To support the transition to ACSW’s new registration management system and registrant portal, all registration applications will be temporarily closed effective July 1, 2025. Applications will re-open August 18, 2025.
In the case of exceptional circumstances that require immediate attention, please contact registration@acsw.ab.ca for assistance.
To practice in the scope of social work in Alberta, you must be registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers and have an active practice permit.
This application is for you if you are are actively registered in a jurisdiction:
- recognized by ACSW and
- located in Canada or the United States.
Note: If you are seeking to practice temporarily or electronically in Alberta, the courtesy registry option below may be more suitable. Please read it and then contact the Registration team via email at registration@acsw.ab.ca.
Detailed requirements and the application follow. Please read carefully.
Requirements for applicants currently registered in another jurisdiction
Required documents
- Registration verification
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- You must have a verification form completed by the regulatory body where you are currently registered/licensed/certified as a social worker
- If you are or have been registered/licensed/certified in another profession, you must have the verification form completed for each respective profession
- Complete the top portion of the form and send it to the other regulatory body or bodies
- You pay any costs for the verifications
- Resume / CV
Your up-to-date resume should include:
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- education
- work experience
- activities related to social work
- locations and dates for all of the above
- Current criminal record check
A criminal record check is valid for three months from the date it was issued
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- It must be valid at the time you submit your complete application
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- You might have to resubmit it if it has expired when your registration is approved
- A vulnerable sector check is not required
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- We accept criminal record checks from local and federal law enforcement agencies or online providers
- Inconclusive results require a fingerprint check
- You pay the costs to get the criminal record check
- A criminal record check in a language other than English must have an official translation
- Mandatory training
Registered social workers in Alberta must occasionally complete certain mandatory training in addition to their social work education.
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- You must complete any mandatory training and add the certificate of completion to the application as directed
- Find out more about mandatory training
- Education qualifications
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- When relevant, the regulatory body where you are registered will be asked to forward official and complete transcripts of your social work credential
- If the regulatory body can NOT provide your transcript, you will need to ask the institution where you earned your highest social work credential to send your official, complete transcripts directly to ACSW
- Transcripts provided directly from you will not be accepted for registration
- Payment of registration fees
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- When the complete application is reviewed and approved by ACSW staff, you will be notified by email that payment of registration fees is now required
- When your payment is processed, you will be registered on the provisional registry and your practice permit will be available for download
If your application is not complete within two months, it will be closed and you will need to submit a new application.
For an application to be considered complete, you must pay the application fee and submit all required documents.
If you have not heard from us within three weeks, please contact ACSW to inquire about the status of your application.
What’s next
A registered social worker (RSW) on the provisional registry is authorized to use the title of RSW, and has all the rights and responsibilities of an RSW. Please note that ACSW will not recognize practice supervision performed by RSWs who are on the provisional registry.
RSWs progress to the general registry by completing all outstanding provisional registration requirements. Registration on the general registry is required in order to access ACSW’s practice enhancements, for mobility across Canada, and to provide practice supervision to RSWs on the provisional registry.
- Professional liability insurance
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- RSWs require professional liability insurance coverage
- You must add information about your insurance coverage to your profile within seven days of beginning social work practice
- It must be updated on your ACSW profile within 30 days of expiration
- Details on professional liability insurance are here
Please note:
- You may be registered on the provisional registry if we determine there are registration requirements that are not complete
- Registration is renewed annually before the expiration of your practice permit. You are assigned a registration quarter (a 3-month period).
- You must meet annual continuing competence requirements
- Treating substantial mental health disorders that grossly impair as part of your social work practice may require individual authorization to perform restricted psychosocial interventions
- Registering as a registered clinical social worker is an option available to experienced RSWs with advanced preparations
- As an RSW, you are required to keep your ACSW profile up-to-date with contact and practice information
- Practicing registered social workers are trusted health professionals and are accountable to the ACSW Standards of Practice and CASW Code of Ethics
- As an RSW, you are eligible to serve on the ACSW Council and on legislative or regulatory committees relating to registration, professional practice, education approval, and professional conduct.