Application Requirements for  Registered in Another Jurisdiction

Registration with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) as a social worker with an active practice permit is required to practice in the scope of social work in Alberta.

This application is for social workers who are actively registered and subject to regulation of their social work practice in a jurisdiction that is recognized by the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) and that is located in Canada or America.
 
Documentation Required

  • Verification of Registration
    • Applicants must have a Verification Form completed by the regulatory body where they currently registered/licensed/certified as a social worker
    • Applicants that are or have been registered/licensed/certified in another profession, must have the verification form completed for each respective profession
    • Complete the top portion of the form and forward it to the other regulatory bod(ies)
    • The applicant is responsible for any cost for the verification(s)
  • Current Resume
    • An up-to-date resume that reflects education
    • work experience
    • social work related activities
    • with locations and time frames will satisfy this requirement
  • Current Criminal Record Check
    • Is valid for three (3) months from the date it was issued
      • Must be valid at the time registration is approved
      • Resubmission of this document may be required if it has expired
    • We do not require the vulnerable sector check
    • ACSW will accept this document from local law enforcement agencies or from an online provider
    • Inconclusive results may require a fingerprint check
    • The applicant is responsible for fees/costs
  • Education Qualifications
    • If the applicant’s verifying regulatory body cannot forward official and complete transcripts of a qualifying social work credential (when relevant)
      • the applicant will need to make arrangements with the institution conferring the highest social work credential to forward official and complete transcripts directly to ACSW
    • Transcripts provided directly from the applicant will not be accepted for credential verification
  • Professional Liability Insurance
    • is required when RSWs are working within the scope of social work practice
    • is practice insurance, effective if/when a complaint is made regarding the professional’s social work practice
    • Employers may provide professional liability insurance, however ACSW recommends that individuals purchase their own coverage (e mployer professional liability insurance is there to protect the employer)
    • A private policy costs approximately $125 per year
    • For more information on Insurance
Payment of Professional Dues
  • When the complete application is reviewed and approved by ACSW staff, the applicant will be notified through email that payment of professional dues is now required
  • Registration is granted when payment is processed
*Your application will expire within six (6) months, so it is important to complete your application including the supporting documents to allow time for review.


Please note:
  • Registration on the Provisional Registry may be granted if it is determined there are outstanding registration requirements
  • Registration is renewed annually based on assigned quarter
  • Annual continuing competence requirements must be met
  • Social work practice that involves the treatment of substantial mental health disorders that grossly impair, may require individual authorization to perform restricted psychosocial interventions
  • Registration as a Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) is an option available to experienced RSWs with advanced preparations
  • RSWs are required to keep ACSW profile up-to-date with contact and practice information
  • Practicing registered social workers are trusted health professionals and are accountable to the ACSW Standards of Practice and CASW Code of Ethics
  • RSWs are eligible to serve on the ACSW governance council and legislative committees on registration, continuing competence, clinical registry, and professional social work education