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

1. Online Renewal: Head over to the IDFPR License Renewal Page.
2. 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.
3. 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

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► 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.

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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