What is NASW-IL?

NASW-IL is the state chapter of the NASW, an association continually working for its membership.  Joining NASW gives you three memberships in one:  national, state, and district.  To find more on NASW-IL Click Here.

How can I contact the National office?

You may visit the website at www.socialworkers.org or call the National office at 800.638.8799.

How can I find information on obtaining NASW Insurance?

NASW offers professional liability/malpractice insurance and group life & disability insurance through the NASW Assurance Services.  You may visit www.naswassurance.org or contact the national office at 800.638.8799 ext. 387 for more information.  The NASW does not offer medical, dental, or vision insurance at this time.

How can I renew my membership and/or update my name & address?

Update information must be given to the National office of NASW.  You can renew your membership by visiting the national site at www.socialworkers.org to update your information online, or by calling the national membership department at 800.742.4089.  You may also update your name and address by sending your updated information (including membership ID number) to membership@naswdc.org.

Is NASW-IL the licensing board for Social Workers in Illinois?

No, NASW-IL is not the licensing board, nor are we a liaison between the licensing board and licensed social workers in the state.  The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation is the licensing board for the State of Illinois.  You may contact IDFPR to request an application for your LSW or LCSW at 217.782.8556.  Please keep in mind, the line may be busy, so patience is necessary.  To download an application, look up current licenses, view the Social Work Act, or for more information visit www.idfpr.com. 

Does NASW-IL offer information on licensing?

Yes, as a service to our members, NASW-IL compiles information on the current licensing laws and regulations from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.  To find out information on the process and requirements for licensure, click here.

When do I need to renew my LSW/LCSW?

LSWs and LCSWs are due for renewal every November 30th of every odd numbered year, regardless of when your license was originally issued.  Even if your license was issued November 1st of the odd year, it will still be due for renewal at the end of that month.

Is there direct reciprocity between states?

Licensing is exclusively a state function and each state license authority sets its own requirements.

In some cases, licenses can be obtained without retaking the test, if both states have identical standards. To obtain definitive information about reciprocity, call the state board in the receiving state. 

Members can contact NASW-IL for the NASW Chapter Office in the state to which you are relocating to assist you with the information about license transfers and their local state boards.  In addition, a full list of state boards can be found on ASWB’s Website www.aswb.org. 

If you have taken the same level of testing, then scores can be transferred by initially contacting ASWB and paying a score transfer fee. Your exam scores are automatically forwarded to the state’s licensing board.  Providing everything else is in order, license is generally approved.  ASWB recommends that this transfer process begin as soon as a social worker knows that relocation will occur, as each state requires an application process.

What is a CEU, and how many do I need?

A CEU is a Continuing Education Unit, and all licensed social workers need 30 of them to renew their license every November 30 of each odd numbered year.  One CEU equals one clock hour of instruction.  To see a list of acceptable ways to earn your CEUs click here.

How do I know if an organization is licensed to provide CEUs to Illinois Social Workers?

NASW-IL cannot offer information on the validity of a provider license, only the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation or the hosting organization is able to provide that information.  You can check the status provider licenses at the IDFPR website www.idfpr.com under the "License Look-Up" feature.  NASW-IL is a licensed provider of CEUs through IDFPR.

How can I advertise with NASW-IL?

There are several options when considering advertising with NASW-IL:  placing an ad in our  newsletter, the Networker, purchasing mailing labels, co-sponsoring an event with our association, or posting your professional development workshops on our calendar of events.  To find out more information on advertising click here. 

How do I file a complaint against a social worker?

The Chapter Ethics Committee considers complaints of alleged violations of the NASW Code of Ethics, an employer's or agency's personnel standards, or the right of social workers to professional action on behalf of clients.  If you are interested in speaking with someone from this committee, please contact 312.212.3717 to leave your contact information.

Does NASW-IL offer referrals of social workers?

The National Board of Directors adopted a policy in April 2000, stating NASW chapters are not permitted to develop listings, referral services or directories that endorse or imply a NASW endorsement of competence for clinical practice.  If you are interested in finding a social worker in your area you may purchase a copy of the Register of Clinical Social Workers, a national NASW registry, through the NASW Press by calling 800.227.3590, or you may search this registry online by visiting the national website at www.socialworkers.org.