A Registered Social Worker from another province may find it easier to become registered as a social worker in Nova Scotia if you are already registered as a social worker with one or more Canadian social work regulatory authorities. Applicants will need to complete the application process below to confirm that they are in good standing with the regulatory authority in their former region.
If you aren’t relocating to Nova Scotia, but wish to engage in electronic social work practice across provincial borders so that you can maintain a therapeutic relationship with a client who is moving here, please see our Telepractice application page instead.
Applicants from a CASWE accredited program will have their credentials assessed and reviewed by the Board of Examiners. Based on the information provided in your application, the Board will determine your registration status as a Registered Social Worker or Social Worker Candidate.
Under a legitimate objective held by the Nova Scotia Government under the CFTA, applicants who are currently registered as social workers by the Alberta or Saskatchewan social work regulatory authorities, who do not hold a degree from a CASWE accredited program, will be evaluated individually and when required, additional requirements will be imposed and/or practice restrictions until the registrants successfully demonstrate the competence to practice the full scope of social work practice as described in the Social Work Act.
1. In the online Application Portal:
- Complete online application form accompanied by a non-refundable $100.00 application fee.
- Consent to release of information to your employer(s) concerning the status of your application.
- Provide the names and email addresses of two references.
Referee forms will be automatically emailed to your references for completion through the application portal. - Upload current resume
- Enter job description (if employed)
2. Send to the office of your current/former regulatory authority:
A verification form with the applicant section completed.
- This form gives consent for the regulatory authority to confirm whether you are in good standing, and to release any relevant information to us.
- If you are registered in multiple Canadian jurisdictions, you will need to complete a separate form for each one.
3. Mail an original copy to the College:
- Criminal Record Check
(contact local police or visit backcheck.net/nscsw) - Child Abuse Registry Check
If you are residing outside Nova Scotia, forms may be made available through the province’s child welfare agency or government department. If your province does not conduct a child abuse check, please note this in your application and assure that the police include a vulnerable persons’ check.
Mailing address: 1888 Brunswick St., Suite 700, Halifax, NS B3J 3J8
Member classes
The Board of Examiners will determine if an applicant is eligible to be placed on the Registry of Registered Social Workers. Eligibility for the Registry of Registered Social Workers is outlined in section 22 of the Social Workers Act and further defined in Section 8 of the regulations.
An applicant certified as a Registered Social Worker by any regulatory authority in Canada, can be registered as a Registered Social Worker in Nova Scotia without needing further training, experience, or evaluation.
Applicants may use the online applicant portal to start an application, add new information or check on the status of their application.
Questions?
Information about the Board of Examiners’ policies and processes can be found in our Application and Renewal Policy Manual.
The Board of Examiners receives administrative support from the College’s Regulatory Services Administrative Support, Gen Coughlan. If you have questions about applying for registration, you can reach Gen by phone or email:
Telephone: (902) 429-7799 x 228
Email: [email protected]
