Overview
The Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) clinical registry provides recognition to registered social workers (RSWs) who have achieved advanced standing in clinical social work. This voluntary practice enhancement reflects a commitment to professional excellence, advanced knowledge, and ethical practice in addiction and mental health service delivery.
Benefits of Being on the Clinical Registry
Registered social workers listed on the ACSW clinical registry are entitled to:
- Use protected titles – Including registered clinical social worker (RCSW) and clinical social worker.
- Professional recognition – Acknowledged as advanced clinical practitioners by the profession and public.
- Career opportunities – May support professional advancement and access to specialized roles.
- Insurance recognition – Eligibility for recognition by certain third-party insurers.
- DSM utilization – Recognized as qualified to use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) where applicable.
- Supervision opportunities – Eligibility to become an approved clinical social work supervisor.
- Commitment to excellence – Reflects adherence to ACSW standards and ongoing professional development.
Protected Titles
Only those who meet the ACSW’s practice enhancement requirements are entitled to use the protected titles:
- clinical social worker
- registered clinical social worker (RCSW)
These titles are recognized indicators of advanced competency and professional integrity in clinical practice.
Eligibility & Application Streams
Registered social workers may apply to the ACSW clinical registry through one of several streams, depending on their education, supervised practice, and clinical experience.
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Advanced knowledge of mental health assessment, diagnosis, and intervention
- Competence in psychotherapeutic practice across diverse populations
- Ethical decision-making and commitment to professional standards
Application Streams
RSWs who have completed a Master of Social Work (MSW) and are current registrants on the general ACSW registry may apply through one of three streams. All applicants must complete and submit an application form, which details the required documentation for each application stream.
Which application stream is right for me?
- Pre-Supervision Stream: For recently graduated MSWs, or MSWs with limited to no post-MSW clinical direct clinical practice, supervision, or experience.
- Post Supervision Stream: For experienced clinicians with a minimum of five years of post-MSW clinical practice, and supervision experience.
- Porting Stream: For experienced clinicians who hold a recognized RCSW or Licensed Clinical Social Worker designation in another jurisdiction.
Pre-Supervision Stream
This stream is designed for new clinical practitioners or RSWs who recently completed their MSW.
Process:
- Submit the application fee and fully completed application package to clinical@acsw.ab.ca for review and approval
- Once approved, the applicant becomes a candidate for the clinical registry and begins to complete 1600 hours of direct clinical practice under a designated clinical supervisor of record, as outlined in the supervision plan. Interim evaluations are submitted for review every six months.
- Upon completing 1600 practice hours, 100 hours of supervision, and any outstanding course work requirements, the candidate may be approved to register for the ASWB Clinical Exam.
- After passing the ASWB Clinical Exam, the candidate is added to the ACSW clinical registry and may use the protected titles: “clinical social worker”, “registered clinical social worker”, and “RCSW”.
The process requires a minimum of two years up to five years from the time of application to complete the supervised practice hours and pass the ASWB Clinical Exam.
Post-Supervision Stream
This stream is for experienced clinicians who have at least five years of post-MSW clinical practice experience, including 3000 hours of direct clinical practice and 100 hours of supervision by an advanced clinical practitioner.
Process:
- Submit the application fee and fully completed application package clinical@acsw.ab.ca for review.
- Once approved, the applicant becomes a candidate for the clinical registry and is referred to register for the ASWB Clinical Exam.
- Upon passing the exam, the candidate is added to the ACSW clinical registry and may use the protected titles: “clinical social worker”, “registered clinical social worker”, and “RCSW”.
Porting Stream
Registered clinical social workers (RCSWs) or Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) recognized in another regulated jurisdiction, may apply to port their clinical credential to the ACSW.
Eligibility: Applicants must apply within one year of registration with the ACSW and submit the following required documentation to clinical@acsw.ab.ca:
- A letter of intent
- Proof of clinical registration
- Verification of good standing from the other regulatory body
- Proof of having passed the ASWB Clinical Exam (or write the exam if it has not yet been completed)
For more detailed information, please review the Clinical Policy and Procedures or contact clinical@acsw.ab.ca for any additional information, clarification, or guidance.