FAQs for Registrants
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).
Yes. There are registration requirements to be maintained annually. RSWs must
- Complete annual registration renewal
- Maintain and renew professional liability insurance
- Pay annual fees
- Maintain an up-to-date registrant profile with your name, employer, and contact information
- Complete annual competence program requirements
RSWs on the provisional registry are generally new to regulated social work practice. Provisional RSWs are required to work with supervision and should not provide practice supervision until they have more experience and are on the general registry. Provisional RSWs should not be in private practice.
Individual authorization for restricted psychosocial interventions, clinical registration and mobility to other provinces is limited to those on the general registry.
Yes. You will have access to a practice permit that shows you are on the provisional registry. You are entitled to use the following protected titles and abbreviations: registered social worker, social worker, RSW, SW, and soc. wkr.
If you are actively practicing in the scope of social work practice for pay or in a volunteer capacity you must be registered. If you are unsure if you are working in the scope of social work practice, please contact practice.consultation@acsw.ab.ca
If you are not practicing within the scope of social work practice, there are three options available:
- Remain active,
- Change status to inactive to accommodate a temporary leave from practice or employment
- Withdraw your registration to accommodate exiting practice or employment
If you choose to change your registration status to inactive, you will not have a practice permit. This status is designed for those on temporary leave, such as parental leave, and medical leaves of absence for one to five years. Inactive status must be renewed annually.
If you choose to withdraw your registration while you are not practicing, you must reinstate it before you return to social work practice.
No. Registered social workers pay their own annual registration fees. Annual registration fees are a requirement of registration.
Please see the Applicants tab on the ACSW website for everything you need to know about registration.
ACSW provides registrants with a practice permit. We are also required by the Health Professions Act to post a public register of registrants.
Your practice permit is available in the registrant portal for viewing and printing.
The public register and practice permit serve as proof for employers or clients. Please note the public register is more up to date than a printed practice permit.
Log into the registrant portal and select the registration status change form. Complete the form and submit. You will be notified once the status change request has been approved.
You must arrange to receive practice supervision from a registered social worker to discuss your practice and ensure safe and competent social work practice. Your employer may be able to help you make these arrangements through a partner organization or elsewhere within your employer’s organization. The Social Workers Association of Alberta may be able to help you locate a supervisor if you are a member of the association.
ACSW permits external supervision but check if your employer has policies about this.