Licensure

NOTICE: IDFPR Introduces New Online Licensing System

On October 30, 2024, IDFPR launched CORE, a new online system for professionals to apply for licensure in Illinois.

New applications for Social Work professions are now available in CORE.

LCSW applicants will be able to register for the examination and sit for the ASWB Clinical exam while their application makes its way through the various IDFPR processing and evaluation stages. Loyola University Chicago does not offer examination preparation courses. For more information, see the ASWB website.

Note: If you are applying for a license outside of Illinois, visit the National Association of Social Workers website, select "find your chapter," and find your state on the search option. Select the state from which you wish to get your license. Please locate the forms that Loyola will have to complete on your behalf if applicable, and submit them to SSW-licensure@luc.edu

Certificate of Education (ED) Form - MSWs must work for 3,000 hours under the supervision of an LCSW to be eligible to apply for the LCSW examination.

To ensure accurate and timely processing of your Certificate of Education Form, please carefully review and follow the instructions below.

Completing Your Form

1. Complete Sections 1-6 only, including your full name, date of birth, complete mailing address, and any other required personal information. Sign and date the form before submitting it.
2. Do not enter your Social security number or graduation date. Leave these fields blank. When the form is returned to you, fill in this information.
3. Provide your complete mailing address, including apartment/unit number (if applicable), city, state, and ZIP code. Missing information will delay processing.
4. List any previous or alternate names under Section 6 IF your student records reflect a different name.

Preparing and Submitting Your Form

1. Save your document using the following naming format: 
   First Name Last Name Original
   Example: Katy Pen Original
   Accepted format: PDF only. JPEGs, PNGs, screenshots, and photographs of documents will not be accepted.
2. Submit the completed ED Form to Loyola for processing (ssw-licensure@luc.edu). To help avoid delays, include the following information directly in your email:
   - Student ID number (if available)
   - Full legal name as it appears in your student records
   - Complete return mailing address
   - Contact telephone number
   - Instructions indicating where the completed form should be mailed if different from the application address

Processing and Return Information

1. Processing Time: All submissions are processed in the order received and may take up to 45 business days to complete.
2. Return Method: Completed forms are returned via U.S. Mail.
3. External Agencies: Please note that the United States Postal Service (USPS), Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), National Association of Social Workers-Illinois Chapter (NASW-IL), and CORE are independent entities and are not directly affiliated with Loyola University Chicago. Questions regarding these organizations' services, requirements, policies, or processing timelines should be directed to that specific organization.

Questions or Assistance

If you have any questions regarding the Certificate of Education (ED) Form submission or verification process, please contact ssw-licensure@luc.edu

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us process your request efficiently.

As you complete the required SOWK 722, 621, and 622 courses, as well as the 500-hour CADC-Eligible internship, there are two final steps that Shannon Dunn, Ph.D., Director of the CADC-Eligible Training Program, will assist you with. Please note that in addition to these written instructions, students will be informed of these steps in CADC classes and have access to these materials in Sakai.

First, you must contact Dr. Dunn (sdunn7@luc.edu) and she will verify your completion of course work and CADC-E internship. Pending verification, she will provide you with the ICB Application, which you must complete and return directly to ICB. Please note on page 2 of the application that you may elect to take the CADC exam prior to completing your course and internship. This is a personal choice based upon your circumstances. 

The second item to fulfill CADC eligibility is for ICB to receive a formal “letter of completion” on your behalf drafted by the School of Social Work. According to our accreditation agreement with ICB, this letter cannot be sent until you have completed all courses and internship and your final grades have been posted. A formal letter of completion will be sent on your behalf once these steps are complete. 

Once ICB has received your application, your letter of completion, and you've passed the ICB-administered CADC exam, you have fulfilled the requirements for the full and permanent CADC credential. 

Please note the CADC credential is not portable. If you are leaving Illinois, you must investigate the credentialing requirements in the state or country you will be moving to. You can find all the boards via the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium.