Illinois LCPC CE Requirements Guide for 2026-2027

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) requires Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs) to complete continuing education (CE) hours to maintain their license. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about CE requirements for the 2026-2027 renewal cycle and beyond.

Quick Facts

• Total CE Hours Required: 30 hours per 2-year cycle
• Current Renewal Period: April 1, 2025 - March 31, 2027
• Next Renewal Deadline: March 31, 2027
• License Type: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
• State: Illinois
• Online CE Allowed: Yes, all 30 hours can be completed online

Required CE Hours Breakdown

Total Hours: 30 per Renewal Cycle

All 30 hours can be completed through approved online providers, offering flexibility for busy professionals.

Mandatory CE Topics

1. Ethics Training (3 hours every 2 years)

• Requirement: 3 hours in counseling practice ethics
• Frequency: Every two-year renewal period
• When it applies: Starting with the second renewal
• Topics covered: Professional boundaries, confidentiality, dual relationships, informed consent

2. Sexual Harassment Prevention (1 hour every 2 years)

• Requirement: 1 hour per renewal cycle
• Format: Can be completed online
• Focus: Workplace harassment prevention and reporting requirements

3. Implicit Bias Awareness (1 hour every 2 years)

• Requirement: 1 hour per renewal cycle
• Effective date: Renewals on or after January 1, 2023
• Topics: Cultural competency, unconscious bias in mental health practice

4. Mandated Reporter Training (1 hour every 3 years)

• Requirement: 1 hour every three years
• Provider: Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
• Focus: Child abuse and neglect recognition and reporting
• Note: This is a one-time requirement every 3 years, not every renewal

5. Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia (1 hour every 6 years)

• Requirement: 1 hour every six years
• Applies to: Healthcare professionals serving adults aged 26 or older
• Effective: Required for renewals starting in 2023
• Topics: Recognition, communication strategies, and care approaches

6. Cultural Competence (1 hour every 6 years)

• Requirement: 1 hour every six years
• Effective date: License renewals on or after January 1, 2025
• Focus: Culturally responsive counseling practices

Clinical Supervision Training (LCPC-Specific)

One-Time Requirement: 9 Hours

• Who needs it: All LCPCs
• Deadline: Must be completed by the second renewal
• Previously: This requirement was 18 hours but has been updated to 9 hours
• Topics: Clinical supervision techniques, ethical supervision, evaluating supervisees

[!IMPORTANT] This is a one-time requirement specific to LCPCs and must be completed by your second license renewal.

CE Format and Providers

Approved CE Formats

All formats must be from IDFPR-approved providers:

• Online courses (up to 100% of required hours)
• Live webinars and workshops
• In-person seminars and conferences
• University courses (graduate-level counseling courses)
• Self-study programs (from approved providers)

Approved CE Providers

CE hours must be obtained from recognized professional organizations:

• American Counseling Association (ACA)
• National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
• Illinois Counseling Association (ICA)
• American Psychological Association (APA)
• National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
• Other IDFPR-approved providers

First Renewal Exception

[!NOTE] No CE required for first renewal: If you are renewing your Illinois LCPC license for the first time, continuing education is generally not required.

Record Keeping Requirements

Documentation to Maintain (5 years)

You must retain proof of CE completion for five years in case of audit:

• Course completion certificates
• Course descriptions or syllabi
• Provider name and approval number
• Number of CE hours earned
• Date and location of the course
• Method of participation (online, in-person, etc.)

Audit Compliance

The IDFPR randomly audits licensees for CE compliance:

• You will receive written notification if selected
• Submit all required documentation within 30 days
• Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action
• Keep organized records easily accessible

Exemptions and Special Circumstances

You may be exempt from or receive reduced CE requirements if:

• First-time renewal: No CE required for initial license renewal
• Active military service: May qualify for exemption or extension
• Extended absence from practice: Contact IDFPR for guidance
• Hardship cases: Requires IDFPR approval and documentation

Planning Your CE

Recommended Timeline

Year 1 of Renewal Cycle (April 2025 - March 2026)

• Complete ethics training (3 hours)
• Complete sexual harassment prevention (1 hour)
• Complete implicit bias awareness (1 hour)
• Start clinical supervision training if due (9 hours)
• Earn 10-15 additional hours

Year 2 of Renewal Cycle (April 2026 - March 2027)

• Check if mandated reporter training is due (1 hour every 3 years)
• Check if Alzheimer's/dementia training is due (1 hour every 6 years)
• Check if cultural competence is due (1 hour every 6 years)
• Complete remaining hours to reach 30 total

Contact Information

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)

• Phone: (888) 473-4858
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.idfpr.illinois.gov
• License Lookup: www.idfpr.com/LicenseLookup

Tips for Success

1. Start early - Don't wait until the last minute to complete your hours
2. Track everything - Use CE Tracker App to monitor your progress
3. Prioritize mandated topics - Complete required courses first
4. Keep digital copies - Scan all certificates and store securely
5. Verify provider approval - Ensure courses are IDFPR-approved before taking them
6. Set reminders - Mark your calendar for renewal deadlines
7. Document immediately - Save certificates as soon as courses are complete

Stay Compliant with CE Tracker App

Managing your LCPC continuing education requirements doesn't have to be complicated. CE Tracker App helps you:

• Track your completed CE hours in real-time
• Monitor progress toward all mandatory requirements
• Store certificates digitally in one secure location
• Receive reminders for upcoming deadlines and renewals
• Generate reports for license renewal and audits
• Separate tracking for biennial vs. multi-year requirements (3-year, 6-year)

Don't risk your professional license - stay on top of your CE requirements with proper planning and organization.