Frequently Asked Questions
No. Most registered social workers pay their own fees.
If you have a social work credential and you are practicing within the scope of social work, registration is mandatory. This includes paid and volunteer social work services. Registration is also mandatory for those who supervise registered social workers providing professional services, and for those who teach social work practice.
Please see the Registration page to see the requirements and fees for registration.
No. Practicum hours do not meet the requirement of performing regulated practice under the supervision of a qualified social worker. Practicum hours are part of your education requirements to gain a social work credential from a post-secondary institution.
On the ASWB website is a free exam guidebook that outlines what to expect on exam day. The guidebook also provides outlines of the content areas and sample questions. An online practice test is also available for a fee.
ACSW provides registered members with a practice permit. We are also required by the Health Professions Act to post a public register of our members.
Your practice permit can be saved and printed in two sizes suitable for wallet or wall. The permit shows when the registration expires and any practice enhancements or restrictions.
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.
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.
Log into the registrant portal and edit your profile by adding a new membership conversion form. You will be notified once the change has been made.
You must arrange to receive practice supervision from a registered social worker in order 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. ACSW permits external supervision but check if your employer has policies about this.
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.