Ask NASW-IL: When can I apply for the IL LSW as a first-time licensee?

Resources like this "Ask NASW-IL" article are made possible through NASW-Illinois Chapter membership. By joining the largest association of social workers in the state, you help us research changing regulations, develop clear tools, and answer licensure questions with accuracy and care. If you find this information helpful, we invite you to join or renew your NASW membership today and add your voice to our professional community.

In February 2026, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced an important update to its modernized licensing platform—CORE (Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment). First-time LSW and LCSW applicants will now begin their applications through CORE rather than the previous IDFPR Online Services Portal.

With graduation season approaching, this step-by-step overview is designed to help first-time LSW applicants prepare early, submit quickly, and enter the profession alongside their peers.

Who is IDFPR?

IDFPR is the licensing authority for banks, financial institutions, and licensed professionals in Illinois—including social workers. Within the department, the Division of Professional Regulation licenses and regulates more than one million professionals and firms.

As a licensed social worker, you are responsible for maintaining compliance with all IDFPR rules and standards throughout your career.

When should I apply?

You cannot fully submit your application until you receive your final required document (your proof of education). However, you can and should begin the application in advance.

Summer is one of the busiest processing periods for the department. Submitting your application as soon as your final document becomes available helps you enter the queue earlier and receive your license faster.

Our recommendation: Create your CORE account 1–2 months before graduation and complete as much of the application as possible so you are ready to click Submit immediately after graduation.

How to Create a CORE Account

1. Go to the new IDFPR-CORE website.

2. Click Sign In.

3. Select Sign Up under “Don’t have an account? Sign Up,” and follow the prompts.

TIP! For a video tutorial, click here.

Once logged in:

• Click Apply

• Search for social work.

• Select Licensed Social Worker Initial Application

You will be asked to enter personal contact information. Use an e-mail and phone number you check regularly—your license is your livelihood, and this is how the department will contact you about deficiencies or updates. TIP! For a more in-depth video tutorial on how to apply, click here.

More About Proof of Education

You will be asked to provide proof of education in the online application. This document can be either:

1. A completed Certification of Education (ED) form, or

2. An official transcript for your highest level social work degree.

Plan Ahead:

The ED form 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 download the form 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. We strongly encourage you to make plans in advance with your school to see if you can get this form given to you along with your diploma the day of graduation. The department will accept scanned or photographed images of the ED form for upload into their system.

Alternatively, you may also submit a digital copy of your official transcript in lieu of the ED form. After graduation, request to have your official transcript sent to you. The department will accept scanned or photographed images of your official transcript for upload into their system. 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 will I receive my license?

Because CORE is a new system, processing timelines are still emerging. If you apply through the new platform, we encourage you to share your timeline with us so we can help future applicants set expectations.

How can I check on the status of my application?

Log into CORE and visit the Submissions section to monitor your application. Also check your e-mail regularly in case IDFPR requests additional information.

Do I need to pass the ASWB examination for the LSW?

No. As of January 2022, the ASWB examination is no longer required for LSW licensure in Illinois.

When can I begin practicing as a licensed social worker (LSW)?

Thanks to a new law which took effect on January 1, 2026, you can begin practicing as an LSW once you receive confirmation from IDFPR that they have received receipt of your LSW application. Thanks to a rule change passed by Illinois State Representative Bill Morgan which the NASW-Illinois Chapter helped support, Illinois now observes a license-pending practice (LPP) period which allows those who are eligible to begin working as an LSW while the department processes their application. However, you may not yet call yourself a social worker.

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

• NASW-Illinois Chapter Licensure Steps

• Ask NASW-IL Can I see clients as a social work student or graduate but before I get my LSW/LCSW?

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Have More Questions?

All specific questions about licensure, individual licenses, or a particular application must be directed to IDFPR, as they are the state agency responsible for issuing and approving licenses in Illinois.

The NASW-Illinois Chapter website also offers a wide range of licensure resources—covering supervision requirements, the application process, exam information, and more. Visit the NASW-IL Licensure page to explore these tools and guides.

Resources like this article exist because of our members. Membership dollars make it possible for our small but dedicated staff to research changing laws and rules, develop clear guidance, and respond to member questions with accuracy and care. When you join or renew, you’re not only investing in your own professional success—you’re helping ensure that Illinois social workers continue to have a trusted source for licensure support, advocacy, and up-to-date information.

If you’ve found this guide helpful, we invite you to join or renew your NASW membership today and be part of the community that makes this work possible.