Testing and Test Preparation

If you have questions on licensing (regardless of membership status) , please contact the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) at 217.785.0800.

Testing

The State of Illinois uses examinations developed by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB): the Masters examination for LSWs and the Clinical examination for LCSWs. Tests are administered at sites throughout the state utilizing a computer touch screen. Each examination is graded immediately following completion and the participant informed of the results on-site.

As of December 1, 2009 applying for the examination in writing to IDFPR is the first step in obtaining licensure as an LSW or LCSW (application can be downloaded on the IDFPR website). Individuals who plan to sit for their LSW immediately after graduating with their MSW must be sure to apply for the examination through IDFPR after they have officially graduated from their program.  Once a letter of approval is received from IDFPR, register for an examination and/or receive a testing handbook by contacting the ASWB Candidate Registration Center toll-free at 888-5SW-EXAM (888-579-3926).

Test Preparation

NASW IL LSW/LCSW Review Course (8 CEUs)

The NASW Illinois Chapter LSW/LCSW Review Course is presented in an intensive eight-hour lecture from 8:00am to 5:00pm and offered approximately once every month/every other month. 

Lectures cover the most current content areas as determined by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) or licensure. Sample questions are used to illustrate the lecture material.

Courses include a book of selected readings and a packet of handouts designed to complement the lecture.

As of June 1st, 2010 an optional 8 CEUs are available for the NASW IL LSW/LCSW Review Course.

NOTE ON ACCOMMODATIONS

If you require accommodations to permit your attendance/participation, please provide a written request along with a completed registration form and conference payment at least 30 days prior to the registration deadline for the workshop. Requests received after this deadline may not be able to be processed or fulfilled in time for the activity.

CANCELLATION POLICY

WHILE THE NASW UNDERSTANDS THAT EMERGENCIES DO OCCUR, ONCE A PARTICIPANT HAS BEEN REGISTERED AND IS EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE REVIEW COURSE, THE NASW HAS FACTORED THEIR ATTENDANCE INTO COST ALREADY ABSORBED BY THE CHAPTER.  THEREFORE, OUR POLICY IS AS FOLLOWS: CANCELLATIONS RECEIVED MORE THAN 30 DAYS OUT FROM THE COURSE SHALL BE REFUNDED TO THE PARTICIPANT AT 100% COST.  ANY CANCELLATION RECEIVED WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE ORIGINAL COURSE REGISTERED FOR WILL NOT BE REFUNDED, HOWEVER THE PARTICIPANT MAY APPLY THE FEE TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TWO COURSES CURRENTLY SCHEDULED. ANY "NO SHOW" FOR THE REVIEW COURSE WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR A REFUND NOR THE OPTION TO ATTEND A FUTURE REVIEW COURSE AT THE ABSORBED COST.

UPCOMING REVIEW COURSE DATES

The NASW Illinois Chapter review course is held once every one to two months. If there are no dates that fit your current schedule, keep checking back on the site for new courses as they are added. NASW Illinois Chapter members are the first to find out about new review course dates with monthly e-mail alerts, plus members get a discount on the review course. Become a member today!