Applicants with a Canadian social work degree

Graduates of Accredited Canadian Social Work Degree Programs

If you obtained a degree in social work from a social work program accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work, now known as the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (the “CASWE”) you will likely meet the academic requirements for the issuance of a general certificate of registration for social work.

For a list of accredited programs offered in Ontario, please go to Ontario social work & social service work programs. For a list of accredited programs outside Ontario, visit the CASWE website at www.cassw-acess.ca.

If your social work degree is not accredited by CASWE, please go to Graduates of non-accredited Canadian and American Social Work Programs.

How to Apply

Before downloading the appropriate registration guide and application form, please ensure you read Information for All Applicants.

Verification of Academic Qualifications:

Arrange for your university to forward directly to the College, verification of your degree in social work. The following is acceptable verification of your degree:

1. Official transcript from your University with the institution’s seal and signature of the Registrar;

2. A completed College Verification Form for Educational Qualifications which many Deans or Directors of accredited social work programs in Ontario have received. This form must be completed and signed by the Dean/Director of your social work program or their authorized delegate;

3. An original transcript with grades in a sealed envelope, which your university provided to you. The envelope must be sealed and authenticated with the stamp of the academic institution. The College will contact you if further verification is required.

These documents must contain your name as it appears on the application form and the name under which you were issued your degree in social work. If the name used on the application form is different from the name on the academic verification, please explain.

The College accepts only original documents. Fax, email attachments, your own transcripts or photocopies of your academic qualifications are not accepted and will delay the application process.

Fees: The registration fee and non-refundable application fee must be enclosed with each application.

Mail your completed application form, any other documents you submit yourself, and the full fees to the College. A photocopy of the application or sending the application by fax or email will not be accepted. Ensure that verification of your academic qualifications is sent directly from your academic institution to the College.

If you have questions about the application process, you may contact the College at 416-972-9882 or toll free 1-877-828-9380 or by email at registration@ocswssw.org.

The review process will only begin after the College has received all your documents and fees. The College will contact you if more information is required. Once the College has all your documents, it typically takes four to six weeks to process your application. The process may take longer if the College requires more information.

For Graduating Students Only

If you are graduating with a social work degree from a social work program accredited by the CASWE and require membership in the College prior to convocation, but after you have completed all the academic and practicum requirements, the Registrar may issue a general certificate of registration for social work provided all other registration requirements are met, and you agree to a term, condition and limitation on the certificate of registration.

If you are a graduating student and would like to apply for a certificate of registration prior to your convocation:

1. Contact the Dean/Director of your social work program and request that s/he complete the Confirmation of Completion of Requirements for a Social Work Degree. Deans and Directors of Ontario accredited social work programs have received this form. If you attended an accredited program outside Ontario, the OCSWSSW will forward a form to the Dean/Director. Ensure the Dean/Director forwards the completed, dated and signed form directly to the OCSWSSW. Fax, email attachments or photocopies are not accepted and will delay the application process.

2. Once the College Registrar receives the completed form from the Dean/Director and reviews your application, the Registrar will forward to you a Student/Applicant Declaration Consent and Undertaking Regarding a Degree in Social Work.

3. Read, complete, date, sign the form and forward it to the OCSWSSW. Fax, email attachments or photocopies are not accepted.

4. Upon the College’s receipt of your signed form, the Registrar will continue to review your application for membership.

5. If the Registrar issues you a general certificate of registration for social work, with the term, conditions, and limitation outlined to you, you are then required to provide the OCSWSSW with confirmation that you have obtained your degree in social work within the time frame specified.

Once your degree has been conferred, arrange for your academic institution to forward directly to the College verification of your social work degree.

Failure to do so, within the required time frame, will result in the cancellation of your Certificate of Registration.

To download a registration guide and application form for general certificate of registration in social work, please click on the following links:

1. Registration Guide*
2. Application Form

*Before completing the application form, please read the registration guide for further requirements.