IL HB5435

Applicants for a licensed clinical social worker credential must now hold a social worker license (or have temporarily practiced pending licensure) before their supervised clinical hours count toward the required 3,000 hours (master's degree) or 2,000 hours (doctoral degree)

Licensed social worker applicants with an undergraduate degree must complete 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience within 4 years, replacing the previous "3 years" requirement

The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation may grant waivers or extensions to the 4-year time limit for good cause

Supervised clinical hours completed before the effective date may still count toward licensure if they met the requirements in effect when earned

Effective January 1, 2027