CCP FAQs

Questions that members frequently ask are addressed in the following FAQs:

1. What are the requirements of the Continuing Competence Program?

The continuing competence program is based on the Standards of Practice, Second Edition. You will be required to:

• Conduct an annual review of your practice using the self-assessment tool 
• Identify your areas of strength 
• Determine what areas of practice require improvement or new learning 
• Set learning goals and objectives which are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely (“SMART”) for those practice areas you have identified as requiring improvement or new learning, 
• Identify learning activities to attain the goals you’ve set for yourself (See Learning Activities) 
• Engage in learning activities 
• Review and record the outcome of your activities 
• Make an annual declaration of your participation in the program

2. What does Continuing Competence mean for me?

As a regulated professional you are accountable for your actions. You are expected to display a sound knowledge base, well-developed skills and sound judgment in carrying out your professional responsibilities. You are also expected to engage in activities to enhance your practice.

The fundamental responsibility for ensuring continuing competence rests with you.

3. Should I be collecting credits or hours?

It is not necessary to collect either credits or hours as the Continuing Competence Program is not based on either of these criteria. However, it is expected that you maintain a record of your learning activities.

4. How much time should I invest in continuing competence?

The learning activities you identify will vary in time commitment. What is most important is that you take the necessary steps to meet your learning goals. While some goals will be met within a short period of time, others will require months or even years. It is recommended that members spend a minimum of 25 hours a year on meeting their learning goals. In many cases members will devote far more time than this.

5. Why should I complete the self-assessment tool? I’m already competent.

Learning is an ongoing process. By completing the self-assessment you will be able to assess your strengths and identify the areas that you can enhance. This will enable you to develop a learning plan based on your personal learning needs. By developing your own plan, you have greater chances of attaining the goals you have set for yourself.

6. Do I need to send Continuing Competence accomplishments to the College?

No. However, you do need to retain your Continuing Competence Program materials for a minimum of seven years. You will be required on a yearly basis to complete a declaration of participation in the Continuing Competence Program. The declaration is part of the annual renewal form and must be completed along with your annual renewal.

7. I’m a new graduate. Do I have to participate in the Continuing Competence Program?

Yes. Learning is ongoing regardless of years of experience.

8. I am currently retired but wish to maintain my membership in the College. Why do I need to participate in the CCP?

As a regulated professional, participation in the CCP is mandatory for all College members, including those who are retired from practice, on maternity/paternity leave, working part-time or are currently unemployed. Members of the public need to be assured that all College members, regardless of work status, are engaged in the enhancement of their practice in an ongoing way and striving for excellence in the provision of social work and social service work service.

9. I am currently in an administrative position and am no longer seeing clients. How does the CCP apply to me?

Social workers and social service workers provide services to a wide spectrum of clients and client systems that encompass direct and indirect practice and clinical and non-clinical interventions. In a broad sense, the term “client” refers to any person or body that is the recipient of social work or social service work services. In defining the client or client system, a member could ask the question: “To whom do I have an obligation in respect to the services I am providing?” The term client refers to an individual, a family, group, community, organization or government. In research, the client may be a participant and in education, the client may include students.

10. Will the College provide continuing education?

Currently, articles in Perspective newsletters aim to educate members about practice issues and legislation. As the College matures, we anticipate the development of additional educational materials.

With over 12,000 members throughout the province, working in diverse practice areas, it would be a challenge to provide continuing education that would be cost-effective, relevant and accessible to all members. In keeping with the adult education model, through the Continuing Competence Program, each member is expected to identify his/her own professional learning needs and activities. The College’s definition of learning activities is broad to allow all members to fully participate in the Program. (See “Learning Activities” in the CCP Instruction Guide).

11. Can I substitute a copy of my annual performance appraisal for the self-assessment tool?

No. The Continuing Competence Program uses a self-assessment tool, based on the Standards of Practice, to help you to evaluate your own strengths and learning needs. An employer’s evaluation is more limited, focusing on your performance of workplace duties. These are different processes and documents. Certainly, your workplace performance appraisal may provide you with feedback suggesting practice areas in need of improvement, from which you may develop aspects of your learning plan and goals. Likewise, aspects of the Continuing Competence Program may complement your workplace performance appraisal. Finally, you may wish to retain a copy of your performance appraisal in the Member Resource Binder Continuing Competence Program materials section.

12. How do I know that I am developing appropriate learning goals?

The CCP is a self-directed, adult education model. This is in keeping with the Standards of Practice, Principle II, Competence and Integrity, which states that members are responsible for being aware of the extent and parameters of their competence and demonstrating their commitment to ongoing professional development.

The learning goals and Professional Development Plan you develop are relevant to your needs. Ultimately, you must be able to demonstrate that you have made reasonable efforts to develop an appropriate learning plan. You will need to use your professional judgment about what is reasonable and appropriate. However, the following may assist you:

• completing the CCP Work Sheet in the Self-Assessment Tool and Professional Development Plan Documents booklet 
• incorporating practice dilemmas 
• consulting with colleagues and/or supervisors, 
• consulting with the College's Professional Practice Department

13. I have listed several goals as part of this year's learning plan which I have not completed. Can I carry them forward to next year's learning plan?

Yes. The learning activities you identify will vary in time commitment. What is most important is that you take the necessary steps to meet your learning goals. While some goals will be met within a short period of time, others will require months or even years. For those goals which require longer time frames to complete, members are advised to identify benchmarks or milestones that they expect to reach as part of these larger goals. These benchmarks should be established using the SMART objectives (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely).

If you have questions regarding the Continuing Competence Program, please contact the Professional Practice Department.