February 2026 IDFPR Update to Social Worker Licensing System

IDFPR just announced the addition of six new license types—including social worker and clinical social worker—to the state modernized regulatory platform, CORE (Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment). This expansion marks the completion of CORE’s Phase 3.2 in the department’s ongoing effort toward creating a more integrated system that offers users a comprehensive solution to their licensing needs. This latest update further adds to the onboarding of mental health professionals, including social work and counseling professions. As that transition continues, all social work and counseling license types will gradually see their licenses appear on the platform with new, streamlined tools coming soon.

For those who are now beginning to apply for social work licensure in Illinois, you may now utilize IDFPR's new licensing system CORE for licensure here: https://ildfprprod.state-reg-central.tylerapp.com/portal/public.

For more on IDFPR's implementation of CORE and other improvements and success, please visit: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/thehub.

How to Apply:

To apply through IDFPR’s new licensing system CORE:

1. You will first need to set up an CORE account. Go to the new IDFPR-CORE website and click on “Sign In,” and down where it says “Don’t have an account? Sign Up,” click on Sign Up to create a new account. (For a video tutorial, click here.)  

2. Once you have set up an CORE account and are logged in, you will see an option to apply for a license. (For a more in-depth video tutorial on how to apply, click here.)