social work continuing education illinois

Complete Your CE

Illinois social workers ce requirements, accreditations & approvals, external link, this link leads outside of the netce site to:.

While we have selected sites that we believe offer good, reliable information, we are not responsible for the content provided. Furthermore, these links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by NetCE, and none should be inferred.

Illinois Social Workers

As a Jointly Accredited Organization, NetCE is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit.

NetCE is an approved provider through the Illinois Division of Professional Regulation: Social Work Professions, License #159.001094.

Continuing Education Requirement

× ethics course options, × implicit bias awareness course options, × alzheimer and other dementias course options, × cultural competency course options.

LCSW and LSW are required 30 hours every two years, all of which may be completed by self-study.*

A minimum of 3 of the 30 hours must be in professional ethics and 3 must be in cultural competence in the practice of social work every two year licensing period.

NEW Beginning with renewals on and after January 1, 2025 , health care professionals have a new statutorily mandated continuing education requirement of at least 1 hour in cultural competency . Completion deadline is within 3 biennial renewal periods. A health care professional may count this one hour for completion of this course toward meeting the minimum credit hours required for continuing education. (PA 103-0531 enacted 8/11/2023 effective 1/1/2025)

Beginning January 1, 2023 , a health care professional who has continuing education requirements for license registration or renewal must complete at least a one-hour course in training on implicit bias awareness per renewal period. A health care professional may count this one hour for completion of this course toward meeting the minimum credit hours required for continuing education.

Beginning January 1, 2020 , all licensees are required to complete 1 hour of continuing education specific to sexual harassment prevention every renewal.

Beginning January 1, 2023 , a health care professional who provides health care services to patients 26 years of age and older who has continuing education requirements for license registration or renewal is required at least 1 hour in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with Alzheimer disease and other dementias every renewal period. A health care professional may count this 1 hour toward meeting the minimum credit hours required for continuing education. This requirement began for Social Workers renewing in 2023.

Beginning January 1, 2022 , all licensees who are considered mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect are required to complete training on child abuse and neglect with a section on implicit bias within 3 months of engagement in a professional or official capacity as a mandated reporter. LCSWs and LSWs must complete the training at least every 3 years thereafter. The training will count toward meeting a licensee's required continuing education. The Department (DCFS) makes available a free web-based training.

* NetCE courses are considered self-study.

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All Accreditations and Approvals License Renewal Instructions

For More Information

Please contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation: Social Work Professions at (800) 560-6420, or refer to https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/socialworker.html and https://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/068/068014700000950R.html for additional information regarding your continuing education.

Licensees may complete the DCFS mandated reporter training online at https://www.dcfstraining.org/vtc/home/home.action .

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Loyola University Chicago

School of social work, loyola university chicago is a licensed ceu provider through the illinois department of professional and financial regulation. our ceu programs, both online and in person, help you stay up to date on the current best practices and cutting-edge theories in behavioral health. leading experts in the field develop each course, and courses are vetted for compliance. continuing education hours are required and necessary for a social worker’s career.  not only to keep your license up-to-date, but so you can provide your clients with updated and accurate care. now you can get the continuing education you need to be well-informed on new treatment developments and strategies, plus build your career through a convenient and affordable way that’s adaptable to your personal and professional needs., fall 2024 offerings, the fall 2024 online group work series.

• September 20: Group Work Essentials: 6 CEU's: 9:30am-4:30pm: Greg Tully, MSW, PhD
• October 18: Working with Grief and Loss in Groups: 3 CEU's: 1:00-4:00pm: Kris Drumm, LCSW, ACHT
• November 1: Using Activities Effectively in Groups: 3 CEU's: 1:00-4:00pm: Christian Itin, PhD
• November 2: Adventure-Based Group Work: An Experiential Introduction: IN PERSON: Heller Nature Center, Highland Park: 4 CEU's 9:00am-1:00pm: Barney Straus, LCSW, LICSW
• November 8 : Strategies for Leading Online Groups: 3 CEU's: 1:00-4:00pm: Sera Godfrey Kaplan, LICSW
• November 15: Group Work Strategies for Working Effectively with Teams, Volunteers, and Committees: 3 CEU's: 1:00-4:00pm: Marci Meyer Eisen, MSW, ACC
• November 22: Effective Group Work with Diverse LatinX Communities: 3 CEU's: 1:00-4:00pm: Mauricio Cifuentes, PhD, LCSW, JD

2nd Annual Latinx Conference on Problem Gambling: Friday, September 27, 2024

Join us for the 2nd Annual Latinx Conference on Problem Gambling, a pivotal event dedicated to connecting, informing, and empowering our community. Held on September 27th in Chicago, this conference is designed to foster open communication between the underserved Latinx population and mental health professionals who can assist with problem gambling.

Event Highlights:

Community Connection:   An opportunity for providers and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue about problem gambling and its impact on individuals and families within the Latinx community

Resource Awareness:   Discover and share resources available for those affected by problem gambling, ensuring that help is accessible and well-known within the community

Educational Sessions:   Covering crucial topics such as

Research on Youth Gambling:   Focus on gambling trends among Latinx youth and effective prevention strategies.

Prevention Options:   Discussing proactive measures to prevent problem gambling.

Community Relations:   Strengthening ties and improving support networks within the Latinx community.

Stigma and Mental Health:   Addressing the stigma surrounding mental health issues and promoting a culture of understanding and support.

This event is ideal for counselors, social workers, and other providers working with the Latinx community, as well as community members interested in understanding and mitigating the impact of problem gambling.

"What's the Point?": The Importance of Integrating Attachment Theory for Suicide Prevention and Intervention for our Thriving Youth: Shannon Dunn, PhD, LCSW, CRADC: Wednesday, October 9: 1:00-4:00pm: ONLINE: 3 CEU's

This online presentation explores suicide prevention and intervention strategies using the framework of Attachment Theory. Participants will gain insights into how attachment styles influence mental health and suicide risk, and learn evidence-based approaches to address these challenges. By integrating Attachment Theory with practical intervention techniques, this course aims to equip mental health professionals, counselors, and educators with a deeper understanding of the relational factors that contribute to suicidal behavior among diverse populations. Key learning objectives include identifying attachment-related risk factors, applying attachment-based interventions, and enhancing empathetic engagement with individuals at risk. Additionally, the course emphasizes the importance of self-care and wellness among clinicians, providing strategies to maintain personal resilience and prevent burnout while supporting others. Join us to develop a nuanced approach to suicide prevention that fosters resilience and supports effective, compassionate care.

Learning Objectives:  

As a result of attending this presentation, audience members will be able to: 

1) Identify suicide risks, including isolation, loneliness, and shame, among various diverse populations, including youth. 

2) Understand how clinicians can focus on effectively reducing suicidal risk by applying Attachment Theory principles to their clinical work with youth who are at risk for suicide. 

3) Analyze unique suicide risks and interventions among people who have been diagnosed with DSM-5 mental illnesses. 

4) Create awareness of legal documentation in clinical work with people who live with suicidal risks. 

5) Create self-care and wellness goals for both clinical youth and clinicians who deliver mental health support and intervention.

Ethical Considerations and Decisions in Community Practice: Thursday, October 31: Padraic Stanley, MSW, LCSW: 1:00-4:00pm: ONLINE: 3 CEU's

This training will discuss the application of the NASW Code of Ethics and Dolgoff’s ethical decision-making framework in the context of community interprofessional practice. Participants will discuss both common and unique ethical challenges present through various community practices on the micro and mezzo levels. Participants will be encouraged to bring their own ethical dilemmas (past and current) to work though, as well as will have the opportunity to debate and practice ethical decision making in small groups in response to case studies.

Objectives: By the end of this training, participants will…

• Identify strategies to make ethical decisions in occasions when the NASW code of ethics is not clear
• Strengthen their ability to make ethical decisions in times of uncertainty and times of necessity
• Explore the dynamics of power and privilege in topics of ethics and safety
• Analyze the scope of ethics in day-to-day social work practice

Beyond the Buzzwords: Culturally Competent Communication : Thursday, November 14: Binita Donohue, MSW, LCSW: 9:30am-12:30pm: ONLINE

Through case studies, personal reflection, and group discussion, this seminar will explore the patterned diversity scripts in our individual lives and how those experiences play out in the roles we occupy as individuals and within the organization. Attention will also be given to how individual self-care and self-responsibility can foster institutional self-care. 

  This seminar will:   

1) explore the consequences of cross-cultural miscommunication and conflict  

2) consider how diversity-based incidents become entrenched institutional narratives about diversity  

3) develop processes that can bring clarity and healing to our lives and institutions.   

  Attendees will examine the impact of their own experiences on professional relationships and client and collaborative practice.   

Please contact Caroline Gosselin at [email protected]  for more information

  Cancellation Policy :

Participants must cancel prior to five business days of the workshop date in order to receive a refund.

Continuing Education Resources for Illinois Social Workers

Written by Sam Medley

As a social worker, keeping up with current events and the latest research isn’t just a great way to find new career opportunities. It’s your duty. The vulnerable people you serve deserve to have an impassioned and informed advocate on their side.

But on top of that, Licensed Social Workers (LSWs) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs)   in Illinois are legally required to complete continuing education courses. In this guide, we’ll discuss those requirements, how to fulfill them, and where to find continuing education opportunities online and around the state.

Continuing Education Requirements for Social Workers in Illinois

To become a social worker in Illinois , you must get a license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). You must then renew your license every two years. In that time frame, you must also earn 30 continuing education credits (CEUs).

