In B.C., individuals wishing to use the titles “Social Worker,” “Registered Social Worker (RSW),” or “Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW)” in a professional capacity must either be registered with the BC College of Social Workers or meet the exemption criteria set forth in the regulation. Those who do not meet these criteria must refrain from using these titles to describe their occupation or services within British Columbia.
As per section 18 of the Social Workers Act, SBC 2008, c.31, it is an offense for anyone to use the titles “Social Worker,” “Registered Social Worker (RSW),” or “Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW)” unless they are registered with the College or fall under specific exemptions outlined in the Social Workers Regulation BC Reg 323/2008. The legislation can be reviewed in full here: [Social Workers Regulation BC Reg 323/2008](https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/10_323_2008).
From time to time, BCCSW receives reports of individuals who may be engaging in unauthorized practice by providing services representing themselves as social workers or using the titles without authorization to do so. As unauthorized practice can lead to public safety risks, BCCSW actively investigates and responds to reports of individuals who engage in unauthorized practice.
Members of the public and employers can use the search Verify a Social Worker tool to verify the registration status of every Social Worker registered with the College.
You can also contact BCCSW if you have questions about an individual’s registration status. Please email: info@bccsw.ca
Reporting unregistered practice
We encourage individuals aware of unauthorized practitioners to report them to the College, so necessary steps can be taken to protect the public, including taking legal action. Should you wish to make a report, please email: complaints@bccsw.ca.
