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CEU Requirements

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What follows is a thorough description of the policies of the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) on continuing education units (CEUs) for social workers. The below CEU requirements pertain to the current licensure cycle.
 
Do I need CEUs for my renewal?

  • If this is your first time renewing your LSW or LCSW: you do not need to accumulate 30 CEUs for licensure, but you will still need to apply for renewal.

  • If this is your second or subsequent time renewing: you will need to accumulate CEUs for renewal.

  • If you are renewing your LCSW for the first time AND want to keep your LSW: you will need to accumulate CEUs for your LSW renewal. NOTE: We do not recommend maintaining your LSW if you have an LCSW.

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Need more CEUs? Check out our latest live and on-demand CEU offerings!

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As a result of delays at the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR), the previous 2019 licensure cycle (beginning December 1, 2019) had its deadline extended to the February 28, 2022, deadline date. While this deadline extension allowed for licensed social worker (LSW) and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) licensees to submit their renewal applications as well as obtain continuing education units (CEUs) through February 28, 2022, the 2021 licensure cycle still begins on December 1, 2021, and will end on November 30, 2023. Due to this three-month overlap into the 2021 cycle, licensees must make sure the classes they attend between December 1, 2021, through February 28, 2022, are clearly identified as applying for either the 2019 or 2021 licensure cycles. You may not use CEUs obtained during this period for the renewal cycle ending November 30, 2023, if you also used them to renew your licenses ending on February 28, 2022.

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CEU Requirements for 2021–2023 Licensure

For the new 2021 licensure renewal cycle starting on December 1, 2021, and ending November 30, 2023, Illinois LSWs and LCSWs will have 3 additional/amended requirements for licensure renewal as required by the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

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  • NEW JULY 2023! The requirement that at least 15 CEUs had to be in-person has been removed. Effective July 18, 2023, there is no requirement that CEUs be obtained via live, in-person education. You can now earn CEUs for licensure renewal via any method (i.e., in-person or virtual). Read here for more.

  • NEW! One-hour (minimum) of a training on implicit bias awareness. Effective January 1, 2022, with the signing of Public Act 102-0004.

  • A mandated reporter training with (NEW!) a section on implicit bias. Effective January 1, 2022, with the signing of Public Act 102-0604.

  • NEW! One-hour (minimum) of a training on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Applies to health care professionals who provide health care services to, and have direct patient interactions with, adult populations age 26 or older in the practice of their profession ONLY. Effective January 1, 2023, with the signing of Public Act 102-0399.

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The above requirements are in addition to pre-existing LSW/LCSW licensure renewal requirements:

  1. A minimum of 30 hours of continuing education (CE) relevant to the practice of social work or clinical social work of which:

    • At least 3 of the 30 hours must include content related to the ethical practice of social work, and

    • At least 3 of the 30 hours must include content related to cultural competence in the practice of social work (Effective December 1, 2013).

  2. A sexual harassment prevention training will be required for licensure renewal. There is no timed element (e.g., one hour of CEUs) to fulfill this training requirement, nor does it have to be a CEU (Effective August 6, 2021, with the signing of Senate Bill 1079) unless you are an employee of one (i.e., self-employed)—see below for more details about the sexual harassment prevention training requirement.

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Summary of Requirements:

​LSW and LCSW licensees must obtain 30 CEUs for the 2021 licensure cycle starting on December 1, 2021, and ending on November 30, 2023.. Additionally, licensees must also obtain trainings on the following topics:

  • Implicit bias awareness (One hour minimum)

  • Mandated reporter training with implicit bias section (No timed requirement)

  • Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias (One hour minimum)—applies ONLY to health care professionals who provide health care services to, and have direct patient interactions with, adult populations age 26 or older in the practice of their profession

  • Sexual harassment prevention (No timed requirement unless you are unable to obtain a sexual harassment prevention training through an Illinois employer)

  • Ethical practice of social work (Three hours minimum)

  • Cultural competence in the practice of social work (Three hours minimum)

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Need more CEUs or courses that fulfill one of the specialty CEU requirements?

