Social Workers · Illinois · Continuing education
Illinois Social Work CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- LCSW/LSW30 hours every 2 years, including 1 h implicit bias & cultural competency, 3 h medical ethics, professionalism & law, 1 h dementia & Alzheimer's care (every 6 years), 3 h cultural competency; renewal on the date shown on your license.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
Illinois LCSW/LSW CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 30hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- On license
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- On the date shown on your license
- Accepted credit
- Programs by approved sponsors: NASW, ASWB (ACE) or affiliates, AAMFT, hospital employers, approved PC/MFT/clinical psychologist CE sponsors, accredited colleges/universities/state agencies, IDFPR-licensed SW CE sponsors (159-); college courses (1 semester hr = 15 CE hrs); teaching; publications/presentations
- New licensees
- CE not required for the first renewal of a license.
- Audits & records
- Licensee answers a YES/NO CE question at renewal; proof only on random audit, restoration or discipline. Keep proof of CE.
- Renew online
- idfpr.illinois.gov ↗
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Implicit bias & cultural competency | 1 | every renewal |
| Medical ethics, professionalism & lawSocial work practice ethics | 3 | every renewal |
| Dementia & Alzheimer's careAlzheimer's disease and other dementias; once every 3 renewal periods | 1 | every 6 years |
| Cultural competency | 3 | every renewal |
| Sexual harassment prevention | 1 | every renewal |
| Clinical supervisionLCSW only, at the second renewal: clinical supervision training | 6 | once |
Alternatives & exemptions. One-time CE waiver may be requested with the renewal (before expiry) for full-time military service, incapacitating illness or similar extenuating circumstances.
Good to know. CE must be completed in the 24 months before the expiration date printed on the license. Statutory expiry date not confirmed (ilga.gov admin code unreachable). Live remote or pre-recorded courses from approved sponsors count.
Source: idfpr.illinois.gov · 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1470.95 and 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130 Subpart E · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in Illinois
05 Questions
How do I verify a social worker license in Illinois?
Use the license lookup of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) (idfpr.illinois.gov); the board's own record is the primary source. CE status itself is checked by the board at renewal.
How many CE hours do social workers need in Illinois?
30 hours every 2 years.
Which CE topics are mandatory for social workers in Illinois?
Implicit bias & cultural competency — 1 h (every renewal); Medical ethics, professionalism & law — 3 h (every renewal); Dementia & Alzheimer's care — 1 h (every 6 years); Cultural competency — 3 h (every renewal); Sexual harassment prevention — 1 h (every renewal); Clinical supervision — 6 h (once).
Which CE courses count for social workers in Illinois?
Programs by approved sponsors: NASW, ASWB (ACE) or affiliates, AAMFT, hospital employers, approved PC/MFT/clinical psychologist CE sponsors, accredited colleges/universities/state agencies, IDFPR-licensed SW CE sponsors (159-); college courses (1 semester hr = 15 CE hrs); teaching; publications/presentations.
How do social workers report CE in Illinois?
By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.
When is the renewal deadline for social workers in Illinois?
Licenses renew on the date shown on your license (2 years cycle).