While social workers in Illinois are free to earn CEUs in just about any topic that pertains to social work practice, the IDFPR says they must earn a certain amount of CEUs in specific areas :

• 3 CEUs in ethics.
• 3 CEUs in cultural competence.
• 1 CEU in implicit bias.
• 1 CEU in Alzheimer’s and related diseases. This requirement only applies to social workers who serve clients ages 26 and up. The NASW says this is a new requirement and may be revised.
• Sexual harassment training. There is no hour requirement for this topic and it doesn’t have to be completed as a CEU. For example, if your agency requires all employees to complete sexual harassment training, that training may fulfill this requirement.
• Mandated reporter training with an implicit bias component. Like the sexual harassment prevention requirement, there is no hour requirement for this topic.

Social workers must earn CEUs in these topics during every renewal cycle. Those who are renewing their licenses for the first time are not required to earn CEUs. But when the time comes, there are a number of different ways to do so.

Earning CEUs By Taking Classes

One of the most popular ways to earn CEUs is by taking continuing education classes. These can be completed in-person or online. No matter which option you choose, though, one hour of class time is equivalent to one CEU. However, the IDFPR says online continuing education classes must include an exam.

Outside of the required topics, you may want to take classes on:

• New clinical interventions.
• Serving different populations like the elderly, minority groups, teens, and the LGBTQ+ community.
• Organizational leadership and supervision.
• Telehealth.
• The intersection between social work and other fields like climate justice, criminal justice, healthcare, and finance.
• Emerging public policy issues.
• Running a private practice.

In Illinois, continuing education courses must be taken through IDFPR-approved agencies and their affiliates. This includes national organizations like the NASW, local nonprofits, and state-run agencies. The list at the end of this article provides more specific information about individual providers. If you’re unsure if an agency is an approved provider, check with the IDFPR first.

Other Ways to Earn CEUs in Illinois

Taking continuing education courses is only one way to earn CEUs in Illinois. Social workers can also earn credit by actively contributing to their field, their own professional development, and the development of their colleagues.

The IDFPR says social workers in Illinois can earn CEUS by :

• Completing self-study courses. Self-study typically involves reading publications about relevant social work topics or listening to pre-recorded lectures. These courses must be offered by an approved CEU provider and include a final exam.
• Teaching. For every hour of teaching completed at an approved university, college, or CEU provider, social workers can earn 1.5 CEUs.
• Writing. For authoring papers or contributing to books and journals, social workers in Illinois can receive up to five CEUs.
• Making presentations. Social workers who speak to or prepare exhibits for professional social work audiences at conferences and similar events can earn up to five CEUs.
• Completing postgraduate training programs. Fellowships, certificate programs, and other college-based development opportunities can be used to fulfill the IDFPR’s continuing education requirements. Generally, every semester hour is equivalent to 15 CEUS.

No matter how you earn your CEUs, remember to maintain documentation and be prepared to verify your experiences with the IDFPR. The Illinois Chapter of the NASW recommends keeping records of all continuing education activities for at least five years.

Approved Continuing Education Providers

As previously mentioned, the IDFPR only accepts CEUs from approved providers. Approved providers have submitted an application, undergone a review, and received a registration number from the IDFPR. Some are also affiliates of bigger organizations that have already been approved by the IDFPR.

Whether you’re looking for informative yet convenient online courses or advanced in-person programs, the following list includes IDFPR-approved continuing education providers of all kinds.

National Organizations That Offer Continuing Education Opportunities

The National Association of Social Workers

The NASW ‘s Social Work Online CE Institute offers classes on a wide variety of subjects, but you can also present at NASW conferences, help them design courses, or contribute to their many publications.

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT)

Though not dedicated to social work, the AAMFT is listed by the IDFPR as an approved CEU provider for social workers in Illinois. Their online database has classes about everything from mental health and family dynamics to meeting the needs of LGBTQ+ clients.

Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)

The ASWB is a national agency made up of regulatory social work boards across the country including the IDFPR. Amongst students, they’re perhaps most well-known for administering social work licensing exams. Contributing to their exams or participating in their surveys may count for continuing education credit.

While the ASWB doesn’t offer continuing education courses itself, their Approved Continuing Education (ACE) database is full of agencies that do. According to their website, Illinois accepts CEUs from providers in the ACE program.

Online Continuing Education Providers

CE4Less is approved by the ASWB meaning the IDFPR accepts their courses. Their online self-study courses range from about $10 to $30. Social workers can also purchase a yearly subscription and have unlimited access to all of their content.

Along with offering individual courses, NetCE also offers course bundles on topics like natural medicine, psychiatric issues, and addiction. These bundles can be worth up to 30 credits and often cost less than if all courses are purchased individually. NetCE is a member of the ASWB’s ACE program and is approved through the IDFPR.

Elite Learning

Elite Learning is another member of the ACE program. They offer online continuing education classes for social workers and have a subscription option. They also offer packages that include courses about required topics like sexual harassment, ethics, and implicit bias.

Along with pre-recorded lectures and classes, Continued hosts live webinars presented by social workers, doctors, and other professionals. Their online database also offers reading materials that may count as self-study courses.

CEU Providers Located in Illinois

The Illinois Chapter of the NASW

While the NASW online database is great for finding online continuing education courses, the Illinois Chapter of the NASW often hosts live and live-streamed events that count towards CEU requirements. Recent events have covered topics like state-level political advocacy and running your own social work practice in Illinois. These present fantastic opportunities to not just fulfill CEU requirements, but connect with professionals across the state.

Jewish Child and Family Services of Chicago (JCFS)

JCFS is a nonprofit organization that offers counseling, community-based, and disability assistance programs to families across the Chicago area. Their largely in-person CEU events focus on topics like trauma-informed care and new research-backed intervention techniques.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

With webinars that cover topics like processing trauma as a family and new clinical interventions, UI Urbana-Champaign gives social workers the chance to earn CEUs while also taking part in important conversations about the state of their field. You can also watch previous webinars for continuing education credit.

The University of Illinois Chicago

From September through May, the UIC Department of Psychiatry hosts weekly Zoom meetings that cover research-focused topics like Autism Spectrum Disorder and comorbidity. Dubbed the Grand Rounds program, this lecture series counts towards the continuing education requirements of social workers and medical professionals.

Loyola University Chicago

Loyola’s new Supervision Training and Education Program (STEP) aims to bolster the leadership and clinical practice skills of LCSWs in Illinois. This nine-week cohort-based program contains courses on self-care, clinical practice in social justice settings, and more. Altogether, the program is worth 36 CEUs. STEP is a great option for social workers who want to leverage their continuing education courses for professional and personal advancement.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Many of SIUE’s conferences, workshops, and pre-recorded events count towards continuing education requirements for social workers. The schedule is constantly updated and refreshed, but past events have covered hospice care , suicide prevention, and the psychological side of school social work .

The University of Chicago

While the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice often hosts workshops and lectures, they also offer two nine-week clinical fellowship programs. Both offer an in-depth take on continuing education and count for 45 CEUs.

The Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Fellowship helps practitioners provide more compassionate care through a research-and-values-based curriculum. Through the Contextually-Focused Dialectical Behavior Therapy Fellowship, social workers explore the Chronic Distress Model of human behavior and the interventions that address it.

While the IDFPR doesn’t maintain a list of hospitals that offer CEUs for social workers, they say that any hospital licensed under the Hospital Licensing Act is an approved CEU provider. According to the act , this can include psychiatric institutions, maternity homes, general hospitals, and specialty institutions.

Offerings vary between organizations, but many offer continuing education courses, teaching and lecture opportunities, and even research and writing roles. Some are open only to employees while others invite outside professionals to participate. This might be a great option for LCSWs and healthcare social workers alike.

CEU Providers Approved for Other Professionals

Social work is inherently interdisciplinary. It borrows from and contributes to just about every other field concerned with people. To ensure social workers can grow in every possible direction, the IDFPR doesn’t limit approved CEU providers to those focused strictly on social work.

According to IDFPR regulations, social workers in Illinois can earn CEUs through agencies that have been approved to provide CEUs to counselors and psychologists. This includes the American Counseling Association, the American Psychological Association, and countless other national and local organizations.

Continuing Education Opportunities

Testing resources.

This is not an exhaustive list of all test preparation resources. You may find another resource or delivery method that better fits your learning style. The School of Social Work at Illinois State University does not endorse any particular test preparation resource and does not guarantee a passing exam score by utilizing any of these test preparation resources.

NASW-IL Exam Prep

Virtual and in-person exam prep courses. Material covered relates to both the LSW and LCSW exams.

ASWB Test Prep

Exam guide and online practice exams. Material covered relates to both the LSW and LCSW exams.

Atlanta Center for Wellness Test Prep

Two-day, virtual Prepare for SUCCESS review course. (Please note their website does not specifically indicate if the course covers material for both the LSW and LCSW exams.)

Social Work Licensure

If you are a former student and seeking licensure, the Certification of Education form must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office .

Earning CEUs

Once earned, you'll receive your CEU through email. One CE credit is awarded for every classroom contact hour. To preserve the integrity of the learning experience and to comply with the state's certification requirements, attendance for the full session is expected and participants may receive continuing education credit only for hours of actual attendance.

To process your CEUs, you'll provide your license number, payment, and email address when registering for an event.

Partner with Us

We're happy to team up with social agencies to provide continuing education opportunities.

Email us and be sure to include:

• name of the agency
• contact name
• email and phone number
• number of CEU hours
• brief description of the CEU proposal

Training may be used by the following professionals for credit toward licensure requirements:

• Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
• Illinois Licensed Social Workers (LSW)

The School of Social Work is a licensed provider of social work education in the state of Illinois under license #159-000191.

University Resources

Continuing Education Classes & Webinars

Upcoming events.

Join us blah blah

About NASW-Illinois Chapter Events

NEW! Note on Remote Programs: In-Person CEU Requirement : With removal of the in-person CEU requirement in July 2023, the state now requires that any remote program (e.g., self-study, book-study, or computer/online based course) must include an examination. See the FAQ on our CEU Requirements page for more information.

All views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the NASW-Illinois Chapter.

Want to see more events? We are seeking local venues and presenters to provide programming both in-person and live virtually! If you have suggestions for either, please reach out to the chapter to make an introduction.

In addition to chapter events, our district chairs are also responsible for organizing 4 events a year for their district. Please note that district events are often the efforts of one volunteer to plan, organize, and run. If you would like to volunteer your time to see more events in your area or make speaker or venue suggestions, please reach out to your district chair .

Get NASW-IL events delivered to your inbox! To receive a monthly e-mail from NASW-IL with our latest event offerings, click here to add yourself to our mailing list.

Please read our full COVID-19 Health & Safety Protocols for all in-person events here .

All courses offered through the NASW-Illinois Chapter meet the continuing education qualifications for LSWs, LCSWs, LPCs, LCPCs, LMFTs, RNs, APNs, LCPs, and LMFTs  licensed in Illinois as required by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). NASW-IL is also an Illinois State Board of Education–approved licensed professional development provider for PELs (formerly Type 73s) for school social workers.

UPCOMING LIVE NA SW-IL COURSES

Recorded nasw-il courses.

Upcoming Live NASW-IL  Courses

 Recorded NASW-IL  Courses

About the Social Work Online CE Institute

The Social Work Online CE Institute is a third party entity offering hundreds of recorded continuing education trainings from both the NASW-Illinois Chapter as well as other NASW Chapters around the United States.

Are Social Work Online CE Institute courses accepted by IDFPR in Illinois?

All Social Work Online CE Institute courses are accepted for continuing education by the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) with completion of our validation form with completion of our validation form (when purchasing a course, see course materials for instructions on validating a CE Institute course for IL license holders).

What about other state licensing boards?

For attendees outside of Illinois, please note that NASW accreditation does not imply automatic acceptance by all state boards. Individuals should check with their state licensing board on whether a specific program will be accepted for continuing education purposes.

I'm having difficulty accessing a training/CEU I purchased from the Social Work Online CE Institute.

The Social Work Online CE Institute is managed separately from the NASW/NASW-Illinois Chapter, and you will need to go to them directly for any issues with a training purchased from them. Visit their website and go to the menu at the bottom of the page for technical assistance by phone, email, or immediate support. There are FAQs available as well in each course under the Help tab.

NEW! New to this licensure cycle with the removal of the in-person CE requirement, IDFPR now requires that any CEUs obtained via a remote program (e.g., self-study, book-study, or computer/internet based course) must include an examination.

If you take a course from the Social Work Online CE Institute and want to apply those CEUs for Illinois licensure, you will need to complete our post-event Social Work Online CE Institute Exam for IL License . Please note this form will validate courses taken from the Social Work Online CE Institute ONLY for those who hold Illinois licenses (LSW or LCSW).

All of the below courses are accepted by IDFPR and will count toward your

Illinois lsw and lcsw renewal requirements..

For a full list of NASW-Illinois recorded trainings available for purchase in the Social Work Online CE Institute , click here .

SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE TEST REVIEW COURSE

Social Work Licensure Test Review Course – 8.0 CEUs

CULTURAL COMPETENCE

A Conversation About Healing Racism – 1.5 Cultural Competency CEUs

Affirming Practice with LGBTQ Youth and Families – 2.5 Cultural Competency CEUs

Affirming Social Work Practice for LGBTQ+ Youth and Families – 1.0 Cultural Competency CEUs

Cultural Competence in a Changing World – 1.5 Cultural Competency CEUs

Healthy Boundaries for Social Workers – 2.0 Cultural Competency CEUs

See My Color: Why Racial Colorblindness is Unethical – 3.0 Cultural Competency CEUs

Ethical Considerations for Interrupting Implicit Bias – 1.5 Ethics CEUs

Ethics and Boundaries in a World of Technology – 3.0 Ethics CEUs

Ethics: Understanding the Social Worker’s Role in our Courts – 3.0 Ethics CEUs

Medical Ethics through the Social Work Lens – 1.0 Ethics CEU

Telehealth Ethics and Continuity Care During COVID-19 – 3.0 Ethics CEUs

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND OTHER DEMENTIAS TRAINING

Social Work with Persons Living with Dementia and their Families: Challenges and Opportunities – 1.5 CEUs (fulfills IL Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias Training requirement)

IMPLICIT BIAS

NEW! Implicit Bias: From Allyship to Solidarity – 1.0 CEU (fulfills IL Implicit Bias Training requirement)

MANDATED REPORTER TRAINING WITH IMPLICIT BIAS

NEW! Reflections on Mandated Reporting – 1.0 CEU (fulfills IL Mandated Reporter Training with Implicit Bias requirement)

SEXUAL HARASSMENT PREVENTION TRAINING

Sexual Harassment Prevention Training – 1.0 CEU (fulfills IL Sexual Harassment Prevention Training requirement)

NASW-IL Recorded Trainings Available for Purchase from the Social Work Online CE Institute

• Free State Social Work, LLC The Smart Resource for Online Continuing Education
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Illinois Social Work Continuing Education

Welcome illinois social workers.

Free State Social Work is approved as a continuing education provider by the  Association of Social Work Boards Approved Continuing Education Program  (provider #1235) and the  National Board for Certified Counselors  (provider #6605).  We are also approved by the  Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board  (provider 10-001) and the  Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling  (CE Provider # 50-13565).

Does the Illinois Board accept courses from ASWB-approved continuing education providers?

How many hours can i earn with on-line ce courses.

You can earn all of your hours with online programs.

Do you offer an Illinois Sexual Harrassment Prevention course?

Yes. It is available at https://www.freestatesocialwork.com/?p=18606 .

Do you offer an implicit bias course?

Yes.  It is available at https://www.freestatesocialwork.com/?p=42196 .

Where can I find the DCFS free mandated reporter training?

You can find information on the free DCFS online mandated reporter training at: https://www2.illinois.gov/dcfs/safekids/reporting/Pages/index.aspx.

Do you offer clinical supervision training?

No, we do not offer clinical supervision training.

How Can I Get Started?

All of our courses are $5.99 per credit hour.  We also offer an unlimited package. One year of unlimited courses is $74.99 and two years of unlimited courses are $124.99 .   Click here for more information about how to get started  or you can  browse our complete course catalog .

Where Can I Review Illinois Social Work Continuing Education Requirements?

You can review Illinois social work continuing education requirements at https://idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/forms/dpr/ce-sw.pdf

You can find information on the new Sexual Harassment Prevention Training CE requirement at:   https://idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/faq/dpr/dpr-sexual-harassment-prevention-ce.pdf.

Beginning 1/1/23, healthcare professionals will need to complete one hour of implicit bias training. https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=325

Beginning, 1/1/23, healthcare professionals who have direct patient interaction with adults age 26 and above will need one hour of CE training on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=325

You can contact the board at:

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

1-800-560-6420

Please remember that we have done our best to research your state’s licensing guidelines. Licensing regulations can change frequently including guidelines about how many hours you can earn on-line. Most jurisdictions require a certain number of hours in ethics and other areas of practice. The final authority for approving any continuing education activity rests with your state board. Even those states that endorse the ACE program may have exceptions in terms of the courses that they will accept. It is ultimately your responsibility to understand the licensing regulations in your state.

Does Free State Social Work offer Illinois Social Work CEUs?  Trainings?  Contact Hours?  Credit Hours?

Different jurisdictions have different definitions.  For some jurisdictions, the term CEU consists of ten credit hours.  At Free State Social Work, we offer continuing education credit hours and we estimate that each credit hour will require one hour of reading.

At Free State Social Work, we offer great online continuing education for social workers, counselors, and therapists.

All of our courses are $5.99 per credit hour. Please browse our complete course catalog or use the category links below.

We also offer an unlimited package! One year of unlimited courses is $74.99 and two years are $124.99. Our unlimited packages do not require you to agree to an ongoing subscription or automatic renewals. Click here for more details about our unlimited packages .

If you would like to sample one of our courses, you can try a free course here .

Browse Courses By Category

• Anti-Racism, Anti-Discrimination
• Cultural Competence
• Domestic Violence
• End of Life
• Ethics for Counselors
• Homelessness
• Human Trafficking
• Implicit Bias
• Suicide Prevention
•       New Jersey Approved

Quick Links

• Employee Self-Service Portal
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• Continuing Education
• Social Work Continuing Education

How to Register

• Our Grand Rounds programs accredited by the ACCME also are certified for Social Work Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) by the Illinois Board of Professional Regulation, License number 159-000112. These Social Work CEU credits may be used by affiliated reciprocal agencies as approved by their professional licensing boards.
• Additional programs may be certified for Social Work CEU credits under the license held by the Department of Psychiatry through the Illinois Board of Professional Regulation. These programs are posted on the Department’s calendar/schedule.

For more information or to subscribe to the Department of Psychiatry’s Grand Rounds events, contact:

Virginia Quiroz

Manager, education administrative unit department of psychiatry university of illinois chicago.

Social Work Continuing Education and License Renewal Requirements for Illinois

Agents of change.

• September 10, 2023

Hey there, Illinois Social Workers! 🙌 We know you’re passionate about making a difference, and to keep doing that, you’ve got to stay updated.

But let’s face it, navigating the maze of continuing education and license renewal can be, well, a tad overwhelming. Fear not! We’re here to break it down for you, step by step.

Did you know? Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ CE courses for one low annual fee to meet Illinois’ requirements for Continuing Education credits.

We’ve helped thousands of Social Workers with Continuing Education, learn more here about Agents of Change and claim your free CEUs.

1) The Basics of Social Work Continuing Education in Illinois

When it comes to continuing education, Illinois doesn’t mess around. And why should they? You’re in a field that’s ever-evolving, and staying updated is crucial.

What’s the Deal with CE Credits?

• Number of Credits Required: Illinois mandates that licensed Social Workers complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years.
• Types of Courses: Not just any course will do! At least 3 of those hours must be in ethics, and 2 hours in sexual harassment prevention training.

Finding Approved Courses

You can’t just pick any random course online and hope it counts. Illinois has a list of approved providers. Check out the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for a comprehensive list.

Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ CE courses for one low annual fee to meet your state’s requirements for Continuing Education credits.

2) Social Work License Renewal in Illinois

Alright, you’ve got your credits. Great job! But wait, there’s more! Renewing that license is the next big step.

Key Renewal Dates

Mark your calendars, folks! Licenses expire on November 30th of odd-numbered years. So, if you’re reading this in 2023 or 2025, you better get a move on!

The Renewal Process

• Online Renewal: Head over to the IDFPR License Renewal Page .
• Paper Renewal: More of an old-school type? No judgment here! You can mail in your renewal form. Just make sure it’s postmarked by the expiration date.
• Fees: Ah, the inevitable fees. Renewal will set you back $60.

Tips and Tricks: Making the Process a Breeze

• Stay Organized: Keep a folder (digital or physical) with all your CE certificates. Trust us; future you will thank you!
• Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Spread out your courses over the two years. It’s less stressful that way!
• Join a Professional Organization: Groups like the National Association of Social Workers – Illinois Chapter often offer member discounts on CE courses. Plus, networking! Win-win.

Agents of Change Continuing Education also offers Unlimited Access to 150+ Online Social Work ACE-approved courses for one low annual fee. We’ve helped thousands of Social Workers with Continuing Education, learn more here about Agents of Change.

3) Key Resources for Illinois Social Workers

Here’s a handy list of key resources that every Illinois Social Worker should have saved.

1. Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)

• What it offers: This is your home for all things related to professional licensing in Illinois. From renewal forms to lists of approved CE providers, they’ve got it all.
• Link: IDFPR Official Website

2. National Association of Social Workers – Illinois Chapter (NASW-IL)

• What it offers: Beyond being a fantastic place for networking and professional development, NASW-IL often provides CE opportunities, many of which come with member discounts.
• Link: NASW-IL Website

3. Illinois Society for Clinical Social Work (ISCSW)

• What it offers: This organization focuses on the clinical side of Social Work and offers specialized training, workshops, and seminars that can count towards your CE requirements.
• Link: ISCSW Official Website

4. Illinois Social Work Licensing Board

• What it offers: This board oversees the practice of Social Work in the state. It’s a great resource for understanding licensure requirements, renewal processes, and any changes in state regulations.
• Link: Found through the IDFPR’s Boards & Commissions page

5. IDFPR License Renewal Page

• What it offers: Direct access to the online renewal process for your Social Work license. It’s straightforward and efficient.
• Link: IDFPR License Renewal Page

6. Illinois Social Work Examining & Disciplinary Board Meeting Minutes

• What it offers: Stay updated with the latest discussions, changes, and decisions made by the board. It’s a great way to keep a pulse on the evolving landscape of Social Work in Illinois.
• Link: Found through the IDFPR’s Meeting Minutes page

4) FAQs – Social Work Continuing Education and Renewal Requirements in Illinois

Q: What are the consequences if I don’t complete the required ethics and sexual harassment prevention training?

A: The ethics and sexual harassment prevention training are mandatory components of the CE requirements. If you don’t complete these specific hours, your overall CE won’t be considered complete, even if you’ve met the total hour requirement.

This could lead to your license not being renewed or disciplinary actions. It’s essential to ensure you’ve met all the specific requirements, not just the total hour count.

ACE-approved courses like those offered by Agents of Change are accepted by Illinois.

Q: I’ve recently moved to Illinois from another state. Can I transfer my CE credits from there?

A: Welcome to the Prairie State! When it comes to transferring CE credits from another state, Illinois has a specific process. Generally, if the course content aligns with Illinois’ requirements and the course is from an approved provider in your previous state, there’s a good chance it’ll be accepted.

However, it’s always best to check with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to confirm before making any assumptions. Remember, when in doubt, reach out!

