{
  "_schema": {
    "about": "Social work licensing requirements per US jurisdiction, for the FIRST credential an MSW graduate holds in that jurisdiction.",
    "nullRule": "null means we have not read that figure off the board's own page. It never means zero. Do not substitute a default, an average or another state's number.",
    "attribution": "Social Work Test Prep Academy is not affiliated with any state licensing board or with ASWB. We read each board's published pages and record what they say; the board's page is the source of record. Requirements change.",
    "fields": {
      "abbr": "Two-letter USPS code, uppercase.",
      "name": "Jurisdiction name.",
      "url": "Absolute URL of the human-readable page.",
      "json": "Absolute URL of the full record for this jurisdiction.",
      "checked": "true when we have read this board's own pages and published the record. false means no data yet, not \"no requirements\".",
      "firstCredential": "The first credential an MSW graduate holds here (abbreviation, title, and the ASWB exam category needed to hold it, null when none is).",
      "examRequiredFirst": "true when the ASWB exam gates that first credential. false when the jurisdiction licenses or registers you first and the exam comes later (Michigan, California, Florida, Illinois).",
      "knownFeesUsd": "Sum of ONLY the fees the board publishes for that first credential, in US dollars. null when it publishes none.",
      "hours": "Plain-language supervised-hour requirement on the path, or the not-checked sentence.",
      "lastChecked": "ISO date WE last read the board pages behind this record. It is not a board review, approval or sign-off.",
      "ladder": "Every rung of the licensure ladder in order. `exam` is the ASWB category required to HOLD that rung (null = none); `supervised` means practice only under supervision.",
      "fees": "The board's own fee lines for the first credential, each with the page it was read from. amount_usd is null when the board does not publish the amount.",
      "supervision": "The supervised-experience package on the path, each figure with its own source page. A figure the board does not publish is null.",
      "applicationSequence": "The board's published order of operations, in the board's own terms.",
      "sources": "The board and statute pages this record was read from.",
      "records": "The raw rulebook records for this jurisdiction, unmodified."
    }
  },
  "abbr": "IL",
  "name": "Illinois",
  "url": "https://www.socialworktestprepacademy.com/licensing/il",
  "license": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "checked": true,
  "lastChecked": "2026-09-06",
  "board": {
    "name": "Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation (Social Work Licensing)",
    "url": "https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/socialworker.html"
  },
  "firstCredential": {
    "abbr": "LSW",
    "title": "Licensed Social Worker (MSW route: no supervised experience and no ASWB exam required since 2022-01-01)",
    "rung": "masters",
    "exam": null
  },
  "examRequiredFirst": false,
  "summary": "Illinois: \"no ASWB examination for the LSW since 2022-01-01 (Public Act 102-0326)\".",
  "aswbExam": null,
  "knownFeesUsd": 50,
  "unknownFeeCount": 0,
  "fees": [
    {
      "name": "LSW application processing",
      "amount_usd": 50,
      "source_url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/illinois/Ill-Admin-Code-tit-68-SS-1470.55",
      "verified_date": "2026-09-06"
    }
  ],
  "supervision": {
    "experience_hours": null,
    "client_contact_hours": null,
    "supervision_hours": null,
    "minimum_months": {
      "value": 36,
      "source_url": "https://idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/core/dpr/150-qualifications-for-licensure.pdf",
      "verified_date": "2026-09-06"
    },
    "maximum_months": null,
    "notes": [
      "Applies only to the BSW pathway into the LSW; MSW graduates need no supervised experience for the LSW itself. \"Experience (for BSW applicants only): One must document three years supervised clinical professional experience.\" (IDFPR Qualifications for Licensure: Licensed Social Worker, form 150).",
      "\"The experience must include an average of at least 4 hours per month spent in supervision.\" (IDFPR form 150; 68 IAC 1470.20(b)).",
      "Illinois has required no ASWB examination for the LSW since 2022-01-01 (Public Act 102-0326).",
      "Non-path fee (not in known fees): License by endorsement (out-of-state licensee) application processing $200",
      "Non-path fee (not in known fees): License renewal (per year) $30"
    ]
  },
  "hours": "Supervised hours not checked yet",
  "compactMember": false,
  "applicationSequence": [
    "Earn a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree accredited by CSWE, OR a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree accredited by CSWE.",
    "BSW-degree applicants: complete three years of supervised professional experience after the BSW was awarded, supervised by an LSW, LCSW, or other appropriate social work supervisor, averaging at least 4 hours per month in supervision, documented on form VE-SW.",
    "MSW-degree applicants: no supervised experience is required to obtain the LSW.",
    "Apply to IDFPR through the online CORE licensing system with proof of education (Certification of Education form or official transcript).",
    "No licensing examination is required for LSW licensure (effective 2022-01-01, Public Act 102-0326); prior to that date the ASWB Master's exam was required.",
    "Receive the LSW license upon Department approval of the application."
  ],
  "ladder": [
    {
      "rung": "bachelors",
      "abbr": "LSW",
      "title": "Licensed Social Worker (BSW route: BSW plus 3 years of supervised professional experience; no ASWB exam since 2022-01-01)",
      "exam": null,
      "supervised": true,
      "source": "https://idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/core/dpr/150-qualifications-for-licensure.pdf"
    },
    {
      "rung": "masters",
      "abbr": "LSW",
      "title": "Licensed Social Worker (MSW route: no supervised experience and no ASWB exam required since 2022-01-01)",
      "exam": null,
      "supervised": false,
      "source": "https://idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/core/dpr/150-qualifications-for-licensure.pdf"
    },
    {
      "rung": "clinical",
      "abbr": "LCSW",
      "title": "Licensed Clinical Social Worker",
      "exam": "Clinical",
      "supervised": false,
      "source": "https://idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/core/dpr/149-qualifications-for-licensure.pdf"
    }
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "label": "Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation (Social Work Licensing) · LSW applicant resources",
      "url": "https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/socialworker.html"
    },
    {
      "label": "225 ILCS 20 - Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act",
      "url": "https://ilga.gov/Legislation/ILCS/Articles?ActID=1295&ChapterID=24&Print=True"
    },
    {
      "label": "68 Ill. Adm. Code 1470 - Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act rules (index)",
      "url": "https://www.ilga.gov/agencies/JCAR/Sections?PartID=06801470"
    },
    {
      "label": "LSW fees · LSW application processing",
      "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/illinois/Ill-Admin-Code-tit-68-SS-1470.55"
    },
    {
      "label": "Social Work Licensure Compact · member jurisdictions",
      "url": "https://swcompact.org/compact-jurisdictions/"
    },
    {
      "label": "LCSW fees · ASWB Clinical examination",
      "url": "https://www.aswb.org/exam/"
    }
  ],
  "records": [
    {
      "state": {
        "name": "Illinois",
        "postal_code": "IL"
      },
      "license_target": {
        "track": "masters",
        "title": "Licensed Social Worker",
        "abbreviation": "LSW"
      },
      "board": {
        "name": "Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation (Social Work Licensing)",
        "source_url": "https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/socialworker.html"
      },
      "fees": [
        {
          "name": "LSW application processing",
          "amount_usd": 50,
          "source_url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/illinois/Ill-Admin-Code-tit-68-SS-1470.55",
          "verified_date": "2026-09-06"
        }
      ],
      "application_sequence": [
        "Earn a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree accredited by CSWE, OR a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree accredited by CSWE.",
        "BSW-degree applicants: complete three years of supervised professional experience after the BSW was awarded, supervised by an LSW, LCSW, or other appropriate social work supervisor, averaging at least 4 hours per month in supervision, documented on form VE-SW.",
        "MSW-degree applicants: no supervised experience is required to obtain the LSW.",
        "Apply to IDFPR through the online CORE licensing system with proof of education (Certification of Education form or official transcript).",
        "No licensing examination is required for LSW licensure (effective 2022-01-01, Public Act 102-0326); prior to that date the ASWB Master's exam was required.",
        "Receive the LSW license upon Department approval of the application."
      ],
      "aswb_exam": {
        "level": null,
        "fee_usd": null,
        "source_url": "https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/socialworker.html",
        "verified_date": "2026-09-06"
      },
      "supervision_requirement": {
        "experience_hours": null,
        "client_contact_hours": null,
        "supervision_hours": null,
        "minimum_months": {
          "value": 36,
          "source_url": "https://idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/core/dpr/150-qualifications-for-licensure.pdf",
          "verified_date": "2026-09-06"
        },
        "maximum_months": null,
        "notes": [
          "Applies only to the BSW pathway into the LSW; MSW graduates need no supervised experience for the LSW itself. \"Experience (for BSW applicants only): One must document three years supervised clinical professional experience.\" (IDFPR Qualifications for Licensure: Licensed Social Worker, form 150).",
          "\"The experience must include an average of at least 4 hours per month spent in supervision.\" (IDFPR form 150; 68 IAC 1470.20(b)).",
          "Illinois has required no ASWB examination for the LSW since 2022-01-01 (Public Act 102-0326).",
          "Non-path fee (not in known fees): License by endorsement (out-of-state licensee) application processing $200",
          "Non-path fee (not in known fees): License renewal (per year) $30"
        ]
      },
      "supervisor_eligibility": [
        "For the BSW-pathway LSW experience: \"supervised by an LSW or LCSW or other appropriate Social Work supervisor.\" (IDFPR form 150; 68 IAC 1470.20(b))."
