Registered social workers are regulated health professionals who must show that they’re maintaining and enhancing their competence throughout their careers.
The Health Professions Act requires ACSW to establish, maintain and enforce standards for continuing competence.
All registered social workers must participate in the program to meet their registration requirements.
Changes are coming to the Continuing Competence Program, aimed at simplifying requirements for registrants while strengthening our ability to better regulate the growing social work profession in Alberta. These changes will take effect in January 2026. Participation in the competence program is a mandatory requirement of registration.
Annual portfolio requirements
As part of the Continuing Competence Program, registered social workers are required to document their professional learning in an annual portfolio. Registered social workers must retain five years of portfolios, which can be requested at any time.
Registrants may request accommodations, deferrals, exceptions, or waivers related to continuing competence requirements. The goal is to ensure equity, uphold professional standards, and maintain public trust.