Need to close a credit gap quickly? Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ Online Social Work ACE-approved courses that are valid in Illinois.

Q: I’m considering taking a break from my Social Work practice for personal reasons. How does this affect my license and CE requirements?

A: Life happens, and sometimes we need to hit the pause button. If you decide to take a break, your license will go into an “inactive” status. While your license is inactive, you won’t need to complete CE credits.

However, when you’re ready to jump back into the field, you’ll need to reactivate your license. This typically involves completing the CE requirements for the current renewal period and paying any associated fees. It’s a good idea to check with the IDFPR for the most up-to-date reactivation process and requirements.

5) Conclusion

There you have it! The world of Social Work Continuing Education and License Renewal Requirements for Illinois, demystified. It might seem like a lot, but with a bit of planning and organization, you’ll sail through it.

And remember, every course you take and every form you fill out is a testament to your dedication to the field. 🎉

Learn more about Agents of Change Continuing Education. We’ve helped thousands of Social Workers with their Continuing Education and want you to be next!

————————————————————————————————————————————————

► Learn more about the Agents of Change Continuing Education here: https://agentsofchangetraining.com

About the Instructor, Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing Continuing Education for Social Workers for more than 8 years. From all of this experience helping others pass their exams, she created Agents of Change Continuing Education to help Social Workers stay up-to-date on the latest trends, research, and techniques.

#socialwork #socialworker #socialwork #socialworklicense #socialworklicensing #continuinged #continuingeducation #ce #socialworkce #freecesocialwork #lmsw #lcsw

Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment

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ACE: Approved Continuing Education

ACE approval demonstrates that a provider or course has been rigorously reviewed and found to offer quality continuing education according to best practices.

ASWB’s Approved Continuing Education program has been designed to review and approve high-quality CE providers and courses, whether they are delivered in person or via distance learning. This approval means that social work continuing education programs are generally acceptable to social work regulatory boards across the United States and Canada.

Ace standards.

Regardless of whether a CE provider pursues individual course approval or provider approval, programs must adhere to the ACE standards outlined in the ACE Handbook.

States and provinces that accept ACE

The ASWB Approved Continuing Education program approves continuing education providers and individual programs. When social workers choose courses created and offered by ACE providers or individual courses approved by ACE, they can trust they will receive high-quality content accepted by most U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions to meet licensure renewal requirements.

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For continuing education providers

With options for individual courses, conferences, or entire CE catalogs, top-notch social work continuing education providers benefit from ACE approval.

• Compare course approval and provider approval
• Questions? Email ACE.

Three ways to find social work CE credit

• ACE providers Download a list of all approved ACE providers
• Individual course and conference approval Approved individual courses and conferences are listed on our spreadsheet
• Joint Accreditation for Interprofessional Continuing Education ASWB authorizes some Joint Accreditation providers to offer ACE credit to social workers

ACE individual course/conference approval

Individual course/conference approval evaluates individual courses and conference sessions and approves them for licensees to earn continuing education credit.

ACE provider approval

ACE provider approval is optimal for CE providers that offer a large number of courses or programs.

Joint Accreditation for Interprofessional Continuing Education

ACE collaborates with Joint Accreditation for Interprofessional Continuing Education for CE in multiple professions.

ACE approval

• Serves as a mark of distinction recognized by social work licensing boards and social workers
• Is currently recognized by most states and provinces in North America
• Demonstrates that continuing education meets rigorous standards for quality and relevance
• Supports competency in the social work profession
• Allows providers to list and manage courses directly to an online database
• Entitles providers to receive timely information on CE issues and requirements via the Continuing Competence newsletter

Are you eligible to apply to ACE?

• Does your organization have a licensed social worker involved in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of social work continuing education?
• Does your organization have someone with appropriate experience to serve as continuing education director?
• Is your organization able to supply evaluation and documentation of programs?

If you can answer YES to all these questions, then you meet the minimum requirements and are eligible to apply to ACE.

School of Social Work

School of social work continuing education events & webinars calendar.

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Alzheimer’s Disease: An Inside Look

July 26, 2024 12:00-3:00pm CST 3.0 CEUs for LCSW/LSW or LCPC/LPC/ $35 for CEUs, $10 for no CEUs This course fulfills the IL licensure requirement for a Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias training

This program will define the terms of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Significant changes in the brain will be outlined in addition to the 7-stage clinical course as defined by Dr Barry Reisberg. This program will review common communication and behavior expressions and explore resources for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options. An overview of nonpharmaceutical strategies for disease management will be reviewed with a focus on person- centered care approaches.

This program meets the requirements of Public Act 102-0399, amending the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, adding Section 2105-365 which requires that health care professionals to have one hour of continuing education training on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias per renewal period.

Presenter: Jonna Phelps, LCPC Owner | Jonna Phelps Consulting, LLC