Relevant Policies

MCSW Application for Registration Policy: Applicants with a Social Work Degree

MCSW Non-Practicing Member Policy

MCSW Preferred Name Policy:   Preferred Name Declaration Form

Eligibility

You may apply for registration under this category if you have a Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW) or a Master of Social Work degree (MSW) from:

• a Social Work education program accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education
• a Social Work education program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
• a Social Work education program accredited by the National Indigenous Accreditation Board (NIAB) *
• a Social Work education program approved by MCSW: Booth University College *
• An international Social Work degree that has been assessed by the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) as equivalent.

* Graduates from these programs are required to complete the ASWB examination once approved for MCSW registration. See Step 3.

Application Process

To start the application process, please follow the step-by-step instructions below. The final page of the Online Application Form is the non-refundable application fee payment of $100.00. You must pay online by Visa, MasterCard or Visa/Debit.

The Online Application Form and all required documentation must be submitted to complete your application package and begin the evaluation process. If additional information is required, you will be contacted by the College Office.

The College encourages applicants to use the Applicant Portal to review the progress of document submission. Once all documents have been received, the application evaluation process takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Notification of approved applications for registration will be sent by email to the applicant.  Payment of the registration fee is required within 30 days of the approval date.  Please CLICK HERE for fee information.

Incomplete applications will expire 6 months from the date the Online Application Form was submitted.

Step 1

To begin your application click below:
Applicant Portal

*Professional Liability Insurance is required for members in the Practicing category.  If you do not hold professional liability insurance, you will have 14 days to obtain it after your application is approved.  For more information CLICK HERE.

Step 2 – Supporting Documentation

Submit the following documentation to the College Office. Please note documents may be submitted together or as they become available. 

Please note that the logging of submitted documents into the applicant portal can take up to 10 business days.

• Full legal name must be used.  Copy of Government-issued photo ID – driver’s license or passport (or other photo ID which includes birth date – upload to Applicant Portal or email to admin@mcsw.ca)
  • Please submit a copy of proof of name change (if name on your transcript is different from the name on your application) to admin@mcsw.ca
• Official sealed Transcript showing highest Social Work degree (sent directly from the institution’s registrars’ office to MCSW).  *Note: Applicants previously registered with MCSW or actively registered with a social work regulatory body in another jurisdiction are not required to submit a duplicate transcript
• Are you a new graduate awaiting convocation?  In the short time between completing all requirements to graduate and degree conferral applicants can submit 1) Eligibility to Graduate Declaration Form accompanied by 2) confirmation of eligibility to graduate letter from the registrar’s office of an accredited or approved social work program prior to convocation;
  1. The letter must indicate that the applicant has completed all requirements and is eligible to receive social work degree within 6 months
  2. The letter must be sent to the College directly from the registrar’s office in a sealed and stamped envelope
  3. The official transcript must be submitted to the College immediately following date degree is conferred and no later than 6 months from the date of registration approval
• U of M Order Form; Booth Order Form
• Original Record Checks – must be mailed to the College or dropped off in person.  If you would like the originals returned, please include a note. (If original Self-Checks conducted within the last 6 months are on file with your employer, please contact MCSW at 204-888-9477)
• Criminal Record Check including Vulnerable Sector Search (completed within previous 6 months of application). Criminal record checks from the RCMP or local Police Stations outside of Winnipeg are also accepted if they include the Vulnerable Sector Search.  Note: Records Checks from third party agencies (like CERTN or mybackcheck.com) and Commissionaires are NOT accepted (they do not perform vulnerable sector checks). Vulnerable Sector Searches reveal pardons for sexual offences.  Applicants who currently reside or have resided outside of Canada must provide criminal record/registry checks based on a nationwide search from the appropriate law enforcement agency in that country, if an equivalent check is available.  Please contact the College for more information.
• Manitoba Child Abuse Registry Self-Check (completed within previous 6 months of application)
• Manitoba Adult Abuse Registry Self-Check (completed within previous 6 months of application)
• Professional Reference from current supervisor(s) or most recent supervisor in any field.  If you do not have a current supervisor please click here for Reference Requirements (name and contact information to be provided on application, a form will be sent directly to the reference by email from the College office).  Applicants will be cc’d on the request, it is the applicant’s responsibility to check in with their reference to confirm the reference document has been completed and returned to the College within the 6 month application timeframe.
• Verification of Registration and Licensure for Social Work Regulators (for applicants currently or previously registered in another province or country)
• Verification of Registration and Licensure for Other Regulators (for applicants currently or previously registered in another profession)
• Verification of Legal Entitlement to Work in Canada required for applicants born outside of Canada
  • Canadian Citizenship card, Permanent Resident (of Canada) card, Work (in Canada) Permit

