Extracted Variables:
- State: Illinois
- Profession: Social Workers
- Required Hours: 1 hour of Cultural Competency CE per renewal cycle
- Governing Rule/Citation: 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130.5250
Q: Is Cultural Competency training mandatory for Social Workers in Illinois?
A: Yes. Under 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130.5250, Illinois Social Workers must complete at least 1 hour of Cultural Competency continuing education during each renewal cycle, beginning with license renewals due in 2026 and continuing for all future renewal periods. Social workers are required to document this CE activity as part of their continuing education records to remain compliant.
Renew Now CE provides an Instant Certificate for immediate license submission.
Cultural Competency CE Requirement for Illinois Social Workers – 2026 License Renewal Guide
Cultural Competency CE Requirement for Illinois Social Workers: Beginning with 2026 renewals, Illinois social workers must complete 1 hour of Cultural Competency continuing education (CE). This new requirement supports a broader effort to reduce healthcare disparities and deliver more inclusive, culturally responsive care to individuals and communities across the state.
If you are a licensed social worker in Illinois, here’s what you need to know to meet this new CE requirement — and how to complete your training online, quickly and easily.
Illinois Requirement – Cultural Competency CE for Social Workers
Under 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130.5250, all Illinois healthcare professionals who are subject to continuing education — including licensed social workers — must complete at least one hour of Cultural Competency CE during each renewal cycle.
This rule takes effect for licenses renewing in 2026 and will continue to be a standard requirement in every renewal cycle going forward. Licensed social workers must document this CE as part of their continuing education records.
Complete Your CE Requirement Online
Renew Now CE offers a 1-hour Illinois-approved Cultural Competency course that’s easy to complete on any device.
- 100% online and mobile-friendly
- Self-paced and easy to complete
- Instant certificate of completion
- Approved for the 2026 Illinois renewal cycle
Why Cultural Competency Matters in Social Work Practice
Cultural Competency CE provides social workers with essential knowledge and practical tools to:
- Recognize how cultural identity and background influence client behavior and engagement
- Improve communication and therapeutic rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds
- Reduce bias and enhance service accessibility
- Deliver ethical, client-centered care to all populations
Starting in 2026, social workers must complete this required CE to actively support equity and professionalism in all areas of their practice.
Why Renew Now CE is the Smart Choice for Your License Renewal Continuing Education:
- Complete Your CE Requirements Today — No Subscriptions, No Stress
- Fully Accredited & Board-Accepted: ANCC-accredited and jointly accredited to provide CE for Nursing (ANCC), Medicine (ACCME), Pharmacy (ACPE), Dentistry (ADA CERP), and more.
- State-Mandated CE Compliance Guaranteed: Every course and package is built to meet your exact renewal-year requirements.
- Trusted by 100,000+ Clinicians Nationwide: Fast, accurate, and easy — with thousands of verified 5-star reviews.
- Buy Only What You Need: Choose a single course or a complete state bundle — no subscriptions, no upsells, no wasted hours.
- Instant Certificate: Finish your CE today and download your certificate immediately.
- Real Human Support: Get quick, reliable help from our U.S.-based team whenever you need it.
Accreditation
Renew Now CE is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education. This course meets ANCC standards and is widely accepted by licensing boards for social work. Social workers should confirm acceptance with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) or their employer if needed.