Check out our Events page for a complete list of upcoming live events (both in-person and virtual) as well as our recorded trainings which fulfill CE requirements in ethics, cultural competency, implicit bias awareness, mandated reporter training with implicit bias section, Alzheimer's disease and other dementia, and sexual harassment prevention.

 

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If you're not already an NASW member, you can also sign up to receive our monthly News & Events e-mails which recap the month's latest news as well as provides a list of our current event offerings.

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CE Worksheet & FAQ

Note: This form has been updated to reflect the recent change that removes the in-person requirement for CEUs.
 

To help social workers better keep track of their CEs for 2021–2023 LSW/LCSW licensure renewal, the NASW-Illinois Chapter has created this CE Worksheet. Please note this worksheet is NOT an IDFPR-required document but rather a roadmap to help you fulfill all CE requirements. The requirements in this document are subject to change. Check with the IDFPR website and NASW-IL for any changes as they are announced.

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More About the Specialty CEU Training Requirements

​​​​​Implicit Bias Awareness Training: All health care professionals must obtain at least one hour of training

on implicit bias awareness. As of this printing, the department has not yet released rules for this training

requirement. If (and when) such rules are written by the department, this article will be updated

accordingly.

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>>Check out NASW-IL 1.5-hour and 3.0-hour recorded trainings on implicit bias.

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Mandated Reporter Training with Implicit Bias Section: In an update to the previous mandated

reporter training requirement, all LSW and LCSWs must complete a mandated reporter training that

includes a section on implicit bias. There is no timed element (e.g., one hour of CEUs) to fulfill this

training requirement; however, there are content-related requirements as listed in the Act. The new

implicit bias section shall provide tools to adjust automatic patterns of thinking and ultimately eliminate

discriminatory behaviors. The training shall be provided through the Department (DCFS); an entity authorized to provide continuing education for professionals licensed through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) such as NASW-IL (check out our recorded Interrupting Bias: A Mandated Reporter's Responsibility to Act course); or an organization approved by the Department (DCFS) to provide mandated reporter training including a section on implicit bias.

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A mandated reporter training with implicit bias section can be used to fulfill the implicit bias training requirement ONLY if the section on implicit bias lasts a minimum of one hour. The NASW-Illinois Chapter Interrupting Bias: A Mandated Reporter's Responsibility to Act course does not have an hour of education devoted to the topic of implicit and therefore, does not fulfill both requirements for a mandated reporter training with implicit bias section AND one-hour minimum on a training on implicit bias.

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>>Check out NASW-IL recorded training, Interrupting Bias: A Mandated Reporter's Responsibility to Act.

 

Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias Training: This requirement shall only apply to health care

professionals who provide health care services to, and have direct patient interactions with, adult

populations age 26 or older in the practice of their profession. This training must be at least one hour in

length and fulfill content-related requirements as listed in the Act. A health care professional may count

this one hour for completion of this course toward meeting the minimum credit hours required for

continuing education.

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>>Check out NASW-IL recorded training, Social Work with Persons Living with Dementia and Their Families: Challenges and Opportunities.

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Sexual Harassment Prevention Training: 

​Did you take a sexual harassment prevention training through your Illinois employer which fulfills

requirements as stated by Section 2-109 of the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA)?

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>>Check out NASW-IL recorded training, Sexual Harassment Prevention Training.

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​​​More About CEUs

CEs must be from a licensed provider in Illinois. The NASW-Illinois Chapter and all of our NASW Chapter affiliates as well as the NASW Social Work Online CE Institute are approved providers in Illinois. Please note that the NASW-Illinos Chapter/NASW is not the licensing board and does not review and approve coursework and education providers for the state of Illinois. To find out if another provider is an approved CEU provider for the state of Illinois, check with IDFPR.

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Trainings only apply to the licensure cycle in the year which they are taken (i.e., a course taken before December 1, 2021, cannot be applied toward the 2021–2023 licensure cycle). 

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If you accumulate more than 30 CEs in one two-year cycle, the extras do not carry over to the next period.

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Keep records of your CEs on file for at least five years. You don’t need to send proof of your CEUs in with your renewal form unless (1) you are applying after the deadline or (2) IDFPR requests it. 

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For additional information on approved continuing education, see the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act, section 1470.95. 

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Looking to Provide CEUs?

The NASW-Illinois Chapter has developed a procedure to approve programs for continuing education units (CEUs). Go to our Advertising page and click on #4 Co-Sponsorship. Otherwise, contact IDFPR for more information on applying to become an approved provider of CEUs.

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Need
In-Person
CEUs?
Get them through NASW-IL and rest assured they qualify for licensure renewal.
Looking for On Demand
CEUs? 
Get them through the NASW Social Work CE Institute and rest assured they qualify for licensure renewal.
  • Psychologist - Mental Health - Chicago Department of Public Health
    For full job posting and link to apply, go to link https://chicago.taleo.net/careersection/100/jobdetail.ftl and search Job Number: 394306 PSYCHOLOGIST - MENTAL HEALTH ESSENTIAL DUTIES · Conducts diagnostic interviews with clients to assess current functioning levels and obtain medical and social case Histories. · Administers and interprets psychological tests and makes psychological assessments. · Diagnoses mental and emotional disorders of clients and formulates plans of treatment.
  • Licensed Social Worker/Licensed Clinical Social Worker - City of Highland Park
    The City of Highland Park is now accepting applications for the position of Licensed Social Worker (Police Department). This role provides social work and mental health related services to residents, families, victims, and the general community. LSW, LCSW, LCP, or LCPC licensure required. Experience in providing crisis intervention services, crisis counseling, victim, court and legal advocacy is a plus! Expected hiring range $73,000 - $91,000 DOQ. IMRF pension eligible position. Primary Purpose: Provides social work and mental health related services to residents, families, victims, and the general community. Work involves providing crisis intervention services, crisis counseling, victim, court and legal advocacy; providing mental health, wellness support services and training for police personnel; serving as Police Department mental health staff liaison; providing consultation, supervision and education as needed. Supervision Received: Works under the general supervision of the Investigations Commander. Supervision Exercised: Provides clinical support and guidance to Social Services Specialist and Resiliency Division Social Services Professional. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Directs Clinical Social Services & Advocacy Coordinating with the Department of Children and Family Services Acts as a City Mental Health Community Liaison Provides Consultation & Supervision Provides Training & Support Services Education: Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or related area. Experience: A minimum of two years working in a social services setting. Experience in crisis response and intervention services. Experience in risk- assessment and identification of mental health related symptoms. Experience in de-escalation skills and ability to treat all persons with dignity and respect in order to determine root cause of presenting issue at hand. Certification or License: Valid LSW or LPC required. LCSW or LCPC strongly preferred. Valid driver’s license required. For more information, or to apply, visit https://www.cityhpil.com/careers
  • President and CEO - Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence
    The Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) is the federally designated statewide coalition of domestic violence services providers for the state of Illinois. ICADV is the network of providers that together make up the statewide voice for survivors of domestic violence and their children in Illinois. Together with over 50 member organizations providing direct service to survivors throughout Illinois, ICADV works towards preventing and responding to domestic violence in the state through advocacy, public policy, education, and direct outreach. ICADV seeks a proven, accomplished leader, with a passion for the mission and at least three years’ demonstrated management experience in an organization of similar or larger size and complexity. This person will bring a courageous vision to ICADV, as well as the ability to lead and rally teams around strategy that impacts both resource and public policy. This is a full-time, exempt, position with a competitive total compensation package. The CEO will be based out of ICADV’s Springfield office and expected to travel throughout Illinois. Depending on the time of year, up