Step 3 – Examination (if applicable)

Relevant Policies

MCSW Approved Social Work Education Programs

MCSW Exam Use Policy

All applicants who have graduated from an approved social work education program or from a National Indigenous Accreditation Board social work program are required to complete the ASWB examination to be eligible for registration with MCSW.

Applicants who are in their final semester of an approved program can access the ASWB examination by;

1. Applying for registration under the Applicants with a Social Work Degree route of entry and submitting all required documentation (except letter of eligibility to graduate/final transcript)
2. Arranging for submission of a letter sent directly from the registrars’ office confirming:
   1. that the applicant is completing their final semester and,
   2. the applicant’s expected convocation date

Applications are reviewed only after all required documents are received. Eligible applicants will be notified by email of their approval to write the ASWB exam.

Upon passing the ASWB examination, applicants are required to submit a letter of eligibility to graduate or their final transcript to complete the registration process.

Currently there are no provisions to re-write the examination or reapply for registration after 3 failed examination attempts.

Review examination process here.

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Relevant Policies

MCSW Application for Registration – Substantial Equivalency Policy

MCSW Substantial Equivalency Social Work-Related Education Evaluation Policy

MCSW Exam Use Policy

Eligibility

If you are currently functioning in a social work role but do not have a university degree in social work from an accredited or MCSW-approved social work program, you may be eligible for registration via the “Substantial Equivalency” route of entry.  

Becoming registered via the Substantial Equivalency (SE) route of entry is a multi-step process based on relevant sections of The Social Work Profession Act and its Regulation.  The legislation requires that an applicant in this category has a combination of education or training, or both, and work or volunteer experience that, in the opinion of the Registrar, qualifies the person for registration.

Evaluation of Substantial Equivalency applications consider the extent to which the applicant is able to demonstrate his or her practical experience in the core functions of social work.   The length, quality and nature of the applicant’s practical experience must be sufficient to determine competency to practice social work.  The Registrar will have regard to:

• the applicant’s prior practice of social work in Manitoba or elsewhere;
• the applicant’s theoretical knowledge of social work as a basis for his or her practice, including sociology, psychology and human development, social work theories and types of social work practice, and knowledge of any specialist areas of social work;
• the applicant’s educational qualifications relevant to social work;
• the extent to which the applicant has participated in regular training and professional development relevant to social work;
• the extent to which the applicant is able to demonstrate his or her familiarity with culturally relevant knowledge for practicing social work with respect to Indigenous Peoples or other cultural groups,
  • which may include knowledge of historical events and trends of social, economic and political change involving ethnic or cultural groups in Manitoba,
  • cultural and social characteristics of individuals, families and communities, including matters related to cultural identity and helping,
  • preparations that are necessary for working with individuals, families and groups of a different ethnic or cultural background, and
  • the unique work carried out by ethnic and cultural organizations within their own communities.

An assessment of applicants’ current and past employment, formal education and theoretical knowledge of social work will be completed to determine whether the registration criteria have been met.

Evaluation of Substantial Equivalency applicants will include the following elements, as required by The Social Work Profession Act, its Regulation and the policies of the Manitoba College of Social Workers.

Social Work Practice Experience

A review of an applicant’s current and former employment/volunteer work will assess the following:

• applicant is currently functioning in the role of a Social Worker
• total verified hours of employment/volunteer work meets the minimum requirement of 5600 social work practice hours within 5 years immediately prior to application date
• applicant has demonstrated that the length, quality and nature of his/her practical experience is sufficient to determine competency to practice social work
• applicant has demonstrated his/her familiarity with culturally relevant knowledge with regard to social work with indigenous people and other cultural groups and,
• applicant has practiced social work safely, competently and ethically

Grandparented members in good standing with the College who wish to apply for a general Certificate of Practice through the Substantial Equivalency route of entry, please contact the College directly.  If you remain in the same position previously approved by the College, submission of employer confirmation of 5600 practice hours in that position in the last five years is the only requirement for this phase of the application.

