Short-Term Licensure Approvals For School Shortages
Obtaining licensure for LSWs and LCSWs working in schools due to personnel shortages.
Requirements
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) allows post-MSW social workers to seek admittance into the Short-Term Approval process if they meet the requirements.
Short-Term Approval
| Short-Term Approval Type | Requirements to be Issued Approval | Requirements for the Approval License/Endorsement |
|---|---|---|
| School Social Worker (valid for 3 fiscal years) | Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) | Complete a School Social Worker Approved Program |
| Professional Certification from IDFPR or National Certification in Social Work | 1 year of experience on the STA plus a proficient or higher evaluation rating will waive internship requirements | |
| Pass the School Social Worker Content Test | ||
| Submit ISBE Form 83- 86 |
PEL Short-Term Licensure Requirements
Application Steps
Before application to University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign School of Social Work:
- Set up an Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) account
- Pay $50 fee and apply online through the ELIS system for Short Term Approval by completing ISBE form 83-86
- Take the content exam for School Social Work through Illinois Licensure Testing System
The application must include:
- Evidence of LSW or LCSW licensure
- A copy of the completed ISBE form 83-86 (see above)
- Provide evidence that supervisor has a PEL and 2 years post-masters experience in school social work. If you do not have access to supervision from someone with the above criteria, see below
- Evidence of passing the PEL in School Social Work content exam
After application:
- School of Social Work will confirm with the UIUC Council on Teacher Education that the student’s ELIS account shows that the applicant has approval
- Applicants will meet with the School of Social Work Representative to verify that the current work experience meets the criteria for a PEL, and create a plan for addressing any deficiencies in the workplace
- Applicants will meet with School of Social Work Representative to create a plan for appropriate PEL supervision if employment supervisor does not meet the criteria
- An acceptance decision will be made
To complete the Short-Term Approval process, enrolled students must meet the following requirements:
- SOCW 507: School Social Work Practice
- SOCW 519: Educational Policy
- One year of work experience under a Short-Term Approval
- Evidence of a proficient or higher evaluation rating from employer