Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW)
A registrant in the Clinical class may use the title Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) and practice social work in British Columbia. In addition, an RCSW may assess, diagnose and treat mental disorders based on the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
An RCSW may engage in social work practice within an organization or in private practice.
An RCSW must complete the annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.
To apply for registration in the Clinical class, an applicant must meet the eligibility requirements including the education, advanced learning and supervision hours requirements. Applicants without a master’s degree in social work approved by the board, must additionally demonstrate that their qualifying education is substantially equivalent to a master’s level social work degree from an academic program approved by the board.
If the applicant meets all the requirements for clinical registration, the College will approve the applicant to take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical exam. The applicant must successfully complete the exam to become an RCSW.
Fees
Application Fee: $315.00
Criminal Record Check Fee: $28.00
Annual Registration Fee: $373.25
Annual Registration Fee for New Graduates*: $292.20
*The new graduate annual registration fee is a discounted initial registration fee for applicants who completed their studies in the current year or the preceding year.
Substantial Equivalency Assessment Fees: $367.50 (For applicants without a master’s degree in social work approved by the board).
