Process for Type 73 Certification Program

Admission to the School of Social Work Specialization

All students must successfully complete:


1. The Dominican University Graduate School of Social Work application process, which includes:

  • Personal statement
  • Resume
  • Three letters of recommendation (one academic and two professional)
  • Transcripts
  • $25 application fee

Click here to download admission application.

2. The Illinois Basic Skills Test

Go to the Illinois Certification Testing System web page at www.icts.nesinc.com for complete information such as test dates, fees and registration.

Starting the Internship

A student can not start an internship without taking the Illinois Basic Skills Test.

3. Work with the Director of Field Placement to explore options for placements.

4. Criminal background investigation.

All schools require background checks. Schools may require their own background check. Check with your placement site for their specific requirements. Some schools will not accept Dominican's criminical background check. 

  • Complete the Criminal Background Investigation Authorization form.
  • Return the completed authorization form and $20 to: Amy Laleman, Administrative Assistant, Dominican University School of Education, Parmer Hall, Suite 412, 7900 W. Division Ave. River Forest, Illinois 60305.

Course and Internship Requirements

5. The necessary course requirements.
Dominican University MSW students are required to take the following courses:

  • Human Behavior in the Social Environment – 6 hours
  • Social Welfare Policy – 6 hours
  • Social Work Theory, Methods and Practice – 3 hours
  • (Individual, Family and Community Intervention)
  • Research Methodology -- 3 hours
  • Characteristics of Exceptional Children – 3 hours
  • Social Work Practice in the Public School – 3 hours
School Social Work students take the following two electives in addition to the general curriculum:
  • Characteristics of Exceptional Children – 3 hours
  • Social Work Practice in the Public School – 3 hours. If possible, plan with your advisor to take Social Work Practice in the Public Schools concurrently with your field placement.

If you already have a MSW degree, you will be required to take the following courses:

  • Characteristics of Exceptional Children – 3 hours
  • Social Work Practice in the Public School – 3 hours

6. The necessary internship requirements.

If you are a current MSW student, you must complete:

  • Your first-year supervised field internship with a minimum of 480 contact hours. (Supervisor must have a master’s degree or higher.)
  • Your second-year supervised internship with a minimum of 600 contact hours in a K–12 school setting through June. (Supervisor must possess a master’s degree or higher in school social work and a School Service Personnel Certificate (73) for school social work).
If you already have an earned MSW degree from an accredited program, you must:
  • Perform a minimum of 600 contact hours in a K-12 school setting for the academic year (two semesters) through June.  MSW Externs are highly valued and sought after. Most schools are willing to negotiate a lessening of hours during the week for the  MSW extern student.  Some schools have specialized placements for the MSW extern (reduced hours).
  • Your supervisor must possess a master’s degree or higher in school social work and a School Service Personnel Certificate (73) for school social work.
  • Your internship schedule will be agreed upon by the host school and Dominican’s director of field placement.

Getting the Certificate

7. Upon successful completion of the Illinois Basic Skills Test, required courses, school internship and criminal background check, all candidates must complete and successfully pass the Illinois Certification Testing System Field 184 School Social Worker Test.

Once the student passes the 184, the student must contact Jesse Munoz, the Director of Field Placement.  The Director of Field Placement will send a letter to Marilyn Benakis, Dominican's Certification Officer, informing her that the student successfully completed all requirements.  The Director of Field Placement will also provide the student with Dominican's Certification Officer's contact information.  The student must follow up with the Certification Officer to complete the process.

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