Formal Social Work Related Education

A review of applicants’ formal post-secondary educational qualifications and the extent to which they are social work-related will be completed using the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE) Curriculum Learning Objectives and the content categories as follows:

1. Requirements
   1. An applicant must possess a minimum of a university-level Bachelor degree based on a norm of a four year degree program (or three years in Quebec) with a minimum of 40% course credits in the liberal arts, humanities and social sciences.
   2. Included in the degree, or in some combination of acceptable education and training obtained outside of the degree, there must be specific social work content assessed to be minimally equivalent to 60 credit hours of undergraduate university-level courses.  Courses are assessed based on five social work content areas and twelve sub-areas established on the basis of the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE) Standards for Accreditation, 2014.  Each course submitted for evaluation is eligible to fulfil the requirements of only one sub-area.
   3. Diploma/certificate programs may be submitted for consideration to meet the requirement of one sub-area provided that the diploma/certificate programs cover essential theoretical and practical social work content and are assessed to be comparable to a university-level education.
   4. In the event that courses are submitted from a program for which a degree was not conferred, each course must meet the minimum pass grade established by the program in which it was completed in order for the course to be considered.
2. Content Areas 

1. Social Work Theory
   • Social work, social welfare history and social policy (6 credit hours)
   • The origins and dimensions of social problems in Canadian society (6 credit hours)
   • Social work’s origins, purposes and practices (6 credit hours)
2. The Social Work Profession
   • Application of social work values and ethics in professional situations (6 credit hours)
   • Practice methods and professional skills required for generalist practice at a beginning level of competence (6 credit hours)
   • Awareness of self in terms of values, beliefs and experiences as these impact upon social work knowledge and practice (3 credit hours)
   • Understanding of other related professions to facilitate inter-professional collaboration (3 credit hours)
3. Social Justice, Human Rights and Awareness of Oppression
   • Practicing sensitively in a range of geographical regions and with diverse ethnic, cultural and racial populations (3 credit hours)
   • Practicing with oppressed/marginalized groups (3 credit hours)
4. Critical Thinking and Analysis
   • Human development and behaviour in the social environment (6 credit hours)
   • Multiple theoretical and conceptual bases of social work knowledge and practice (6 credit hours)
5. Research/Inquiry
   • Research and critical evaluation related to social work knowledge and practice (6 credit hours)

Theoretical Social Work Knowledge

Applicants assessed to have met the Practice Experience and Education criteria will be approved to write the Association of Social Work Boards Associate Exam, to be written at their own expense.  Successful completion of the exam will satisfy the legislative requirement that the applicant demonstrates adequate theoretical social work knowledge to function as a Social Worker in the province of Manitoba.

Application Process

To start the application process, please follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Expiry periods for Substantial Equivalency applications are as follows:

Step 1: Complete with in 4 weeks of consultation request
Step 2: Complete within 6 months of submission of initial application date
Step 3: Complete within 3 months of approval of social work practice hours
Step 4: Complete within 3 months of approval of social work related education

STEP 1: SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCY ELIGIBILITY CONSULT

Your first step in this application is to request a substantial equivalency eligibility consult with a College staff member. Complete this Substantial Equivalency Consult Request Form and submit to admin@mcsw.ca.

STEP 2: APPLICATION & REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

After your consultation appointment, if you choose to apply begin your application by clicking below:
Applicant Portal

The final page of the Online Application Form is the non-refundable application fee payment of $100.  You must pay online by Visa, MasterCard or Visa/Debit.

Additional costs related to your Substantial Equivalency application include ASWB examination fees as follows: exam fee – $230 USD (required), practice test – $85 USD (optional), exam guide – $15-20 USD (optional).

The Online Application Form and all required documentation must be submitted to complete your application package and begin the evaluation process. If additional information is required, you will be contacted by the College Office.

The College encourages applicants to use the Applicant Portal to review the progress of document submission. Once all documents have been received, the application evaluation process takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Notification of Step approvals will be sent by email to the applicant.  Payment of the registration fee is required within 30 days of the approval date.  Please CLICK HERE for fee information.

Step 1 incomplete applications will expire 6 months from the date the Online Application Form was submitted.

*Professional Liability Insurance is required for members in the Practicing category.  If you do not hold professional liability insurance, you will have 14 days to obtain it after your application is approved.  For more information CLICK HERE.

Submit the following documentation to the College Office. Please note documents may be submitted together or as they become available.

Please note that the logging of submitted documents into the applicant portal can take up to 10 business days.

• Copy of Government-issued photo ID – driver’s license or passport (or other photo ID which includes birthdate – email to admin@mcsw.ca)
  • Please submit a copy of proof of name change (if applicable) to admin@mcsw.ca
• Original Record Checks – must be mailed to the College or dropped off in person.  If you would like the originals returned, please include a note.  (If original Self-Checks conducted within the last 6 months are on file with your employer, please contact MCSW at 204-888-9477)
  • Criminal Record Check including Vulnerable Sector Search (completed within previous 6 months of application). Criminal record checks from the RCMP or local Police Stations outside of Winnipeg are also accepted if they include the Vulnerable Sector Search. Note: Records Checks from third party agencies (ex. CERTN, myBackCheck.com) and Commissionaires checks are NOT accepted as they do not include a vulnerable sector check.  Applicants who currently reside or have resided outside of Canada within the last twelve months must also provide a criminal record check based on a nationwide search from the appropriate law enforcement agency in that country
  • Manitoba Child Abuse Registry Self-Check (completed within previous 6 months of application)
  • Manitoba Adult Abuse Registry Self-Check (completed within previous 6 months of application)
• Verification of Registration and Licensure for Social Work Regulators (for applicants currently or previously registered in another province)
• Verification of Registration and Licensure for Other Regulators (for applicants currently or previously registered in another profession)
• Verification of Legal Entitlement to Work in Canada is required if not a Canadian citizen
  • Permanent Resident card, Work Permit – send scan to admin@mcsw.ca

SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE HOURS & VERIFICATION OF PRACTICE HOURS

Complete the Substantial Equivalency Application Part II – Employment Information form. Submit by fax, email or regular mail to the College office.

• • Applicant’s must arrange submission of Employer Verification Form(s) by their employer(s) please click here for more information. Submission must include formal job description valid at the time the applicant was functioning in the position.  The employer verification form will be sent to the employer from the College, but it is the applicant’s responsibility to check in with their reference to confirm the employer verification document has been completed and returned to the College within the 6 month application timeframe.

AWAIT APPROVAL FROM MCSW PRIOR TO MOVING TO STEP 3

You will receive written communication from the College that your Part II – Employment Information has been reviewed.  If your employment meets the approval criteria, you will be invited to move to Step 2.

Step 3 – EDUCATION

Complete the Substantial Equivalency Application Part III – Formal Education form. Submit by fax, email or regular mail to the College office.

• Official sealed transcript(s) verifying social work-related education required  (must be sent directly from institution to the College Office)
• Official course syllabi issued by the relevant educational institution are required.  Dates on syllabi must be consistent with the term during which the course was completed.

Incomplete applications cannot be evaluated.  

AWAIT APPROVAL FROM MCSW PRIOR TO MOVING TO STEP 3

You will receive written communication from the College that your Part III – Formal Education documentation has been reviewed.  If your formal social work-related education meets the approval criteria, you will be invited to move to Step 4.

Step 4 – EXAMINATION

Complete the Substantial Equivalency Application Part IV –ASWB Exam.

FINAL EVALUATION

The College will complete the final evaluation of your application following receipt of your ASWB examination results.  Notification of an approved application for registration will be sent by email to the applicant.  If approved for registration, payment of the registration fee is required within 30 days of the approval date.  Please CLICK HERE for fee information.

Registration Options

1. Full Registration with MCSW

Applicants actively registered as a member in good standing with a recognized social work regulatory body in Canada may apply for full registration in Manitoba..

2. Electronic Social Work Practice Only

MCSW Electronic Social Work Practice Policy

Applicants practicing and residing in another jurisdiction interested in providing Electronic Social Work Practice with Manitoba residents must:

1. be actively registered as a Practicing member in good standing with a recognized social work regulatory body in Canada and 
2. restrict their practice in Manitoba exclusively to electronic social work practice delivered from another Canadian jurisdiction.

Application Process

To start the application process, please follow the step-by-step instructions below. The final page of the Online Application Form is the non-refundable application fee payment of $100.00. You must pay online by Visa, MasterCard or Visa/Debit.

The Online Application Form and all required documentation must be submitted to complete your application package and begin the evaluation process.  If additional information is required, you will be contacted by the College office.

Notification of approved applications for registration will be sent by email.  Payment of the registration fee is required within 30 days of the approval date.  Please CLICK HERE for fee information.

Incomplete applications will expire 6 months from the date the Online Application Form was submitted.

Step 1

To begin your application click below:
Applicant Portal

*Professional Liability Insurance is required for members in the Practicing category.  If you do not hold professional liability insurance, you will have 14 days to obtain it after your application is approved.  For more information CLICK HERE.

Step 2

Submit the following documentation to the College Office. Please note documents may be submitted together or as they become available.

• Verification of Registration and Licensure for Social Work Regulators
  • Canadian or USA social work transcript(s), ASWB results or CASW education assessment may be requested if proof of education is not on file with your regulator.
• Full legal name must be used.  Copy of Government-issued photo ID – driver’s license or passport (or other photo ID which includes birth date – upload to Applicant Portal or email to admin@mcsw.ca)
  • Please submit a copy of proof of name change (if name on your transcript is different from the name on your application) to admin@mcsw.ca
• Original Record Checks – must be mailed to the College or dropped off in person.  Originals returned upon request.  If you have submitted similar checks in your jurisdiction within the last 6 months, MCSW will accept verification from your regulatory body.
  1. Criminal Record Check including Vulnerable Sector Search (completed within previous 6 months of application) from the jurisdiction where you have lived over the past 12 months. Note: Records Checks from third party agencies (ex. CERTN, myBackCheck.com) and Commissionaires are NOT accepted (they do not perform vulnerable sector checks). Applicants who currently reside or have resided outside of Canada must provide criminal record/registry checks based on a nationwide search from the appropriate law enforcement agency in that country, if an equivalent check is available.  Please contact the College for more information.
  2. Manitoba Child Abuse Registry Self-Check (completed within previous 6 months of application)
  3. Manitoba Adult Abuse Registry Self-Check (completed within previous 6 months of application)
     1. Even if you reside outside of Manitoba you MUST complete checks b & c as these are legislated requirements
• Professional reference(s) from current employment/practicum position(s). If not employed or for further clarification please click here for Reference Requirements (name and contact information to be provided on the application, a form will be sent directly to the reference by email from the College office).  It is the applicant’s responsibility to check in with their reference to confirm the reference document has been completed and returned to the College within the 6 month application timeframe.
• SELF-EMPLOYED applicants must provide a practice supervisors name and email address on the application form (when recording your self-employment details in the employment section) as per section 7.2 of the MCSW Standards of Practice.

Applicants with an International Social Work Degree

Eligibility Requirements

International applicants must have two items completed before they can apply for registration:

1) Proof of entitlement to work in Canada.

Prior to applying for registration with the Manitoba College of Social Workers, applicants must ensure that that are legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with paragraph 4(2)(b) of the Social Work Profession Regulation.  To be legally entitled to work in Canada, applicants must have one of the documents listed below in their possession:

• be a Canadian Citizen
• be a Permanent resident of Canada, or
• hold a current and valid work permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Note that social work is considered a health service field occupation. Applicants whose work permits include the following condition are not eligible for registration with the College: “Not authorized to work in childcare, primary/secondary school teaching, health service field occupations.”

2) Social work educational assessment by the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW).

Graduates who hold a university degree in Social Work outside of Canada or the United States require an evaluation of their education credentials to ensure equivalency to a Canadian social work degree. An evaluation of your international social work education credentials must be completed by the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) prior to application to the Manitoba College of Social Workers. CLICK HERE for more information on the CASW credentials assessment service.

