If you are working in a social work role but don’t have a degree from an accredited, CASW-assessed, or MCSW-approved social work program, you might qualify for registration through the “Substantial Equivalency” route.
Becoming registered through the Substantial Equivalency (SE) route is a multi-step process based on The Social Work Profession Act and its regulations. This legislation requires that applicants have a combination of education and work or volunteer experience.
The first step to apply is to request a substantial equivalency eligibility consultation with a College staff member. Complete this Substantial Equivalency Consult Request Form and submit to admin@mcsw.ca. Once the consult form has been received, a $50 invoice will be emailed to you. Upon payment, a staff member will contact you to set up a consultation appointment.
After your consultation appointment, if you choose to apply, review the document below:
Eligibility
- Experience
- Currently function in the role of a Social Worker
- 5600 verified social work hours in the last 5 years
- Education
- a minimum of a university-level bachelor’s degree (4-year degree program or 3 years in Quebec)
- 40% of bachelor’s degree credit hours in the liberal arts, humanities and social sciences
- 60 credit hours of undergraduate level social work content
- a minimum of a university-level bachelor’s degree (4-year degree program or 3 years in Quebec)
Application Tips
- Consultation must be completed prior to application
- Before applying online, collect the documents in Step 2. Original records must be dated within 6 months of application.
- $100 application fee activates application.
- Submit required documents with online application. Documents submitted prior to application may be lost or destroyed.
- Applications expire 6 months after the application fee is paid.
- Check status of application in Applicant Portal.
Fee Information
All fees are non-refundable
| Consultation Fee | $50 |
| Online Application & Employment Information Review | $100 |
| Education Evaluation | $350 |
Association of Social Work Boards Exam
Examination registration fees are determined by ASWB: https://www.aswb.org/exam/
Annual Registration fees
Registration year is April 1 – March 31. Initial registration fee is pro-rated based on approval date.
| Social Worker (Practicing) | $360 |
| Non-Practicing Member | $180 |
Evaluation Process
Applicants are notified by email when to proceed to the next step. Relevant MCSW application policies.
A final evaluation of your application will be completed following receipt of your ASWB Exam results and notice of decision will be sent
by email. If approved, payment of the registration fee is required within 30 days of the approval date.
Send all documents to:
Manitoba College of Social Workers
101-2033 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg Manitoba R3J 0K8
or
admin@mcsw.ca
Questions?
Phone: 204-888-9477
Complete SE Consultation Request Form. Appointments with MCSW staff are scheduled after the $50 consultation fee is received. Send request form to: admin@mcsw.ca
Original Criminal record check including vulnerable sector search from local police district or RCMP
Checks must be dated within 6 months of application. Criminal record checks with vulnerable sector search must be obtained from the jurisdiction of residence within the last 12 months.
IMPORTANT: Electronic criminal record checks must be received prior to access expiry date indicated on notification email from police service.
Record checks from third party agencies (ex CERTN or mybackcheck.ca) and Commissionaires checks are NOT accepted.
If you have lived outside Canada in the last 12 months, provide a criminal record check from the country of residence, if that check is available.
Checks must be dated within 6 months of application
This is still a requirement if you reside outside of this province.
Note: The Manitoba Child Abuse Registry Self-Check and the Manitoba Adult Abuse Registry Self-Check take several weeks to receive
Checks must be dated within 6 months of application
This is still a requirement if you reside outside of this province.
Note: The Manitoba Child Abuse Registry Self-Check and the Manitoba Adult Abuse Registry Self-Check take several weeks to receive
If current original checks on file with employer submit Employer Confirmation of Checks form*
If applicable, Preferred Name Declaration form
If you wish to practice under a first name that is not your full legal first name, submit this form.
Complete and send to all organization(s) you currently hold or have ever held registration or licensure that evaluate complaints or disciplinary issues.
Complete and send to all organization(s) you currently hold or have ever held registration or licensure that evaluate complaints or disciplinary issues.
Complete the Employment Information
Complete the MCSW online application “Applicants Other Degree – Substantial Equivalency”
Click “New User? Apply Now”. Follow steps to complete the application form.
Accepted forms of photo identification:
- valid driver’s license
- passport
- treaty card
If the name on your transcript is different from the name on your application, upload the
applicable document from Vital Statistics
Accepted forms of proof of eligibility to work in Canada:
- Canadian Passport
- Canadian Citizenship
- Permanent Residency Card
- Valid Work Permit
Submit original documents in person or by mail to MCSW
If you would like original record checks returned, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Submit Employment Information Form to MCSW
- Employer response must be received within 6 months of Application Fee
Pay online by Visa, MasterCard, or Visa/Debit
Transcript(s) must be sent directly from the Registrar’s Office to MCSW electronically or by mail in a sealed, unopened stamped envelope.
Must include all official course syllabi consistent with year/term the course was completed.
If you receive an email confirming eligibility to write ASWB Exam, register as an Exam Candidate with
ASWB and schedule ASWB Exam by the deadline date communicated in MCSW email.
Complete ASWB Exam within 3 months of MCSW notification to write exam