Graduates of a Social Service Work Diploma Program from a College of Applied Arts and Technology in Ontario

NOTE: The following programs have been approved as equivalent to a social service work program offered in Ontario at a College of Applied Arts and Technology:

• Human Service Counsellor - George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology
• Community Worker - George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology 
• Human Services Counsellor - Durham College of Applied Arts and Technology 
• Social Work diploma – Grant MacEwan College, Edmonton, Alberta

If you obtained a diploma in social service work from an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology or one of the above programs, you will likely meet the academic requirements for the issuance of a general certificate of registration for social service work.

To view a list of approved social service work programs in Ontario, please go to Ontario social work & social service work programs.

How to Apply

Before downloading the appropriate registration guide, application form, and supplemental form, if applicable, please ensure you read
Information for All Applicants.

Verification of Academic Qualifications:

Arrange for your College to forward directly to the OCSWSSW, an official transcript with the institution's seal and signature of the Registrar.

The document must contain your name as it appears on the application form and the name under which you were issued your diploma in social service work. If the name used on the application form is different from the name on the academic verification, please explain.

The OCSWSSW accepts only original documents. Fax, email attachments, your own transcripts or photocopies of your academic qualifications are not accepted and will delay the application process.

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

Mail your completed application form, the documents you submit yourself, and the full fees to the OCSWSSW. 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 OCSWSSW.

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

The review process will only begin after the OCSWSSW has received all your documents and fees. The OCSWSSW may contact you if more information is required. Once the OCSWSSW has all your documents, it typically takes four to six weeks to process your application. The process may take longer if the OCSWSSW requires more information.  

For Graduating Students Only

If you are graduating with a social service work diploma and require membership in the OCSWSSW prior to obtaining your diploma in social service work, but after you have completed all the academic and practicum requirements, the Registrar may issue a general certificate of registration for social service work provided all other registration requirements are met and you agree to a term, condition and limitation on the certificate.

If you are a graduating student and would like to apply for a certificate of registration prior to your convocation:

1. Complete an application form and forward it with the applicable fees to the OCSWSSW.
2. Contact your social service work Program Coordinator and request that s/he complete the OCSWSSW’s Confirmation of Completion of Requirements for a Social Service Work Diploma. Ensure the Program Coordinator forwards the completed, dated and signed form directly to the OCSWSSW. Fax, email attachments or photocopies are not accepted.
3. Once the OCSWSSW Registrar receives the completed form from the social service work Program Coordinator and reviews the application, the Registrar will forward to you a Student/Applicant Declaration Consent and Undertaking Regarding a Diploma in Social Service Work.
4. Read, complete, date, and sign the form and forward to the OCSWSSW. Fax, email attachments or photocopies of the form are not accepted.
5. Upon receipt of your signed form, the Registrar will continue to review your application for membership.
6. If the Registrar issues to you a general certificate of registration for social service work, with the term, condition, and limitation outlined to you, you are then required to provide the OCSWSSW with confirmation that you have obtained your diploma in social service work within the time frame specified in the term, condition and limitation. 
7. Once your diploma has been conferred, arrange for your academic institution to forward directly to the OCSWSSW, an official transcript with the institution's seal and signature of the academic institution’s Registrar. Failure to do so, within the required time frame specified in the term, condition and limitation, will result in the cancellation of your Certificate of Registration

Download a Registration Guide* Application Form and Supplemental Form, if applicable, for a general certificate of registration in social service work.

* Before completing the application form, please read the registration guide for further requirements.