• If your educational credentials are assessed as equivalent to a Canadian social work degree, you have the option to apply as “An Applicant With a Social Work Degree”
• If your educational credentials are not assessed as equivalent to a Canadian social work degree, you have the option to apply as “An Applicant Without a Social Work Degree – Substantial Equivalency”

Document Checklist – Applicants with International Education assessed as equivalent to a Canadian social work degree

Document Checklist – Applicants with International Education not assessed as equivalent to a Canadian social work degree

Please contact the College with any questions about alternative documentation.

Financial Supports for Internationally Educated Applicants

Manitoba My New Home: There are various financial support options available to internationally educated/trained professionals and tradespersons residing in Manitoba. Each has its own eligibility criteria.  Visit their website.

Manitoba Careers for Internationally Educated Professionals Program:  This program supports internationally educated professionals (IEPs) towards their goal of working in their professional fields in Manitoba. It provides non-repayable financial assistance to help IEPs with assessment and training costs while pursuing registration. To be eligible, individuals must have started the registration process with a Manitoba regulator, and be motivated and able to complete the process in a timely, efficient and continuous manner. For more information and to apply, visit their website.

Recognition Counts: This program provides supports to skilled immigrants wishing to work in their field of expertise or an alternative career in Manitoba. The program offers financial counselling, as well as the opportunity to apply for a loan of up to $30,000 with Assiniboine Credit Union to help with the cost of having qualifications recognized in Manitoba and obtaining related employment. To learn more, visit their website.

Manitoba Student Aid: This is a supplemental financial assistance program for Manitobans who do not have enough resources to pay for post-secondary education (university or college) on their own. This program provides various types of funding through the Manitoba Student Aid Program and the Canada Student Loans and Grants Programs. Funding includes repayable government student loans and non-repayable grants and/or bursaries. For more information, visit their website.

Steps to Registration

Language Proficiency

What is Social Work in Manitoba & Canada?

• https://mcsw.ca/public/#page_189
• https://casw-acts.ca/en/what-social-work
• https://casw-acts.ca/en/what-social-work/casw-social-work-scope-practice
• http://www.immigratemanitoba.com/settle-in-manitoba/regulated-professions-and-trades/
• http://www23.statcan.gc.ca/imdb/p3VD.pl?CLV=4&CPV=4152&CST=01012011&CVD=122376&Function=getVD&MLV=4&TVD=122372

Before You Move to Manitoba

• http://www.immigratemanitoba.com/settle-in-manitoba/pre-arrival/

When You Move to Manitoba

• https://manitobastart.com/

Alternative Jobs if Your Application is Not Approved

• http://www23.statcan.gc.ca/imdb/p3VD.pl?Function=getVD&TVD=122372&CVD=122376&CPV=4212&CST=01012011&MLV=4&CLV=4
• https://settlement.org/alternative-jobs/social-worker/settlement-worker/

Right to Appeal

If your application for registration is not approved, or it is approved with one or more conditions, you have the right to appeal the Registrar’s decision.

• Registration Appeal Information

Registering your Social Work Business with the College

Part 5 of The Social Work Profession Act allows social workers to incorporate professional corporations.

Corporations are required to be registered if the corporation name includes the words “social worker(s)”, registered social worker(s)”, or the initials “S.W.” or “R.S.W.”.

Please review this Incorporation Guide and Procedures document for more information on the MCSW corporation registration process.

Relevant Policy

MCSW Application for Membership Policy – Students

Benefits of Registration

There are many benefits to registering with the Manitoba College of Social Workers as a Social Work Student member. As a student member you will be updated about the activities of the College via electronic newsletters and email bulletins. Students will also have an opportunity to meet and network with Social Workers, and volunteer on the College Board or Committees. New graduates who are first-time Social Work registrants with the College are also eligible to become registered Social Workers at a reduced rate for the first year following convocation.

The registration year for Student members is September 1 – August 31.

Applying for Student Membership

In order to join as a Social Work Student, an applicant must:

• be enrolled in a Manitoba Social Work program accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE), or
• be enrolled at Booth University College, or
• be a current resident of Manitoba and enrolled in a Social Work program accredited by CASWE
• complete the application form (found below), and
• pay the annual Student membership fee of $20.00 online with Visa, MasterCard or Visa/Debit.

Note: Students are not eligible for registration as student members if: they hold a BSW or MSW degree accredited by CASWE or a social work program approved by the College; and they are employed or volunteering within the scope of social work practice outside of their practicum

Reminder: Student members cannot use the title “Social Worker” or “RSW” as a designation, but may refer to themselves as “Student members of the College”.

To begin your application click below:
Applicant Portal

Q.  What could slow down the application process?

A.   Issues that slow down the application process:

• Incomplete applications.  Applications are not complete until the $100 fee has been paid and all documents have been submitted.
• Receiving documents electronically when the original document is required (refer to STEP 2 on how to submit documents).
• Receiving any/all transcripts or letters of eligibility to graduate from the applicant and not directly from the academic institution(s) Registrars office (correspondence from the registrars office must be in the original unopened sealed and stamped envelop).
• Receiving transcripts that do not indicate “degree awarded” (i.e., ordering a transcript before the degree is conferred).
• Receiving a letter of eligibility to graduate when the transcript is available.
• Providing a professional reference that does not follow the reference requirements as listed in STEP 2.
• When applicable (SE applicants), not receiving the academic institution’s official course syllabi for courses completed and taken in the year indicated on the corresponding transcript.
• Failure to provide additional documents as requested by the College.
• Failure to submit all required documents within the 6 month timeline.

Q.  I am graduating from an accredited/approved social work program in the next month.  Which category of application should I choose?  Student or another?

A.  Student membership is not a route to registration.  When you apply to the College for registration you will apply into the type and category you wish to be registered in when the process is complete. 

Q.  I am currently unemployed, which category should I apply under?

A. Applicants do not need to be employed to register in the practicing category. Applicants who choose the practicing category and are unemployed will be required to obtain professional liability insurance.  The College will send directions on how to obtain professional liability insurance once your application has been approved.  

Are you actively looking for employment?  The practicing category may be a good fit because once you are a member of the College you can use the designation RSW and title Social Worker on your resume and cover letters.

Members in the non practicing category cannot use the designation RSW or the title Social Worker.  They can indicate that they are a non-practicing member of the College.

The application process for practicing and non practicing applications is the same.  You can adjust your category any time by letting the College know, remember to apply into the category you wish to be registered in when the application process is complete.  

Q. I am employed in a role that does not use the title Social Worker.  Which category of registration should I apply in? 

A. If you are using your social work skills, knowledge and experience to inform your current position or your social work degree is a requirement of the position then you are required to register in the practicing category.

Q.  How does one obtain Professional Liability Insurance if my employer does not have it or I am unemployed?  

A.  Professional liability insurance is the last step required for registration in the Practicing category.  When your application for registration is approved the College will send instructions to you on how to obtain it, if applicable. 

Q.  How do I know if my employer holds professional liability insurance for my position?

A. If you are employed, ask your supervisor if your position is covered under their professional liability insurance plan.  If the answer is no, then you must obtain this insurance to be in the practicing category.  

Q. What can I do to streamline my application?

A.  Applicants can order supporting documents (see STEP 2) prior to applying for registration.  By having the supporting documentation at the ready and sending everything in as one package you will decrease the time it takes to complete your application for registration. 

*Please do not submit documents prior to submitting your application.

Q.  I am a social work student who will be graduating from an accredited social work program.  When should I apply for registration?

A.  It is prudent for students to wait until they have completed all the requirements to graduate before they apply for registration with the College.  There is no benefit to applying early, as applications can not be approved until a letter of eligibility to graduate, or a transcript showing degree awarded is submitted to the College (both of which requires you to have completed all requirements to graduate).

Letters of eligibility to graduate are only available from the registrars’ office in the short time between when your final marks are posted and when degrees are conferred.  There are NO EXCEPTIONS to these documents, and both this letter and your transcript must be submitted to MCSW directly from the registrar’s office of the academic institution.  If your transcript is available, letters will not be accepted in its place.

It is important to note that your transcript will still be required once it is available from the academic institution.

If you wish to streamline your application please order your supporting documentation (see STEP 2) prior to applying for registration (approximately 6 weeks prior should be sufficient).  Please do not submit supporting documentation prior to applying for registration.

Q.  I currently reside outside of Canada, and would be considered an international applicant, but am planning to move to Manitoba.  Can I become registered prior to my arrival?

A.  To be eligible to apply for registration with MCSW, you must have the following;

• a work permit, permanent residency or Canadian citizenship card in your possession.
• a completed CASW Educational Assessment or have graduated from an accredited CSWE academic institution (US residents).

Q.  How do I submit my supporting documents to the College?

A.  Please refer to STEP 2 of the applicant step description for your route of entry.  There are no exceptions made to the submission instructions.  Please do not submit your supporting documentation prior to applying.  

Q.  Where do I send my documents that can be submitted electronically?

A.  There are very few items that can be submitted electronically (original documents are required – see STEP 2 for the list).  Those that can be submitted this electronically please send to admin@mcsw.ca.

Q.  How do I get the original documents to the College?

A.  Many applicants mail their original documents to the office. You can also drop off in person or use the drop slot at 101-2033 Portage Avenue during office hours 8:30am – noon & 1pm to 4pm if that is convenient for you.

Your original transcript can be mailed directly from the academic institution to the College at your request.  This is the preferred way for the College to receive your transcript.  If the registrar’s office is able to email transcripts please have them email directly to admin@mcsw.ca. 

Q.  Can I get the original documents back?

A.  Yes.  Please enclose a self-addressed and self stamped envelope with your documents indicating where you would like them returned.

Q. If I am not employed in a social work capacity, how do I navigate the professional reference requirement?

A. The College requires the professional reference to be your most recent supervisor(s) (social work related or not).  This can be your most recent employment, private practice, volunteer or practicum supervisor. You can read more about the requirements here: Reference Requirements.

Q. My supervisor is not a social worker nor do they hold a designation of any kind.  Can they complete the professional reference form?

A. Yes! Professional references do not need to be social workers or hold designations.  The only qualification they need is to be your supervisor.

Q.  How do I know if the College has received the documents I have sent in?

A.  Log into your Applicant Portal to review the list of submitted and outstanding documentation.  Please give College staff 10 business days to log submitted documentation before contacting the College to follow up.

Q. Once all documents are received how long does it take to find out the decision of the College?

A.  The review process takes between 3 – 6 weeks.  You will receive an email from the College with your notice of decision and the steps to activate your registration if applicable.

Q.  What are the possible outcomes for an application?

A.  Upon review of your application for registration, the Registrar may:

• determine that your application has met all the criteria for registration and issue a certificate of registration.
• issue a certificate of registration subject to terms, conditions or limitations.
• determine that your application has not met the criteria for registration and not approve your application.

Substantial Equivalency applicants and applicants who have graduated from an Approved Social Work Program are required to complete an exam as a part of their application process.

Applicants must first be approved to write the exam by applying for registration with MCSW.  For more details please review this Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document.

Review the Getting Ready for the Exam webpage on the ASWB website for information as well.

NOTICE: THE GRANDPARENTING ROUTE OF ENTRY IS NOW CLOSED

Subsection 11(1) of The Social Work Profession Act, otherwise known as the “Grandparenting” provision, provided an opportunity for practitioners without a social work degree who had been functioning in the role of a social worker for at least 4400 hours in the previous 5 years to be considered for registration as a Social Worker with the Manitoba College of Social Workers.  The “Grandparenting” route of entry was time limited and expired on April 3, 2018.  All Grandparenting applications and required supporting documentation must have been received by the College on or before April 3, 2018.  Applications under this section are no longer accepted.

Important reminder: Social Workers registered under the Grandparenting provision must continue to adhere to approved practice limitations and demonstrate that they are currently functioning in the role of a social worker in order to be eligible for renewal of registration [SWPA 11(2)].  If registration is cancelled or allowed to lapse, a practitioner will not be able to reapply as a Grandparented applicant after April 3, 2018.

Important information regarding Practice Limitations

If your application for registration is not approved, or it is approved with one or more limitations/conditions, you have the option to submit a written appeal of the Registrar’s decision to the Board of Directors.  The appeal must specify the reasons for the appeal and be submitted within 30 days after you receive notice of the Registrar’s decision.

Registration Appeal Procedures

Registration Appeal Form

Should you have any questions regarding the appeal process after reviewing the information above, please feel free to contact the College at 204-888-9477.