Unlock Your Potential: A Comprehensive Guide to Illinois Social Worker Licensure

Navigating the path to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Illinois can be a daunting task. At TinyEYE, we understand the importance of this journey and are here to guide you through the process with clarity and ease. Below, we break down the key steps and requirements for licensure in Illinois, as stipulated by the ACT (225 ILCS 20/) and the RULES in Administrative Code (68 IAC Part 1470).

Step 1: Determine the Level of License Desired

There are two tiers of Illinois Social Worker licensure:

• Licensed Social Worker (LSW): Must operate under the supervision of a qualified supervisor. The specific license required for a supervisor depends on the type of experience being supervised. (Profession Code 150)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): This is the independent practice level license. (Profession Code 149)

For more information on roles, responsibilities, and scope of practice, refer to Sections 3, 4, 9, and 10 of the ACT.

Step 2: Choose Your Licensure Method

There are four pathways to Illinois social worker licensure. Determine which method best fits your situation:

• Non-Examination (LSW ONLY): No examination required. Application fee waived for applications received between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024.
• Endorsement: For applicants actively licensed as an LSW or LCSW in another state or US jurisdiction. Application fee waived for applications received between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024.
• Acceptance of Examination (LCSW ONLY): For applicants not actively licensed but who have completed the required licensure examination. Application fee waived for applications received between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024.
• Restoration: For applicants with an inactive or non-renewed Illinois license for five years or more. Fees vary based on the status of the license.

Step 3: Complete the Application

Using the information from Steps 1 and 2, fill out PART I (Page 1), Box A., Items 1-4 of the application.

Step 4: Additional Application Components

Complete the rest of the 4-page application, including:

• PART IV: Record of Licensure Information
• PART V: Record of Examination
• PART VII: Examination Coding Information (not used for LSW or LCSW applications)

Step 5: Gather Supporting Documents

The following documents may be required:

• Licensure Application fee
• PHQ form
• ED form(s)
• CT form
• Official Score Report
• VE-SW form
• Personal History Documents
• Proof of name change(s)
• RS form (Restoration Licensure Method only)
• Continuing Education (Restoration Licensure Method only)

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Submit the application, supporting documents, and application fee to:

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Division of Professional Regulation
P.O. Box 7007
Springfield, Illinois 62791

Your application is valid for three years from the date it is received by the Department. For additional application forms, visit www.idfpr.illinois.gov.For more information, please follow this link.