to 25% travel is required, including overnights and weekends. People who can contribute to ICADV’s diversity of lived experiences and perspectives are encouraged to apply. The salary range for the position is $100,000-$125,000, commensurate with experience, knowledge, skills, and professional attributes. ICADV also provides a full range of benefits including health, vision, dental, life & disability insurance, retirement benefits and paid time off. To apply, please submit a current resume and letter of introduction, as soon as possible, to Kittleman & Associates, LLC at https://apptrkr.com/5521367 (click the Apply button at the bottom of the page). For best consideration, kindly submit your application prior to Monday, September 23, 2024. For further information about ICADV, please see https://www.ilcadv.org/.
  • Community Engagement Manager - NASW-Illinois Chapter
    NASW Illinois is a chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, dedicated to advancing the profession of social work and advocating for social justice, diversity, and equitable access to resources and services. With a membership comprising social workers across Illinois, NASW Illinois works to empower social workers, promote professional development, and influence policies that impact social work practice and the communities served. Founded in 1955, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with more than 120,000 members. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies. Under the direction of the Chapter Executive Director, NASW Illinois is seeking a passionate and dynamic Community Engagement Manager to develop and expand community partnerships and the chapter’s work with allied coalitions, organizations and schools of social work, increase awareness of the chapter’s work and create resources through resource development and implement projects and programming focused on membership. The position will play a pivotal role in advancing the organization's mission and expanding its capacity to support social workers and advocate for social justice across the state of Illinois. 1. Strategic Partnerships Develop and Implement Strategies: In consultation with the Executive Director and Director of Legislative Affairs draft and execute comprehensive community engagement strategies aimed at building robust partnerships with statewide coalitions, community stakeholders, schools of social work, social work students, and member professionals throughout Illinois. Collaboration: Work closely with these groups to foster collaboration, enhance mutual support, and drive collective initiatives that align with NASW-IL’s mission and goals. Networking: Actively network to identify potential partners and opportunities for strategic alliances that can enhance the chapter’s outreach and impact. 2. Membership Support Innovative Program Development: Recommend and develop innovative programs and resources tailored to support and enrich the experience of NASW-IL members. Member Engagement: Engage with members to understand their needs and preferences, ensuring that the programs and resources provided are relevant and impactful. Feedback Collection: Establish mechanisms for regular feedback from members to continuously improve support services and program offerings. 3. Public Relations and Communications Collaborate on Communications: Partner with NASW IL Chapter professional staff to create and enhance communication strategies and marketing materials. Strengthen Marketing Efforts: Ensure that all communications and marketing efforts effectively convey the organization’s mission, values, and initiatives, increasing visibility and engagement. Media Relations: Develop and maintain relationships with media outlets to promote chapter activities, events, and initiatives. 4. Grant Writing and Management Research and Proposal Writing: In collaboration with the Chapter Executive Director, research funding opportunities and write compelling grant proposals that align with chapter priorities. Grant Management: Oversee the entire grant lifecycle, including application processes, reporting requirements, and compliance, to ensure timely submission and fulfillment of all grant obligations. Grant Reporting: Prepare detailed reports for grantors to demonstrate the effective use of funds and the impact of funded programs. 5. Volunteer Management Recruit and Train Volunteers: Develop volunteer programs to recruit, train, and manage volunteers who can support chapter activities and initiatives. Volunteer Coordination: Coordinate volunteer efforts to ensure effective utilization of volunteer skills and resources. 6. Data Management and Analysis Maintain Records: Keep accurate records of community engagement activities, partnerships, and member interactions. Analyze Data: Analyze data to measure the effectiveness of community engagement strategies and make data-driven recommendations for improvement. 7. Administrative Duties Perform Administrative Tasks: Execute administrative duties pertinent to the role, ensuring smooth and efficient operations. Additional Responsibilities: Take on other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to contribute to the organization’s success in various capacities. This position is eligible for our robust benefits program, which includes: 401(k) Retirement Plan, Health Insurance, Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Parental Leave and more. NASW is an equal opportunity employer. As such, NASW is committed to promoting and providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. The selection of personnel, including new hires and promotions, will be on the basis of qualifications designed to ensure appointments of persons able to effectively discharge the duties and responsibilities of their position. The Association will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), marital status, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Association will also abide by applicable Affirmative Action requirements mandated by any federal contracts.
