Graduates of Social Service Work Diploma Programs outside Ontario

NOTE: The social work program offered at Grant MacEwan College, Edmonton, Alberta has been approved by the Council of the OCSWSSW as equivalent to a social service work program offered in Ontario at a College of Applied Arts and Technology. If you obtained a diploma in social work from Grant MacEwan College, please go to Graduates of a Social Service Work Diploma Program from a College of Applied Arts and Technology in Ontario.

If you are a graduate of a social service work program outside Ontario, you may submit your combination of academic qualifications and experience performing the role of a social service worker for the Registrar’s consideration and determination regarding whether it is substantially equivalent to the qualifications required for a diploma in social service work from a social service work program offered in Ontario at a College of Applied Arts and Technology.

The registration policy sets out the following criteria to assist in the Registrar’s determination regarding whether you have a combination of academic qualifications and experience performing the role of a social service worker that is substantially equivalent to the qualifications required for a diploma in social service work from a social service work program offered in Ontario at a College of Applied Arts and Technology.

1. The must possess:

A) a minimum of a diploma from a two year program at an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology; OR

B) a diploma equivalent to a diploma from a two year program at an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology; OR

C) a degree from a university program that is at least two years in length.

Your academic program must be a minimum of 4 academic semesters in duration.

2. You must demonstrate that you meet the:

A) The General Education Standard; AND

B) 9 Vocational Learning Outcomes; AND

C) 11 Essential Employability Skills.

In addition to the formal education described above, the applicant must have practised in a situation where he/she performed the role of a social service worker for at least 900 hours and had direct responsibility for providing social service work services to any of the following: individuals, dyads, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

For a detailed description of the General Education Requirement, 9 Vocational Learning Outcomes and 11 Essential Employability Skills and the criteria that the Registrar will use to assess your application, please read the Registration Guide.

3. Experience Performing the Role of a Social Service Worker:

You must have practised in a situation where you performed the role of a social service worker for at least one year and had direct responsibility for providing social service work services to individuals, dyads, families, groups, organizations, and communities or any of the foregoing.

During the period of time you performed the role of a social service worker, 650 hours must have been supervised by a social service worker or social worker

For further information regarding the criteria with respect to your experience in performing the role of a social service worker, please read the Registration Guide.

4. Practice of Social Service Work:

It is a requirement for registration that you must have engaged in the practice of social service work within the five years immediately before the date of the application or otherwise satisfy the Registrar that you are competent to perform the role of a social service worker.

For further information with respect to the requirement regarding your practice of social service work within the last five years, please read the Registration Guide

Important information for applicants about the evaluation process:

The Registrar’s evaluation of each application form and the supporting documents is based on the criteria identified above. Please carefully review the requirements as they relate to your academic qualifications and experience performing the role of a social service worker prior to initiating the application process.

The review process will only begin after the OCSWSSW has received all your documents and fees. The OCSWSSW will contact you if more information is required.

Applicants should be aware that due to the complexity of each application, the evaluation is a detailed and lengthy process. Once all required documents are received by the OCSWSSW, applications are processed in the order in which they are received.

How to Apply:

Before downloading the Registration Guide, Application Form, and Length of Practice and Supervision Confirmation Form, please ensure you read Information for All Applicants.

Fees: The registration fee and non-refundable application fee must be enclosed with each application.

Mail your completed application form or any other documents you submit yourself, and the full fees, to the College. A photocopy of the application or sending the application by fax or email will not be accepted. Ensure that all other required documents are forwarded to the College.

Ensure you forward the Length of Practice and Supervision Confirmation Form(s) to those persons who will provide information about your experience in performing the role of a social service worker. The completed Length of Practice and Supervision Confirmation Form must be mailed by them directly to the OCSWSSW.

If you have questions about the application process, you may contact the College at (416) 972-9882 or toll free 1-877-828-9380 or e-mail Registration.

To download a registration package for a general certificate of registration in social service work (combination of academic qualifications and experience performing the role of a social service worker), please click on the following links:

1. Registration Guide*
2. Application Form
3. Length of Practice and Supervision Confirmation Form 
4. Supplemental Form

* Before completing the application form, please read the Registration Guide for further requirements.