LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER License in Illinois
Quick Answer
Illinois licenses social workers at multiple tiers, with the LCSW requiring an MSW plus 3,000 supervised clinical hours. The appropriate ASWB exam is required for each level. Total estimated initial costs are approximately $480. Illinois has been active in discussions about ASWB exam equity.
- Exam
- ASWB Exam (level varies)
- Total Cost
- $480 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER license in Illinois
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $150
- Exam Fee
- $230
- Renewal Fee
- $100
- Total Estimated Cost
- $480
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER license in Illinois. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Illinois licensing board.
LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER Salary in Illinois
Entry Level
$42,420
Median
$63,590
Experienced
$109,450
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER in Illinois.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — ASWB Exam (level varies)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$150.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing).
LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER Licensing in Illinois: What to Know
Illinois licenses social workers through the Division of Professional Regulation, offering Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor credentials. The LSW requires a bachelor's or master's degree in social work and the appropriate ASWB exam. The LCSW requires an MSW plus 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over at least two years. Illinois was among the states that actively debated suspending the ASWB exam requirement due to racial disparity concerns in exam pass rates. Continuing education of 30 hours is required biennially. Illinois has strong social work programs at the University of Chicago, University of Illinois, and other institutions. The Chicago metro area has the highest concentration of social work positions, but downstate communities, particularly in southern Illinois, face significant workforce shortages. Illinois has been involved in Social Work Licensure Compact discussions. The state's child welfare system, overseen by the Department of Children and Family Services, is a major employer of social workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER license cost in Illinois?
- The estimated total cost is $480, including application fees, exam fees ($230), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER license in Illinois?
- The process typically takes 4-8 years (education + supervised experience) + 2-6 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER license in Illinois?
- You need to pass the ASWB Exam (level varies). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.