Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to consider before changing my status to inactive?

You may not practice social work while your registration status is inactive. The public register will show that you are inactive. While participation in the continuing competence program is not required while inactive, it is recommended to maintain ongoing professional competence. Your continuing competence record will be assessed before you return to active registration, and additional requirements for competence activities, supervised practice and a return-to-practice exam may be required.

If you are inactive for five or more years, you will be assigned additional return-to-practice competence requirements and placed on the provisional registry. 

Those who become inactive with an outstanding exam requirement will be required to pass the exam before returning to active registration. Returning to active registration is not an automated process, and staff may request additional information as necessary. Additional fees may be assessed depending upon the date of your status change and your renewal date. 

What do I need to know if I am required to take the entry-to-practice exam?

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.

What do social workers do?

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.

What does an associate complaints director do?

The associate complaints director’s primary responsibility is to ensure safe, competent, and ethical social work practice is carried out by registered social workers in Alberta.

The associate complaints director plays a key role in:

Ensuring public protection by addressing public inquiries

Facilitating the complaints and discipline process

Responding to complaints about the professional conduct of registered social workers, and

Ensuring that the legislative requirements set out in the HPA, part 4 are met

What if a registered social worker is not required for the job?

An employer is free to set any job requirements for hiring. The employer cannot, however, decide that a person with a social work credential, working within the scope of social work, does not have to be registered. This may mean that a registered social worker and another person who does not qualify as a registered social worker are both doing work that falls within the social work scope of practice. The person with a social work credential, working within the scope of social work, must be registered.

What if I am a university or college student? Do I still have to complete the requirements?

All registered social workers, including students, must complete competency requirements. If you are in an accredited education program that relates to your learning plan, taking a minimum of two courses per year will fulfill your competence requirements. If your studies are in an unrelated field, you must still complete 40 hours of activity toward your competency as a social worker.

What if I am retiring from my position?

You may become inactive or cancel your registration.  ACSW does not offer a retired non-regulated member status.

What if I have a criminal record?

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. 

What if my employer says I don’t have to be registered? 

Registration is mandatory even when:

your job title is not social worker

your job duties do not include counselling

your employer does not require proof of registration

 An employer can set any job requirements for hiring. You may be doing the same job as another person who is not required to be a registered social worker, because that person does not qualify for registration. That person is not a social worker.

Many of the activities performed by registered social workers can be performed by others who have gained skills and knowledge through other routes, although some restricted activities may only be performed by regulated health professionals like registered social workers. 

What if my job title is not social worker?

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.

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