Each year, all registered social workers and social service workers in Ontario are required to complete the College’s Continuing Competence Program (CCP) as part of their annual renewal. This requirement applies to all registrants except those in the retired class of registration.
The CCP supports ongoing professional development and helps registrants maintain the knowledge, skills and judgment needed to practise safely, ethically and competently throughout their careers.
What counts as a learning activity?
Many employers are surprised to learn that activities completed in the workplace may contribute toward a registrant’s CCP requirements.
A learning activity is any planned or intentional opportunity that helps a registrant strengthen the knowledge, skills or judgment relevant to their professional practice. It should be meaningful to a registrant’s role and support their ongoing competence.
Learning activities do not need to come from a single source or provider, nor are they based on continuing education credits or a minimum number of hours. Instead, registrants choose activities that are relevant and meaningful to their practice and support ongoing professional growth.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Attending webinars or educational events offered by professional associations or other organizations
- Participating in workplace training, educational sessions or professional development opportunities
- Taking part in peer consultations, communities of practice, supervision or case discussions
- Watching video recordings from College events, such as Annual Meeting and Education Day (AMED) sessions
- Reading articles in Perspective
Additional examples of learning goals and activities are available in the CCP Instruction Guide.
Employer-supported learning matters
Professional development offered in the workplace plays an important role in supporting continued competence. Internal training, workshops, mentoring, supervision, case discussions and other structured opportunities may contribute towards completing the CCP when they help registrants strengthen the knowledge and skills relevant to their professional practice.
By providing opportunities and encouraging staff to participate in ongoing learning, employers help registrants meet their CCP requirements while also contributing to high-quality service delivery and a culture of continuous improvement.
Connect with the College
Employers can also book online consultations and workplace presentations with the College’s Professional Practice Department to help staff better understand and complete their CCP. Visit the College website to learn more about booking a consultation.
To learn more about the Continuing Competence Program and access this year’s resources, visit the College’s CCP webpage. If you have questions, contact the Professional Practice Department at ccp@ocswssw.org.