Alberta College of Social Workers
Application Requirements for Reinstatement 

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 applicants who have previously been registered as a social worker with ACSW.  Due to individual circumstances, it is strongly recommended that reinstating applicants contact ACSW at  registration@acsw.ab.ca for specific requirements.

Generally, reinstatement requirements are determined by several factors
  • whether or not the applicant is currently registered in a recognized jurisdiction
  • the regulatory status of the applicant at time of cancellation
  • the length of time that the applicant has not been regulated by a recognized regulatory body
  • outstanding requirements at time of cancellation
        When an applicant was previously on the General Registry and it has been less than 3 years since cancellation, they will return to the General Registry. If an applicant has been cancelled for more than 3 years, and are not actively registered in another recognized jurisdiction, they will be placed on the Provisional Registry where they will be required to pass an exam and complete 1500 supervised practice hours. 

        Please note: Applicants currently registered as a social worker in another jurisdiction and previously registered with ACSW may qualify for the requirements for registered in another jurisdiction. Please contact ACSW registration if this might apply to you. 

        Typical Documentation Required 

          • 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
          • Character Reference
            • The  ACSW Character Reference must be submitted by an individual that knows the applicant
              • does not have to be an RSW
              • who is not a family member or partner
            • Alternatively, ACSW will also accept a reference in letter format that is directed to the Alberta College of Social Workers and specifically supports the applicant in the role as a regulated social worker
            • The completed form or letter may be sent directly to ACSW or uploaded by the applicant
            • For applicants previously registered on the General Registry and cancelled for less than 3 years
              • verification of practice hours is not required
              • with a submission of a  second Character Reference from a currently Registered Social Worker on the General Registry
            • The future Supervisor Reference if required cannot come from the same individual who completed the Character Reference
          • 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
          • Continuing Competency Requirements
            • Submit any continuing competence credits obtained since last successful renewal addressing social work knowledge, skill, ability, and/or judgement
            • Submit a  Self-Assessment and a Learning Plan for the coming year
              • Can be completed on ACSW forms or personal narratives
              • O nly the first 3 sections of the ACSW learning plan are required to be completed for this application
          • Other Professions/Jurisdictions
            • Applicants that are or have been registered/licensed/certified in social work or 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)
            • Costs for verifications are the responsibility of the applicant
          • Education Transcripts
            • Applicants with upgraded social work education since last registered with ACSW must have official and complete transcripts from the educational institutions reflecting the highest level of social work education submitted directly from the institution to ACSW
            • Transcripts provided directly from the applicant will not be accepted for credential verification
          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 on the Provisional or General Registry 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. 


          What’s Next? 

          Is dependent on your circumstances and one or more of the requirements below may apply.

          • Update member profile
            • Upon reinstating, RSWs must ensure the profile is updated with contact and employment information
          Registered Social Workers (RSW) on the Provisional Registry may progress to the General Registry when all provisional registration requirements have been met. 

          • 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
          • Supervised Practice Hours and Supervisor Reference
            • The online reference must be submitted by the Registered Social Worker(s) (RSW) who have provided practice supervision for required hours of practice
            • The social work supervisor will be considered qualified if they are registered on the General Registry during the period of supervision
            • Once the RSW has registered and completed all remaining supervised practice hours
              • a request for a Supervisor Reference can be submitted through the member portal
              • can be found under the Additional tab once you become registered
            • The previously submitted ACSW Character Reference form and the Supervisor Reference must be from two different individuals
            • No hours (paid or volunteer) worked prior to registration will count toward this requirement
          • Examination Requirements
            • Applicants may be subject to an examination when
              • their social work practice has not been regulated in the last three years, or
              • they have not completed a recognized social work credential within the last three years.
            • Upon approval of registration, ACSW will forward the test approval to the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) to allow registration for the exam
              • Applicants are responsible to register for the exam directly with ASWB
              • After registering for the exam, applicants are responsible for scheduling the exam with Pearson Vue
              • All exam related costs are covered by the applicant
            • The exam must be successfully passed within 1 year of registration
            • Information for ASWB Exam Candidates
            Please note: