Job requirements Social Worker in Canada
Find out what you typically need to work as a social worker in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Social workers (NOC 41300).
Employment requirements
This is what you typically need for the job.
- A bachelor's degree in social work is required in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
- In Alberta, a bachelor's degree or diploma in social work is required.
- Supervised practical experience is usually required.
- Successful completion of provincial written and oral examinations may be required.
- Registration with a provincial governing body is mandatory to practise as a social worker in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.
- Use of the titles Social Worker and Registered Social Worker is regulated in all provinces.
- Membership in a provincial association of social workers is usually required.
Professional certification and licensing
You might need to get a certification and/or license from a regulatory authority (or become registered as an apprentice) before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated and contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification and/or licensing process.
Get your foreign credentials recognized in Canada
If you are a newcomer and want to work in a regulated job, you must have your training, education or work experience from another country assessed. This shows if your qualifications are recognized in Canada. This process is called foreign credential recognition.
The steps to get a license or certification are different in each province or territory. You will need to contact the regulatory authority where you want to work to learn what to do.
Did you know?
Getting your qualifications recognized and obtaining a professional license or certification in Canada can take time, money, and effort. If you need help, you can:
- Use free newcomer services that can support credential recognition and certification in Canada.
- Find loans and support services that you may be eligible for.
- Learn about the foreign credential
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Québec
Saskatchewan
Do you want to work in another province or territory?
If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.
Page details
- Date modified: