Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect from an associate complaints director?

People who have made a complaint can expect to be kept informed about what is happening in the complaints process and any decisions that are made.

What will happen if I don’t register?

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. 

When can I write the clinical exam?

Once you have fulfilled the requirements outlined in the ACSW Clinical Policies and Procedures, ACSW will inform you.

We will then notify the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) that you are approved to register for the exam

Applicants must register and pay for the exam directly with ASWB

ASWB will inform you when you can schedule your exam with their provider at the date, time and location of your choosing

You must successfully complete the exam within one year of the date that ACSW submitted your name to the ASWB. If you are unsuccessful, you may take the exam up to three times within the one-year period. After three unsuccessful attempts, you will be required to restart the application process.

When do I renew my registration? 

Your registration is renewed annually. Registrants are notified by email when your registration is due for renewal.

Where do I write the clinical exam?

The exam is written in person at one of the ASWB testing centres in Edmonton or Calgary. On the ASWB website you will find a link with the locations of the testing centres, as well as more information.

Which application do I qualify for?

Please review the Registration page to understand the appropriate application for you.

Who can I talk to if I have feedback about the Continuing Competence program?

We are very interested in receiving feedback, positive or negative, on your experience with the program. Please email your comment to acsw@acsw.ab.ca with Competence Program in the subject line.

Why do I need to have professional liability insurance?

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.

Will I automatically become a registered social worker once all the documents are received by ACSW?

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.

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