Frequently Asked Questions

The ASWB clinical exam is a licensing exam used by the Alberta College of Social Workers. By passing this exam, registered social workers demonstrate that they have the skills and knowledge to safely serve the public as clinical social workers. 

ACSW is a member of the ASWB, a non-profit organization composed of the regulatory boards and colleges within the Canadian provinces and U.S. states, which developed and maintains social work licensing examinations, including the clinical exam. 

You are not expected to submit all of your competency documents every year. What is required every year is a list of the activities you completed that year to ensure you maintain your minimum credit requirements. 

Every five years, your portfolio may be requested for audit. The portfolio must contain learning plans, self-assessments, credited activities, and supporting documentation for all Category A activities recorded for the number of years being requested. While these documents do not have to be submitted annually, it is your responsibility to keep copies of these documents in an up-to-date portfolio. 

Members are not expected to submit all of their competency documents every year. On a yearly basis, all that is required is a list of activities completed during the year making sure members maintain their minimum credit requirements. Every five years a portfolio submission may be requested for audit. The portfolio must contain learning plans, self-assessments, credited activities, and supporting documentation for all Category A activities recorded for the number of years being requested. These documents do not have to be submitted annually, but it is the member’s responsibility to keep copies of these documents in an updated portfolio.

The provisional registry allows social workers to practice until they have met their outstanding registration requirements and are able to progress to the general registry. Most new registrants are on the provisional registry. Typical requirements on the provisional registry include supervised practice hours, a supervisor reference, outstanding documentation, and/or an entry-to-practice exam.

We strive to be understanding during difficult times for registrants. To request a deferral from your continuing competence requirements, you must provide a request in writing to the director of professional practice including evidence to support your request. The director of professional practice will advise you in writing whether the deferral has been granted, with or without conditions. 

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. 

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.  

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.   

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

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.