Becoming a social worker in Illinois is a regulated process designed to ensure professionals are qualified to support the public. This path is governed by state requirements that uphold professional standards and protect community welfare. Pursuing this career involves a commitment to education, supervised practice, and formal licensing, all of which prepare individuals for the responsibilities of the profession.
Earn a Social Work Degree
The first step to a social work career in Illinois is completing a degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accreditation is a requirement for licensure, as a degree from a CSWE-accredited institution is necessary to practice in the state.
There are two educational pathways: the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and the Master of Social Work (MSW). A BSW is an undergraduate degree that prepares students for generalist, entry-level positions. The curriculum covers social welfare policy, human behavior, research methods, and direct practice skills, complemented by a supervised field practicum.
For advanced roles, a Master of Social Work (MSW) is necessary. An MSW offers specialized training in areas like clinical practice, community organization, or policy advocacy. Students with a BSW may be eligible for an “advanced standing” MSW program, which can be completed in a shorter timeframe.
Understand Illinois Social Work Licenses
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) oversees social work licensing and has established two levels of licensure. These licenses define a professional’s scope of practice and are tailored to different career stages and specializations.
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
The Licensed Social Worker (LSW) is often the first license obtained by social work professionals in Illinois and requires a Master of Social Work (MSW). While it was previously possible to obtain an LSW with a bachelor’s degree and experience, the current pathway centers on graduate-level education.
An LSW is authorized to provide services like case management, advocacy, and community outreach. If an LSW wishes to provide clinical services, they must do so under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). This license allows individuals to practice professionally while working toward requirements for a clinical license.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is the advanced license for independent practice in Illinois. Achieving this designation requires a Master of Social Work (MSW) or a Doctor of Social Work (DSW). This license represents the highest level of clinical licensure in the state.
The LCSW license allows for the diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders without supervision. This enables practitioners to work in private practice, hospitals, and mental health clinics, providing psychotherapy and other clinical interventions.
Gain Supervised Professional Experience
Achieving the LCSW license requires a period of supervised professional experience after earning a graduate degree. This hands-on training ensures that aspiring clinical social workers develop their skills under the guidance of a seasoned professional.
To qualify for the LCSW in Illinois, an individual with an MSW must complete 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised clinical professional experience. This requirement is reduced to 2,000 hours for those with a doctoral degree in social work. The experience must be accrued after the graduate degree has been conferred.
Supervised work is performed under the oversight of an approved supervisor, who is typically an LCSW. This arrangement involves regular meetings to discuss cases, review treatment plans, and ensure ethical standards are met.
Pass the Required Examination
After meeting the educational and experience requirements, applicants must pass a standardized exam from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). The ASWB administers the examinations used for licensure in Illinois and across the country.
For the LCSW license, applicants must pass the ASWB Clinical exam. This test assesses a candidate’s knowledge of clinical theories, diagnostic criteria, treatment planning, and ethical principles. The state requires approval before a candidate can register for this examination.
As of January 1, 2022, the ASWB Masters exam is no longer required for the LSW license in Illinois. This change streamlined the process for those in non-clinical roles. Some individuals may still take the Masters exam if they plan to seek licensure in other states that require it.
Complete the Application Process
The final step is submitting a formal application to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). The IDFPR is responsible for reviewing all materials and issuing professional licenses in the state.
The application packet requires several documents. Applicants must provide:
- Official transcripts sent directly from their CSWE-accredited university.
- Verification forms documenting the required hours of supervised experience, signed by a supervisor (for LCSW applicants).
- An official report of a passing score on the ASWB Clinical exam (for LCSW applicants).
- A completed fingerprint-based criminal background check.
The background check is used to ensure the applicant meets the “good moral character” requirement stipulated by state law. Once all paperwork is submitted and approved, the IDFPR will issue the license, permitting the individual to practice social work in Illinois.