Clinical Registry

There are three application streams for RSWs on the General Registry of the ACSW who have completed a master’s in social work (MSW) to apply through. All applicants must complete and submit Form A.1, which details required documentation for each application stream.

Please review the Clinical Policy and Procedures for more detailed information. You can also contact the Clinical Registry administrative support team for any additional information, clarification, or guidance at clinical@acsw.ab.ca

Which application stream is appropriate for my level of clinical social work experience?

• Pre-Supervision Stream: For recently graduated MSWs, or MSWs with limited to no post-MSW clinical direct clinical practice, supervision, or experience
• Post Supervision Stream: For experienced clinicians, who have a minimum of five years of post-MSW clinical practice, supervision and experience
• Porting Stream: For experienced clinicians who have been designated as a Registered Clinical Social Worker or Licensed Clinical Social Worker in another jurisdiction recognized by the ACSW

Pre-Supervision Stream

The typical applicant to the pre-supervision stream is a new clinical practitioner, or a RSW who recently completed their MSW. The pre-supervision stream process is as follows: 

• Applicant submits application fee and fully completed application package to the Clinical Committee to be reviewed and approved.
• Once approved, the applicant, now a candidate to the Clinical Registry, begins to complete 1600 hours of direct clinical practice as set out in the supervision plan, overseen by the identified Clinical Supervisor of Record. Interim evaluations must be submitted to the Clinical Committee for review every six months.
• Once 1600 practice hours, 100 hours of supervision and any outstanding course work requirements have been completed, the candidate may be approved to take the ASWB Clinical Exam.
• Upon passing the ASWB Clinical Exam, the candidate will be added to the ACSW Clinical Registry and will be able to use the protected titles of “Clinical Social Worker”, “Registered Clinical Social Worker”, and “RCSW”.

It takes a minimum of two years and up to five years from the time of application to complete supervised hours and pass the ASWB (Association of Social Work Boards) clinical exam. 

Post-Supervision Stream

The typical applicant to the post-supervision stream is an experienced clinician who has 5 years of post-MSW clinical experience and has completed the requisite 3000 hours of direct clinical practice and 100 hours of supervision by an advanced clinical practitioner. The post-supervision stream process is as follows:   

• Applicant submits application fee and fully completed application package to the Clinical Committee to be reviewed and approved.
• Once approved the applicant, now candidate to the Clinical Registry, will have their name referred to take the ASWB Clinical Exam.
• Upon passing the ASWB Clinical Exam, the candidate will be added to the ACSW Clinical Registry and will be able to use the protected titles of “Clinical Social Worker”, “Registered Clinical Social Worker”, and “RCSW”.

Porting Stream

A Registered Clinical Social Worker (or Licensed Clinical Social Worker), regulated in another recognized jurisdiction, may apply to port their clinical credential to ACSW within one year of registration with the ACSW by submitting the following:

• a letter of intent
• proof of clinical registration
• verification of good standing from the other regulatory body
• If the ASWB Clinical Exam has not been written, the applicant will be required to write it.

The Clinical Committee, a legislative Committee of the ACSW, meets four times a year to review and approve submissions. Submit required documents for your well-ordered and labeled application using the upload feature in the member portal. Instructions are here as needed https://acsw.in1touch.org/client/document/documents.html?categoryId=1310. Please find below dates for our upcoming meetings: