Alberta College of Social Workers
Application Requirements for Unregistered Social Workers

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 must be completed by applicants who
  • have never been registered or licensed with ACSW
  • are not actively registered as a social worker with any other Canadian or American jurisdiction and
    • Have completed a Bachelor or Master level social work credential from a program accredited by the
      • Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE)
      • the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
      • the National Indigenous Accreditation Board (NIAB)
    • Social Work Diploma from a program accredited by the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW)
Documentation Required

  • Education Qualifications
    • Applicants 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
  • 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 ACSW Character Reference form may be sent directly to ACSW or uploaded by the applicant
    • The future Supervisor Reference 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
    • As an introduction to the ACSW Continuing Competence Program, applicants will complete a Self-Assessment and Learning Plan for the coming year
    • Only the first 3 sections of the 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
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 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?

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 (employer 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 that are not within three years of completing a recognized social work credential
      • and not actively subject to regulated social work practice in another recognized jurisdiction
      • must pass an entry to practice examination appropriate for their highest level of social work education
    • 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 ASWB exam
      • 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: