When you become a College registrant, you join a community of social workers and social service workers across Ontario committed to professional, ethical, qualified and accountable practice.
Professional regulation protects the public from unqualified, incompetent or unfit practitioners and brings credibility to you as an individual practitioner. Registration with the College demonstrates to the public that you:
- Have met specific registration requirements.
- Follow a code of ethics and standards of practice.
- Engage in ongoing learning through the College’s Continuing Competence Program (CCP).
- Are accountable to the College rigorous complaints and discipline processes.
Registration is also the law. Only registered College registrants can use the following titles:
- Social worker
- Social service worker
- Registered social worker
- Registered social service worker
On this page
Can students get involved with the College?
Although students cannot register with the College until they graduate, there are still ways to get involved:
- The College reserves space at our Educational Forums for social work and social service work students each year – to find out more information regarding the upcoming Educational Forums, follow the College on social media.
- College staff visits social work and social service work programs throughout the year to share important information about how to become a registrant of the College, the value of registration, and your obligations once you become a registrant. Speak to your instructor, who can contact us to arrange an in-person or remote presentation, or click here for more information.
Registration with the College – what you need to know
Graduates of an approved/accredited social service worker (SSW), bachelor of social work (BSW) or master of social work (MSW) program are eligible for registration with the College. Please visit our lists of approved social work programs and social service work programs offered in Ontario.
If you are a graduate of a social work or social service work program outside Canada or the United States, please click here for relevant information.
For more information on how to apply if you do not have a social work degree or social service worker diploma, please visit one of the following webpages: