Illinois Social Work License Requirements and Programs: Become a Social Worker in IL
Recent changes to the Illinois social work licensing process have led to significant growth in the field and questions about requirements. Discover what these changes mean for you and how to get a social worker license in Illinois.
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Illinois Social Work Licensing Requirements
The Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation oversees the licensing process in the state. Illinois has two licensure levels: licensed social worker (LSW) and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).
Both LSW and LCSW applicants need a master’s in social work (MSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). In 2021, Illinois removed the requirement for the master’s exam from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) for LSW candidates. LCSW applicants, however, still need to pass the ASWB’s clinical exam.
Licensed Social Work (LSW)
Indiana’s LSWs provide various social services to individuals and groups, handling responsibilities such as case management and community organization. With this license, social workers can only provide clinical social worker services while under the supervision of an LCSW.
Illinois licensure requirements for LSW include:
- CSWE-accredited master’s degree in social work
- ASWB master’s exam (recommended if you plan to practice outside of Illinois)
OR
- CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree in social work and three years of supervised experience
- ASWB master’s exam (recommended if you plan to practice outside of Illinois)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
LCSWs can perform the same duties as LSWs and provide counseling and psychotherapy services without supervision.
Illinois licensure requirements for LCSW include:
- CSWE-accredited master’s degree in social work
- Minimum 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised experience
- Passing score on the ASWB clinical exam
OR
- CSWE-accredited doctorate in social work
- Minimum 2,000 hours of post-graduate supervised experience
- Passing score on the ASWB clinical exam
Social Work License Reciprocity in Illinois
Illinois does not have a reciprocity agreement with any other states, but out-of-state licensed social workers can receive licensure in Illinois through the endorsement process, allowing them to bypass the examination.
To qualify, out-of-state LSWs must submit the licensure-by-endorsement form, proof of their education and licensure, and the application fee. Out-of-state LCSWs need the same and proof of their supervised clinical experience. LCSWs with at least five years of professional experience must only submit certified verification of licensure.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education in Illinois
In Indiana, social workers must renew their licenses before November 30th of every odd-numbered year, meaning licenses remain active for two years. Social workers automatically qualify for renewal when they first get licensed, but every license renewal afterward requires a minimum of 30 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years.
Of those hours, renewal candidates need at least three hours in ethics, three hours in cultural competence, and one hour in bias awareness. They also need to complete training courses to become mandated reporters, sexual harassment prevention training, and training for the diagnosis, treatment, and care of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Social workers can complete the required CEUs for license renewal via online training, but remote sessions need a final examination to qualify. License renewals cost $60.
Accredited Social Work Programs in Illinois
The following alphabetical directory lists CSWE-accredited social work programs in Illinois. It includes the campus location, in-person or online availability, part-time or full-time enrollment options, and in-state tuition for the 2024-2025 school year. Visit the university websites linked in the first column to explore specific degrees in greater detail.
| School | Format | Enrollment Type | 2024 In-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora University | On Campus, Online | Full time, part time, advanced standing, multiple cohorts per year | $690 per credit hour |
| Chamberlain University | Online | Full time, part time, advanced standing, multiple cohorts per year | $695 per credit hour |
| Chicago State University | On Campus | Full time, part time, advanced standing, weekends/evenings, multiple cohorts per year | $349 per credit hour |
| DePaul University | On Campus | Full time, part time | $788 per credit hour |
| Dominican University | On Campus, Online | Full time, part time, advanced standing, multiple cohorts per year | $850 per credit hour |
| Erikson Institute | On Campus, Online | Full time, part time, advanced standing | $1,030 per credit hour |
| Governors State University | On Campus | Full time, part time, advanced standing | $4,596 per semester |
| Illinois State University | On Campus | Full time, part time, advanced standing | $7,606 per year |
| Lewis University | On Campus | Full time, part time, advanced standing, weekends/evenings | $670 per credit hour |
| Loyola University Chicago | On Campus, Online | Full time, part time, advanced standing, weekends/evenings, multiple cohorts per year | $1,080 per credit hour |
| Northeastern Illinois University | On Campus | Full time, part time, advanced standing | $464 per credit hour |
| Southern Illinois University Carbondale | On Campus | Full time, part time, advanced standing, multiple cohorts per year | $470 per credit hour |
| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | On Campus | Full time, part time, advanced standing | $371 per credit hour |
| University of Chicago | On Campus | Full time, part time, advanced standing, weekends/evenings | $11,494 per quarter (part time), $17,241 per quarter (full time) |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | On Campus, Online | Full time, part time, advanced standing | $16,408 per year (on campus), $630 per credit hour (online) |
| University of Illinois Chicago | On Campus | Full time, advanced standing | $6,618 per semester (full time), $4,412 (part time) |
| The University of St. Francis | On Campus, Online | Full time, part time, advanced standing | $599 per credit hour |
Salary Expectations for Social Workers in Illinois
Indiana’s social workers enjoy a positive professional outlook thanks to competitive wages, strong job growth projections, and a low cost of living. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), average social worker salaries in the state fall between $56,780-$67,390, with the “all other” category of social workers earning the highest wages.
Even though most of Illinois’ social workers earn lower-than-average salaries, the state’s lower-than-average cost of living helps offset expenses. As for the growth outlook, Projections Central projects job growth between 2022 and 2032 in Illinois to exceed the national growth projections for mental health and substance use and all other social workers.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $63,590 | $30.57 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $63,790 | $30.67 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $56,780 | $27.30 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $67,390 | $32.40 |
Professional Organizations for Social Workers in Illinois
Professional organizations for social workers in Illinois strive to advance the field through advocacy efforts and professional development offerings. The following organizations provide social workers access to continuing education, networking events, and industry resources.
- National Association of Social Workers – Illinois Chapter: This is the Illinois chapter of one of the most important national social work associations. It provides information on employment requirements, professional development, and policy changes in the field. NASW-IL administers authorized programs for licensure and advanced practice specialty certifications. Members who seek licensing, certifications, and continuing education units in Illinois receive substantial discounts.
- Illinois Association of School Social Workers: The mission of IASSW is to improve the quality of life and education of children by fostering the professional development of school social workers. Membership benefits include a job bank, professional development workshops, and information about state licensing requirements. IASSW also offers mini-grants for evaluating best practices in school social work.
- Illinois Society for Clinical Social Work: ISCSW membership provides clinicians in the field of social work with continuing education, access to research, and updates on policy changes affecting clinical practice. A major benefit of membership is the opportunity to enroll in workshops that offer CEUs for license renewal. ISCSW also provides mentorship and supervision services for new professionals seeking to fulfill licensing requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois Social Work
In Illinois, LSWs can earn their license in about 5-6 years, including four years for their BSW and 1-2 years for their MSW. LCSWs need an additional two years of post-graduate supervised experience.
