Registered social workers are regulated health professionals who must demonstrate ongoing competence throughout their careers.
The Health Professions Act requires the ACSW to establish a competence program that supports the maintenance and enhancement of professional competence and the continuous improvement of social work services provided to the public.
ACSW’s Competence Program operates on a calendar-year basis and is separate from the annual registration renewal process. Each year by February 15, registered social workers are required to submit:
- an annual competence update, and
- a professional development plan.
The professional development plan is then carried out over the course of the year, with final submission of reflection of goals due on December 23. The Competence Program forms are available starting on November 15, for those who have completed their final 2026 submission.
Participation in the Competence Program is a registration requirement for all registered social workers. Registrants who are unable to complete the requirements as expected may submit a request for accommodations, deferrals, exceptions, or waivers to ACSW, through their registrant portal for consideration.
