FAQs for Applicants

Am I required to take an entry-to-practice exam to register?

If you are applying within three years of completing your recognized social work credential, you are not required to take the entry-to-practice exam. 

When you apply to register, your file is assessed to determine if the exam is needed. (An example would be someone who has not been registered to practice in a recognized jurisdiction for the past three years). 

Can I apply if I have not completed my supervised practice hours?

Supervised practice hours are completed after registration, while you are registered on the provisional registry. They are not completed before registration. 

Do employers normally pay social work registration fees? 

No. Registered social workers pay their own annual registration fees.  Annual registration fees are a requirement of registration.

Do I qualify for registration as a social worker? 

Please see the Applicants tab on the ACSW website for everything you need to know about registration.

How current does my criminal record check have to be?

We accept criminal record checks produced within the last three months. It must be valid when your registration application is processed. If it is older than three months at the time your registration is approved, you must provide a new criminal record check. We accept electronic criminal record checks. A vulnerable sector check is not required for registration.

How do I prepare for the exam?

We recommend ASWB’s exam preparation materials. These include the free ASWB Exam Guidebook and exam content outlines. We strongly recommend their online practice test, available at an additional cost. 

How do I sign up for the exam?

If you have the entry to practice exam requirement, ACSW will pre-approve you to take the exam and will submit your name with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) for scheduling the date and location in which you will take the exam. All information and details about the exam are accessed through ASWB’s portal – ASWB Central.

I have a social work degree. Can I call myself a social worker?

The Health Professions Act and the Social Workers Profession Regulation sets out the protected titles for the profession of social work in Alberta. Only registered social workers can use the protected title of social worker and all other professional protected titles in Alberta.

If you have a social work education credential, are qualified and are employed in the scope of social work practice in Alberta, registration is mandatory.

I have just graduated, and my official transcripts are not available yet. What else can I use to provide evidence of my completed social work credential?

We will accept a letter issued by the educational institution that states you have completed all requirements for your social work program and provides a conferral date. This is often provided by the registrar’s office when all graduation requirements have been met. Official transcripts must be submitted during your first year of registration.

If I withdraw my registration while I’m on leave, do I have to go through the whole application process again?

Yes. You will be required to complete the reinstatement application pathway to re-establish your registration following a period of lapse or withdrawal. Depending on the purpose of your leave and the length of your leave, you will be asked to participate in a return to practice assessment to determine your competence requirements. See the Applicants tab on the ACSW website for more details.