Registration

As the regulatory body for the profession of social work, the British Columbia College of Social Workers has authority to recognize individuals as qualified to practice the profession through awarding the title of Registered Social Worker (RSW) or Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW).

Anyone representing himself or herself as a social worker must be registered with the BCCSW unless employed as a social worker by one of the exempt employers listed in the Social Workers Regulation.

Through registration, social workers make a public commitment to hold themselves accountable for their practice through adherence to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

Benefits of Registration:

• the right to represent yourself as a social worker
• the legal right to use the title “Registered Social Worker” and the initials “RSW” or “Registered Clinical Social Worker” and “RCSW”
• recognition as a responsible professional, capable of practising within professional standards and being accountable to the public
• the opportunity to volunteer on committees consisting of some of the most experienced professionals in your field
• receipt of our Standards of Practice documents and our semiannual newsletter, College Conversation