First time applicant

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 applicants who meet the following criteria:  

• never been registered with ACSW 
• not registered in another recognized province within Canada or American jurisdiction 
• completed a Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work from a program accredited or approved by the 

• • Canadian Association for Social Work Education 
  • Council on Social Work Education  
  • National Indigenous Accreditation Board  
  • Alberta College of Social Workers 

First-Time Applicant Requirements

• Complete application including payment of all applicable fees
  
  • You must have a registrant profile in order to submit your application. If you already have a registrant profile, click here to log in. For assistance creating a new registrant profile, click here for step-by-step instructions.
  • You must submit the online application form and complete payment of the $200 application fee. Annual registration renewal fees are required, and can be found on the fee schedule.
  • The cost of INITIAL registration is $600. This includes a $200 application fee and a $400 annual fee. This does not include any costs associated with completing the application document requirements.

Required documents

• Education qualifications 

• • The official and complete transcripts from the post secondary educational institution(s) where you completed the highest level of social work education. Official transcripts must be submitted directly to ACSW from the education institution. 
  • Transcripts submitted directly by applicants will not be accepted.

• Resume / CV
  

• • Submit a current resume detailing your education and work experience, including dates and locations

• Character reference
  You have two options: complete the ACSW character reference form OR submit a reference letter addressed to ACSW that supports your application to be a social worker 

• • The character reference must be submitted by someone who has professional knowledge of your character and ability and readiness to practice the profession of social work 

• • • The referee can not be a family member, relative or partner/spouse 
    • The referee does not have to be a registered social worker

• Current and valid criminal record check 

• • Submit a current and valid criminal record check. A criminal record check is valid for three months from the date it was issued.
  • We accept criminal record checks from local and federal law enforcement agencies or online providers. 
  • Inconclusive results require a fingerprint check.

• Mandatory training
  
  • Click here to complete the mandatory training course: Sexual Abuse and Misconduct Education for Health Professionals. Save and submit the certificate of completion. The course will take approximately 90 minutes to complete.

• Registration Verification 

• • You must submit a  verification form if you have been registered/licensed to practice another regulated profession or occupation in another profession within Alberta or another Canadian province or USA state.