If you employ workers in Illinois, sexual harassment prevention training isn't simply a workplace best practice—it's an annual requirement.

Under the Illinois Human Rights Act, employers with one or more employees must provide sexual harassment prevention training to their employees each calendar year.

Who Is Required to Complete Training?

Illinois employers with one or more employees are required to provide annual sexual harassment prevention training.

The requirement applies to employees regardless of whether they are:

  • Full-time

  • Part-time

  • Short-term or temporary

  • Interns

Employees who work or will work in Illinois must receive the training even when their employer is headquartered outside Illinois.

When Is the 2026 Training Deadline?

Employees must complete the required training by December 31, 2026.

Employers should provide training to newly hired employees as soon as possible after hire and no later than the end of the calendar year.

What Must Illinois Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Cover?

Training must meet or exceed the minimum standards established under the Illinois Human Rights Act.

At minimum, training must include:

  • An explanation of sexual harassment consistent with Illinois law

  • Examples of conduct that constitutes unlawful sexual harassment

  • A summary of relevant federal and Illinois laws concerning sexual harassment, including remedies available to victims

  • An explanation of employers' responsibilities for preventing, investigating and taking corrective action regarding sexual harassment

Can Illinois Sexual Harassment Training Be Completed Online?

Yes. Employers may use a third-party training provider as long as the training meets or exceeds Illinois' minimum requirements.

This makes online training a convenient option for businesses with employees working different schedules or locations.

Do Employers Need to Keep Training Records?

Yes. Employers are required to maintain records documenting completion of sexual harassment prevention training and make those records available to the Illinois Department of Human Rights upon request.

Documentation may include certificates of completion or participation, employee acknowledgments and other training records.

Do Independent Contractors Have to Complete the Training?

Illinois does not require employers to provide the annual training to independent contractors. However, the Illinois Department of Human Rights strongly encourages employers to provide sexual harassment prevention training to all workers, including independent contractors.

Are There Additional Requirements for Restaurants and Bars?

Yes. Illinois restaurants and bars have additional requirements, including supplemental industry-specific sexual harassment prevention training and a written sexual harassment prevention policy.

What Happens If an Employer Doesn't Provide the Required Training?

Failure to provide required annual sexual harassment prevention training is a violation of the Illinois Human Rights Act and can result in enforcement action and civil penalties.

Make 2026 Compliance Simple

OnlyApproved's Illinois Sexual Harassment Prevention Training provides a convenient way for employees to complete their required annual training.

✓ 100% online and self-paced
✓ Meets Illinois training requirements
✓ Approximately 1 hour
✓ Certificate of completion
✓ $25 per employee
✓ Individual and team enrollment

OnlyApproved — straightforward online training for today's workplace.

This guide provides general information about Illinois sexual harassment prevention training requirements and is not legal advice.