  • Psychotherapist (Fully Licensed) at LifePath Therapy Associates
    At LifePath Therapy we partner with individuals, relationships, and families across the lifespan who are facing the complexities and challenges that are an inherent part of living. We believe collective liberation is deeply rooted in personal liberation. Our therapists are committed to maintaining a stance of compassion, curiosity, and cultural humility while we collaborate throughout the therapeutic process. LifePath cultivates a supportive environment among their therapists through collegial interactions, dynamic learning, and shared case consultations. An ideal candidate would be a life-long learner, passionate, well-trained, and highly motivated to achieve the highest level of clinical care while engaging learning within a community. Experience in a specific treatment modalities and couples preferred. Minimum Qualifications: -Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work, Counseling, or Clinical Psychology -Active license in the State of Illinois (LMFT, LCPC, PsyD, LCSW required) -Available to hold 25 client sessions a week -Possess knowledge related to outpatient psychotherapy including knowledge of a range of therapeutic approaches and theories and treatment planning Position Considerations: Work hours and schedule may vary depending on LifePath Therapy needs. Full-time position requiring 35 hours of work/week. We operate in a hybrid model of both in-person and telehealth sessions with flexibility to work from home a few days a week. Expected to hold a quarterly average of 25 psychotherapy sessions per week provided such sessions. In addition to daytime hours, employees are expected to work 2 evenings per week OR 1 evening per week and 1 weekend day. The Psychotherapist is a competitively compensated, full time W2 position. LifePath also offers expansive benefits including: Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401K (with a 3% automatic employer contribution), Liability Insurance, paid CEUs/ trainings, Flexible Spending Account, discounted healthcare membership, and pre-tax Commuter and Parking Benefits. Email resume and cover letter to Sarah Morgan, LCSW, Clinical Director at: smorgan@lifepaththerapy.org
  • Open Rank Professor, MSW Program (Tenure Track) - Saint Mary's College
    Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana, seeks qualified applicants for an open rank, tenure track, 9-month, full-time faculty position in the Master of Social Work Program - Department of Social Work and Gerontology: Specialization Areas of Clinical Social Work and Health to start in August 2025. Applications received before November 1, 2024, will receive full consideration, but later applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The successful candidate will have a strong experiential foundation in clinical social work and health with experience in evidence-based practice. The applicant will have primary responsibilities at the graduate level in teaching online courses, and may have teaching opportunities at the undergraduate level in face-to-face courses. Candidates who have the potential to teach courses across both the generalist and advanced specialization curriculum including research, social welfare policy, and practice courses are preferred. Candidates will be expected to participate in committees and service at the departmental program and College levels; to be involved in community service; and to participate in MSW student recruitment activities and student advising. Candidates are also expected to have knowledge of CSWE EPAS, program development, program assessment, and curricular development. The candidate must demonstrate and maintain an active program of research. Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must have earned a PhD, DSW, or a doctorate from an accredited institution preferably in social work and an earned MSW or MSSW from a CSWE-accredited social work program with a minimum of two years post masters social work practice experience. Applicants completing their doctoral degree within one year of appointment will be considered. Social work licensing/eligibility for social work licensing is required. Visit Careers.SaintMarys.edu to submit your application and materials.

Have More Questions?

All specific questions concerning licensure and individual licenses or a particular license application needs to be properly directed to IDFPR as they are ultimately the licensing board who approve of licenses for Illinois. The NASW-Illinois Chapter website also has a plethora of information relating to licensure, from supervision requirements, the licensing process, testing procedures, and more. Go to the NASW-IL Licensure page to read more.

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