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Education, training, & regulation

Learn about how social work is regulated in Ontario, and the education standards that guide the profession.

 

Most social workers have at least one or more university degrees in social work:

  • Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
  • Master's in Social Work (MSW) or a
  • Doctorate in Social Work (PhD/DSW).

Social work education, training and expertise make them uniquely qualified to deliver a range of counselling and psychotherapy services. Social workers may also have additional training in specialized areas of practice. 

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers is the regulatory body for social workers in Ontario:

Social workers are regulated by provincial legislation. The governing law is the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998 , which is overseen by the Ministry of Community and Social Services .

Under this legislation, an individual must be registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) in order to use the title “social worker.” Registered individuals use the initials RSW (Registered Social Worker) after their name.

To verify whether an individual is registered, visit the OCSWSSW Online Register at ocswssw.org . You may also contact the College by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1‑877‑828‑9380.

Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers protects the public through its regulation of professions of social work and social service work. The college establishes ethics and standards of practice and maintains a public registry, which allows the public to verify the registration status of social workers and social service workers. Learn more about the distinction between OASW and OCSWSSW.

Learn more

Canadian Association for Social Work Education

Learn more about social work education standards, accreditation, and programs across Canada.

Visit CASWE

Canadian Council of Social Work Regulators

Explore information about social work regulation, mobility, and regulatory bodies across Canada.

Visit CCSWR
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