FAQs for Applicants
You will be assigned an exam based upon your highest level of social work education. You are expected to pass the exam within the first year of registration.
The exam may be attempted multiple times within the year as guided by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) policies.
Social workers promote social change and enhance people’s well-being. They help individuals develop problem-solving skills and feel self-empowered. Specific duties and client populations vary from setting to setting. Social workers may work in a wide variety of conditions and practice areas.
Visit the Alberta Alis website for more occupational information.
A criminal record does not necessarily stop you from registering as a social worker. You must disclose your criminal history in the declarations section of the application to be individually assessed for the potential to be a trusted professional. A fingerprint report may be necessary when a criminal record check cannot confirm your identity or criminal history.
If you have a social work credential and your practice fits within the scope of practice, you must be registered, whatever title you use.
The title of social worker may only be used by registered social workers, but registration is required even when you do not use the title.
The provisional registry allows social workers to practice until they have met their outstanding registration requirements and are able to progress to the general registry. Most new registrants are on the provisional registry. Typical requirements on the provisional registry include supervised practice hours, a supervisor reference, outstanding documentation, and/or an entry-to-practice exam.
If you qualify for registration, you cannot practice within the scope of social work without being registered. The Health Professions Act makes it an offense to practice without registration and outlines the consequences for individuals and employers who do not comply.
Please review the Registration page to understand the appropriate application for you.
Registered social workers need professional liability insurance coverage because it’s required by the Health Professions Act as a registration requirement. You must review and update your professional liability insurance coverage when changes occur and as part of your annual registration renewal.
ACSW recommends that you obtain your own coverage even if your employer’s insurance covers you.
Learn more about professional liability insurance requirements here.
No. Your complete application, with application fee and supporting documents, is typically reviewed within two weeks of submission.
The number of applications in process affects how long it takes. From April through June, we receive many new graduate applications. All applications are processed in the order they are received. When your application is approved, you will be notified by email with a request for payment of annual registration fees. Please ensure you can receive email from our domain, acsw.ab.ca.