Glossary of Terms

Classes of Certificate of Registration

The Registration Regulation (O. Reg. 383/00) made under the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998 sets out the following classes of certificate of registration:

  • General class of certificate of registration
  • Inactive class of certificate of registration
  • Retired class of certificate of registration

TERMS, CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS

A College registrant who is allowed to practice as a social worker and/or social service worker, but under specific restrictions or limitations. Details regarding the specific restrictions or limitations are outlined under the registrant’ Online Register profile, in the “Register Notes” tab.

PRACTISING STATUS DISPLAY VALUES

Entitled to Practise: A College registrant who is allowed to practise as a social worker and/or social service worker.

Not Entitled to Practise: A College registrant who is not allowed to practise as a social worker and/or social service worker

Restricted (Entitled to Practise): A College registrant whose registration is subject to specific terms, conditions and limitations (TCLs). The status “Restricted” indicates that the registrant is allowed to practise as a social worker and/or a social service worker, but under specific restrictions or limitations. Details regarding the TCLs are outlined under the registrant’s Online Register profile in the “Register Notes” tab.

Undertaking (Not Entitled to Practise): A College registrant has voluntarily agreed, through a formal undertaking, to not practise as a social worker and/or social service worker temporarily. Details regarding the undertaking are outlined under the registrant’s Online Register profile in the “Register Notes” tab.

NOTATIONS

Active: A College registrant who is entitled to practise social work and/or social service work.

Cancelled: A College registrant’s certificate of registration can be cancelled for a number of reasons. When a registrant resigns from the College, their certificate of registration is cancelled. A registrant’s registration can be cancelled if the terms, conditions and limitations on their certificate of registration set out an expiry date and the certificate has expired. If the College is notified that registrant has died, their certificate of registration is cancelled.

Inactive: A College registrant who is temporarily not practising social work and/or social service work. There are many reasons for temporary withdrawal from practice which may include maternity or parental leave, long-term illness or disability or return to school. An inactive registrant cannot practise social work or social service work or use the titles or designations reserved for registrants holding a general class of certificate, unless the title or designation is immediately followed by “inactive” in English or “inactif” in French. Example: Jane Doe, RSSW, inactive. More information about the inactive class of registration can be found on the College’s website.

Reinstated: A College registrant whose certificate of registration has been suspended may have the suspension removed. The removal of a suspension is referred to as a certificate of registration being reinstated.

Reissued: A person who applies for and is issued a certificate of registration after they have previously resigned from the College or their certificate of registration was cancelled is said to have their certificate of registration reissued.

Retired: A College registrant who has been issued a retired certificate of registration and is no longer practising social work and/or social service work.

Revocation: A College registrant’s certificate of registration can be revoked for administrative reasons, disciplinary reasons or reasons of incapacity. In all cases, the revocation will be noted on the Online Register.  

Surrendered: A College registrant who has surrendered their certificate of registration and is no longer entitled to practise and is no longer listed as a registrant.

Suspended: A College registrant’s certificate of registration can be suspended for administrative reasons, disciplinary reasons or reasons of incapacity. In all cases, the suspension will be noted on the Online Register.