Ask NASW-IL: When can I apply for my LSW as a soon-to-graduate MSW student?
- NASW-IL Staff
- Apr 15
- 4 min read
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Last summer, the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) launched a virtual version of the application process for social workers. This new process has significantly sped up application processing times which, in turn, has allowed us to update our recommendations for all graduating social work students applying for the LSW.
If you are a soon-to-graduate MSW student, you cannot apply for LSW licensure until after graduation. However, we strongly recommend reaching out to your school in the last month before graduation to make a plan to expedite processing of your ED form (Certificate of Education) so that you can receive it when you graduate.
What is the ED form, and what plans do I need to make with my school for it?
The Certificate of Education form (ED) is required by IDFPR and provides verification from your school that you have successfully completed an accredited master's in social work program. Most programs may already have the ED form on file; however, if your school does not, you can extract the ED form from the IDFPR application here, complete sections 1–8, sign and date the form, then submit to your school to have them complete, sign, and return the form to you.
Once the ED form has been returned to you and you have graduated from school, you may apply for the LSW. You may need to scan or take a photo of the ED form and upload it with your application. Be sure to keep the ED form until your LSW is received in the event you need to resubmit it to the department.
Alternative: Instead of the ED form, you may submit your LSW application with an official transcript in lieu of the ED form. After graduation, request to have a copy of your official transcript sent directly from your school to IDFPR. Keep in mind you must wait until after graduation to have this transcript sent as the final transcript must indicate that your degree was awarded.
When should I apply for the LSW?
While you cannot apply for the LSW until after you graduate. You can create an account in the IDFPR Online Services Portal to begin the application process, but note that you will not be able to get past the page about your graduation until after graduation.
How much does it cost to apply for the LSW?
There is a $50.00 application fee paid to IDFPR for processing of your license application.
What do I need to apply for the LSW?
Create an account. Create an account with the IDFPR Online Services Portal.
Make plans to get your ED form or an official transcript. Get your ED form signed and returned from your school or arrange to have your school send a copy of your official transcript to IDFPR after graduation.
Submit your online application to IDFPR. Be sure to include all information, required materials (including your ED form), and fees with your application.
When do I get my license?
While processing times are subject to change, we've been hearing reports of the department processing applications in as little as a week and up to a month.
How can I check on the status of my application?
If you want to find out the status of an application, the best way to check is to contact IDFPR about the status of your application. Additionally, you can go to the IDFPR website and use the License Look Up feature. After selecting “Social Worker” for License Type, type in your first and last name. If you are licensed, you should see your name with your license number. If your application process exceeds 6 weeks, we encourage you to reach out to your local state legislator and be persistent. Click here to find your legislator.
Do I need to pass the ASWB examination to get the LSW?
No. As of January 2022, the ASWB examination is no longer required for LSW licensure in Illinois.
When can I call myself a social worker?
The day you get your license number from the department, you get to join the over 30,000 other social work professionals in the state of Illinois. Congratulations, and welcome to this honorable profession!
Additional Resources
Have More Questions? All specific questions concerning licensure and individual licenses or a particular license application needs to be properly directed to IDFPR as they are ultimately the licensing board who approve of licenses for Illinois. The NASW-Illinois Chapter website also has a plethora of information relating to licensure, from supervision requirements, the licensing process, testing procedures, and more. Go to the NASW-IL Licensure page to read more.
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