Registration Classes and Statuses

In British Columbia, only individuals registered with the British Columbia College of Social Workers (the "College") or employed by an exempt employer under the Social Workers Regulation may call themselves social workers. Only registrants of the College may use the title “RSW". It is an offence to use the title without proper registration or exemption, and exempt employees may not use “RSW.“

"Registrant" refers to a person who is registered with the College.

Classes of Registration:

• Full - A registrant in the Full class is authorized to use the title Registered Social Worker (RSW) and practice social work as defined in the Social Work Act in British Columbia.
• Clinical - A registrant in the Clinical class is authorized to use the title Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) and practice social work in British Columbia. In addition, an RCSW is authorized to practice clinical social work as defined in the College bylaws.
• Provisional - A registrant in the Provisional class is authorized to use the title Provisional RSW and practice under the similar scope of practice as an RSW but with certain restrictions. A Provisional RSW may only engage practice in a supervised setting, and may not engage in private practice. Also, a Provisional RSW may not undertake clinical social work as defined in the College bylaws.
• Non-Practising - A registrant in the Non-Practising class must represent themselves as a Non-Practising RSW (or Non-Practising RCSW) and must not engage in any work, employment or volunteering that involves the scope of practice of social workers in British Columbia.
• Temporary - A registrant in the Temporary class is authorized to use the title Temporary RSW and practice social work as if the temporary registrant were a full registrant, subject to any terms, limits or conditions imposed by the Registration Committee. A Temporary RSW is not permitted to practice clinical social work as defined in the College bylaws.

Registration Statuses:

• In Good Standing - "In Good Standing" means, in respect of an applicant or a registrant (a) the individual’s registration with the college or with an equivalent regulatory body in another jurisdiction is not under suspension, and; (b) the registrant’s authorization to practice social work is not otherwise restricted or limited by any terms, limits or conditions established under Part 3 of the Social Workers Act or the equivalent thereof in another jurisdiction.
• Active with Limitations - "Active with Limitations" status means that a registrant is actively registered and authorized to practice, but their practice is subject to certain restrictions or conditions. These limitations may be due to specific requirements, such as additional supervision, modified duties, or restrictions on certain types of work, as determined by the College. The registrant must adhere to these conditions while maintaining their active registration status.
• Cancelled - A person with "Cancelled" status has failed to renew their registration by the renewal deadline and is no longer a registrant of the College. However, the individual may reinstate their registration during the reinstatement period.
• Closed - A person with "Closed" status has failed to renew their registration by the renewal deadline and did not reinstate it by the reinstatement deadline. The individual is no longer a registrant of the College and must submit a new application for registration to regain their registration.
• Not in Good Standing (CPD) - "Not in Good Standing (CPD)" status indicates that a registrant has failed to complete the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements by the CPD submission deadline. As a result, the registrant is not considered in good standing until the CPD requirements are fulfilled.
• Suspended - "Suspended" means that a registrant's professional registration has been temporarily revoked due to a disciplinary action or failure to comply with certain requirements. During the suspension period, the individual is not permitted to practice or use their professional title. The registrant may be eligible for reinstatement once the suspension conditions are met.