      ],
      "forms": [
        {
          "name": "VE-SW - Verification of Experience (Social Work)",
          "source_url": "https://idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/forms/online/ve-sw.pdf"
        },
        {
          "name": "LSW Qualifications for Licensure (Form 150)",
          "source_url": "https://idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/core/dpr/150-qualifications-for-licensure.pdf"
        }
      ],
      "processing_benchmark": null,
      "endorsement_rules": {
        "value": "An applicant licensed at the independent practice level in another U.S. jurisdiction for 5 consecutive years without discipline may substitute certification of that licensure for proof of education and experience, but must still comply with all other requirements including fees; all other out-of-state applicants pay the $200 endorsement application fee and must otherwise meet Illinois's standard LSW/LCSW qualifications.",
        "source_url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/illinois/Ill-Admin-Code-tit-68-SS-1470.60",
        "verified_date": "2026-09-06"
      },
      "compact_status": {
        "member": false,
        "multistate_licenses_available": false,
        "source_url": "https://swcompact.org/compact-jurisdictions/",
        "verified_date": "2026-09-06"
      },
      "last_verified": "2026-09-06",
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "225 ILCS 20 - Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act",
          "url": "https://ilga.gov/Legislation/ILCS/Articles?ActID=1295&ChapterID=24&Print=True"
        },
        {
          "label": "68 Ill. Adm. Code 1470 - Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act rules (index)",
          "url": "https://www.ilga.gov/agencies/JCAR/Sections?PartID=06801470"
        },
        {
          "label": "IDFPR - Social Worker profession page",
          "url": "https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/socialworker.html"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "state": {
        "name": "Illinois",
        "postal_code": "IL"
      },
      "license_target": {
        "track": "clinical",
        "title": "Licensed Clinical Social Worker",
        "abbreviation": "LCSW"
      },
      "board": {
        "name": "Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation (Social Work Licensing)",
        "source_url": "https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/socialworker.html"
      },
      "fees": [
        {
          "name": "LCSW application processing",
          "amount_usd": 50,
          "source_url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/illinois/Ill-Admin-Code-tit-68-SS-1470.55",
          "verified_date": "2026-09-06"
        },
        {
          "name": "ASWB Clinical examination",
          "amount_usd": 260,
          "source_url": "https://www.aswb.org/exam/",
          "verified_date": "2026-09-06"
        }
      ],
      "application_sequence": [
        "Earn a CSWE-accredited graduate Social Work degree (MSW or DSW).",
        "Complete post-degree supervised CLINICAL experience: 3,000 hours for MSW graduates or 2,000 hours for DSW graduates, supervised by an LCSW, averaging at least 4 hours per month in supervision, documented on form VE-SW.",
        "Qualify for and pass the ASWB Clinical examination, OR complete the statutory Exam Alternative (at least one ASWB Clinical exam attempt on or after 2019-01-01, plus 3,000 additional hours of supervised PROFESSIONAL experience, separate from the 3,000/2,000 clinical hours above, not more than 10 years old at application).",
        "Since 2026-01-01, hours counted toward the Exam Alternative must be earned while the applicant already holds an Illinois LSW (or is licensed for Illinois school social work practice).",
        "Apply to IDFPR through the online CORE system; submit VE-SW form(s) for all supervised experience.",
        "IDFPR grants automatic exam approval at the time of application (effective January 2025, implementing PA 103-708), allowing applicants to sit for the ASWB Clinical exam while the rest of the application is processed.",
        "Receive the LCSW license upon Department approval of education, experience, and exam/exam-alternative requirements."
      ],
      "aswb_exam": {
        "level": "Clinical",
        "fee_usd": 260,
        "source_url": "https://www.aswb.org/exam/",
        "verified_date": "2026-09-06"
      },
      "supervision_requirement": {
        "experience_hours": {
          "value": 3000,
          "source_url": "https://idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/core/dpr/149-qualifications-for-licensure.pdf",
          "verified_date": "2026-09-06"
        },
        "client_contact_hours": null,
        "supervision_hours": null,
        "minimum_months": null,
        "maximum_months": null,
        "notes": [
          "\"The experience must include an average of at least 4 hours per month spent in supervision.\" (IDFPR Qualifications for Licensure: Licensed Clinical Social Worker, form 149; 68 IAC 1470.20(a)).",
          "Statutory Exam Alternative track (225 ILCS 20/8.2, established by PA 103-433, effective 2024-01-01): \"The law requires at least one attempt to pass the required licensure examination, and 3000 hours of supervised PROFESSIONAL experience... The 3000 exam alternative hours are in addition to the 3000 hours of CLINICAL experience required by Rules 68 IAC Section 1470.20... The exam attempt must have been made since 1/1/2019, and the exam alternative hours must not be more than 10 years old.\" (IDFPR notice, LCSW Exam Alternative IL P.A. 103-433).",
          "\"Beginning January 1, 2026, one must be licensed as a Licensed Social Worker or School Social Worker while completing the Exam Alternative experience.\" (IDFPR form 149, Qualifications for Licensure: Licensed Clinical Social Worker).",
          "The LSW-first rule is NARROW: since 2026-01-01 an applicant must hold an LSW (or School Social Worker license) only while accruing EXAM-ALTERNATIVE hours under 225 ILCS 20/8.2. The base 3,000-hour clinical-experience route (68 IAC 1470.20(a), IDFPR form 149) runs directly off the MSW/DSW degree under LCSW supervision and requires no LSW first.",
          "Public Act 104-702, effective 2027-01-01, widens the exam-alternative route. Re-verify this record before that date.",
          "Non-path fee (not in known fees): License by endorsement (out-of-state licensee) application processing $200",
          "Non-path fee (not in known fees): License renewal (per year) $30"
        ]
      },
      "supervisor_eligibility": [
        "For the standard 3,000/2,000-hour clinical experience: \"The experience must be supervised by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.\" (IDFPR form 149; 68 IAC 1470.20(a)).",
        "For the Exam Alternative 3,000 professional-experience hours: \"The experience must be supervised by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, a Licensed Psychiatrist (Physician), or a Licensed Advance Practice Psychiatric Nurse.\" (IDFPR form 149; IDFPR LCSW Exam Alternative IL P.A. 103-433 notice)."
      ],
      "forms": [
        {
          "name": "VE-SW - Verification of Experience (Social Work)",
          "source_url": "https://idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/forms/online/ve-sw.pdf"
        },
        {
          "name": "LCSW Qualifications for Licensure (Form 149)",
          "source_url": "https://idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/core/dpr/149-qualifications-for-licensure.pdf"
        },
        {
          "name": "LCSW Exam Alternative Notice (IL P.A. 103-433)",
          "source_url": "https://idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/forms/dpr/LCSW-exam-alternative-notice-2024-01.pdf"
        },
        {
          "name": "LCSW Automatic Exam Approval Notice (IL P.A. 103-708)",
          "source_url": "https://idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/forms/dpr/lcsw-automatic-exam-approval-2025-01.pdf"
        }
      ],
      "processing_benchmark": null,
      "endorsement_rules": {
        "value": "An applicant licensed at the independent practice level in another U.S. jurisdiction for 5 consecutive years without discipline may substitute certification of that licensure for proof of education and experience, but must still comply with all other requirements including fees; all other out-of-state applicants pay the $200 endorsement application fee and must otherwise meet Illinois's standard LCSW qualifications, including submitting an official ASWB score transfer if the Clinical exam was already passed in another state.",
        "source_url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/illinois/Ill-Admin-Code-tit-68-SS-1470.60",
        "verified_date": "2026-09-06"
      },
      "compact_status": {
        "member": false,
        "multistate_licenses_available": false,
        "source_url": "https://swcompact.org/compact-jurisdictions/",
        "verified_date": "2026-09-06"
      },
      "last_verified": "2026-09-06",
      "sources": [
        {
          "label": "225 ILCS 20 - Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act",
          "url": "https://ilga.gov/Legislation/ILCS/Articles?ActID=1295&ChapterID=24&Print=True"
        },
        {
          "label": "68 Ill. Adm. Code 1470 - Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act rules (index)",
          "url": "https://www.ilga.gov/agencies/JCAR/Sections?PartID=06801470"
        },
        {
          "label": "IDFPR - Social Worker profession page",
          "url": "https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/socialworker.html"
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}