approach by IDFPR over the next two years that will ensure applications for more than 300 license types and records for more than 1.2 million professionals are properly transitioned. IDFPR’s CORE is a result of its work with Tyler Technologies, a leading provider of integrated software and technology services for the public sector. CORE is built on their State Regulatory Platform Suite, which allows regulatory agencies like IDFPR to oversee professional and occupational licenses.
Starting today, new applicants seeking initial licensure for three license types (clinical psychologists, nail technicians, and music therapists) will submit their applications online using CORE. IDFPR selected these three license types to test and ensure CORE’s functionality, while preparing to add all other professions licensed by IDFPR across five additional phases over the next two years. The next phases are:
“Today, we write the first chapter of the next success story for all of Illinois,” said Acting Director of Professional Regulation Camile Lindsay. “While all great stories take time to complete, we know how this one will end: redefining the professional licensing process so even more qualified workers can provide essential services to the people of Illinois.”
To create a streamlined review process, CORE features a user-friendly interface with improved communications. Prospective licensees will be notified directly within the system when applications are received, reviewed, and licenses are issued by the Department—eliminating the need for paper mail and email responses from the Department. In addition, enforcement services (including complaint intake and review, document tracking, and investigations) will be transitioned to CORE. IDFPR will make user guides available online as more services are added to CORE, while continuing its diligent work in reviewing and issuing licenses to qualified applicants under its current processes.
“We are pleased to work with the IDFPR to improve the professional licensing process in Illinois with Tyler’s software,” said General Manager, Tyler Illinois Deanna Gronlie Cook. “Our State Regulatory Platform Suite is fully configurable, making it easy for users to add license types, rules, and processes when new legislation or regulatory requirements are enacted. We are confident this application will enhance the licensing process for various professionals in the state.”
IDFPR will make an announcement when each CORE implementation phase is completed. More information about professional licensing in Illinois may be found on IDFPR’s website: idfpr.illinois.gov.
Curious to see how easily and smoothly this ERP will accommodate Illinois statutory & regulatory requirements. Government use of ERPs has a rocky history … .
Comment by Anyone Remember Wednesday, Oct 30, 24 @ 1:51 pm
I am curious how much of the license process generally requires human intervention. So my wife has to submit various other licenses as well as proof of continuing education (depending on the license; she has three of them for her healthcare role; they are all related but different).
Does someone look at each CEU that gets submitted, or do they just look at a sample? Do they do a random audit of renewal applicants?
Is the check of her federal license done via automation or is someone typing in that license number in a system to check?
While automation will help to track, it will be interesting to see how it helps to process.
Does having every license of a specific type (like Nursing) expire simultaneously worsen the problem?
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Oct 30, 24 @ 1:57 pm
Music Therapists need a license?
Comment by Garbage Man Wednesday, Oct 30, 24 @ 2:27 pm
@Garbage Man
Yes, to bill insurance.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, Oct 30, 24 @ 2:47 pm
How is the license renewal process for health care workers different than for engineers? When I renewed my PE last year, I had to certify I had the required PDHs, answered a few questions, paid the renewal few and a few days later was able to download my license.
Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Oct 30, 24 @ 3:01 pm
The state’s legacy computer systems are a huge huge problem. Rauner created DoIT but didn’t ensure that departments actually migrated to new systems. Kudos to JB for this progress.
Comment by Socially DIstant watcher Wednesday, Oct 30, 24 @ 3:10 pm
I would add kudos to the Pritzker administration for the progress as well. I have seen previews of the new systems for both the State University Retirement System and the Illinois Community College Board MIS systems and both appear to be light years ahead of what exists right now. No doubt there will be growing pains in this licensing system as well as the systems I will be using professionally but the updating of these systems is a massive step forward.
Comment by Aaron B Wednesday, Oct 30, 24 @ 4:24 pm
WOAH! IDFPR really came through here! This is a BIG win, the people asked and they delivered.
Cant wait to try the system out myself!
Comment by NotalawyerIL Wednesday, Oct 30, 24 @ 4:45 pm
“The state’s legacy computer systems are a huge huge problem.”. Same could be said about the financial ERP from Rauner’s DoIT. Retired half decade early to avoid it. Heard of a small headcount agency that had 1 IT employee, the ERP would require 2 approvals. The “consultants” said “X” could give the second approval. “X” was a UIS GPSI … smh.
Comment by Anyone Remember Wednesday, Oct 30, 24 @ 4:49 pm
This is great news for all professionals. I am happy see IDFPR bringing this much needed transition to Illinois professionals.
Comment by Damien Wednesday, Oct 30, 24 @ 5:03 pm
“Decades in the making” is a very odd way to say “decades behind.” As an observer of state government I have a very hard time understanding why this problem was allowed to fester as long as it has festered. I wish them the best and I really hope that this process goes smoothly.
===I would add kudos to the Pritzker administration for the progress as well.===
Kudos should be saved for something other than the minimum expectation of delivery of services to the public.
===Do they do a random audit of renewal applicants?===
I don’t want to live in a place where the only way someone’s paperwork for licensing is examined is if they’re tagged in a random audit.
Comment by Candy Dogood Wednesday, Oct 30, 24 @ 7:28 pm
Congratulations to IDFPR for getting this done. Would like to hear how they worked through the procurement challenge on this.
Comment by I.T. Guy Wednesday, Oct 30, 24 @ 7:53 pm