Illinois
Your Step-by-Step Path to Licensure and Beyond
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
How to become a social worker
Step 1: Complete a CSWE-accredited Social Work program
Step 2: Apply for the LMSW Exam, Study and Pass
- Register for the LMSW exam
- Sign up for TDC’s LMSW Exam: ASWB Master Level exam prep to study and pass with confidence!
Step 3: Accrue Work Experience Towards Your Illinois Social Work License (LCSW)
- Obtain 3000 hours of supervised work experience (Doctoral Degree holders only need to obtain 2000)
- Work between 15 to 40 hours/week
- Full Time: a minimum of 30 hours per week, a maximum of 40
- Part-Time: a minimum of 15 hours per week, maximum of 39
- Supervisor must be an LCSW
- If an LCSW is not available on site, the employer may contract with an LCSW for services. Group supervision is permissible.
Step 4: Register for the LCSW Exam, Study Smart, and Pass!
- Fill out the Illinois State LCSW License application
- Register to take the exam here ASWB and schedule exam appointment here Pearson VUE
- Sign up for TDC’s ASWB Clinical Exam to study and pass your exam with confidence!
Continuing Education Requirements
Pre-licensure - Social workers in IL have the same CE requirements as Licensed Social workers.
License Renewal
- Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years (Must be renewed by Nov. 30 of each ODD year)
- Total Hours Required: 30 hours
- Must include:
- 3 hours Ethics
- 3 hours Cultural Competence
- 1 hour Implicit Bias
- 1 hour Sexual Harassment Prevention
- One-Time Requirement: 6 hours Clinical Supervision
- Every 3rd Renewal: 1 hour Alzheimer's and Other Dementia
Therapist Development Center is an approved provider through ASWB ACE
Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)
How to become a Marriage & Family Therapist
Step 1: Earn Your Degree
- Master’s in MFT or related field from COAMFTE- or Board-approved school
Step 2: Accrue Supervised Experience
- Completion of 3,000 hours of work experience
- 1,000 hours must be face-to-face client contact with individuals, couples, and families
- 350 hours of which must be individual therapy, and another 350 must be working with two or more clients in a session
- 200 hours must be clinically supervised
- 100 hours may be obtained during the graduate training. 100 hours must be supervised by an approved marriage and family therapist
Step 3: Pass Required Exam
- Apply to take the AMFTRB National MFT Exam
- Exam fee $365
- Sign up for TDC’s NMFT exam prep course and study with confidence!
Step 4: Apply for LMFT Licensure
- Submit supervised hours
- Submit AMFTRB exam results
- Submit official transcripts
- Pay application fee $200
Continuing Education Requirements
CE Requirements For Illinois MFTs
License Renewal
- Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years
- Total Hours Required: 30 hours
- Must include:
- 1 hour sexual harassment prevention, training in mandated reporter re: child abuse
- 15 hours may be earned online
Therapist Development Center is an approved provider through ASWB ACE
