Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be registered?

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.

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 can I prepare for the clinical exam?

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.

How can I prove that I’m registered?

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.

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 change my registration status?

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.

How do I meet the supervised practice hours requirement if my supervisor is not an RSW?

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.

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.

How do I track my competence credits?

Registrants are responsible for tracking their own continuing competence activities using the self-assessment and learning plan templates. You are not required to upload evidence of continuing competence activities to the registrant portal. You must retain evidence of continuing competence activities for a period of five years and be able to provide such evidence, if requested by the ACSW.

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