A Guide to Earning Your National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Certification

The ACSW credential is among the most accepted and respected credentials for social work professionals. This credential enhances your general social work license.

The DCSW credential proves that you advanced knowledge to work with couples, families, and individuals. This credential also demonstrates knowledge of the theory and methods used to address and diagnose addiction, disability, and mental and emotional disorders.

You can obtain this credential if you work with patients and families who face a chronic illness or need end-of-life care. The ACHP-SW credential demonstrates knowledge of intervention methods and the biopsychosocial components of mental health.

If you work in a gerontological specialty, you might consider pursuing this credential. The CSW-G credential is a good fit if you want to help older adults achieve more independence and better health. This credential demonstrates knowledge of government regulations, policies, and the aging process.

The ASW-G credential helps verify that you can assess older adults’ functional capacity and needs. You also need this credential for case management, long-term care, advocacy, and advanced care planning.

This credential prepares you to assist families, children, and youths, helping them attain services and support. You might seek this certification if you want to help enhance families’ emotional and physical health. The C-ACYFSW credential can also qualify you to work in administration, program evaluation, policy development, and advocacy.

You might consider obtaining the C-SWHC credential if you assist patients and families in healthcare settings. This certification demonstrates knowledge of the biopsychosocial components of health and how healthcare providers can expand and modify their services.

This certification proves you have advanced skills in supporting individuals and families struggling with addiction. The C-CATODSW credential indicates that you can conduct assessments, allocate resources, and conduct interventions.

This credential demonstrates proficiency in case management and knowledge of the biopsychosocial aspects of medical care. This certification can help increase your job prospects, especially if you’re interested in improving the systems that provide social work services.

If you work with students and their families in school settings, you may benefit from this certification. The C-SSWS credential signifies that you know how to conduct crisis intervention, oversee group and individual work, manage cases, provide advocacy, and resolve conflicts.

This credential reflects knowledge and skills associated with clinical social work. The QCSW credential also can demonstrate proficiency in clinical practice.

If you’re working in palliative and hospice care, you might pursue this certification. The CHP-SW credential indicates that you’re qualified to address the biopsychosocial needs of patients and their families in these settings.

You can obtain this certification to demonstrate proficiency in working with older adults. The SW-G credential can qualify you to conduct needs and functionality assessments, work in case management, and plan long-term and advanced care.

This credential is beneficial if you work with youths under 18 years of age and their families. If you don’t have a master’s degree, the C-CYFSW credential can demonstrate your proficiency in policy, advocacy, education, evaluation, research, administration, and program development.

You need a four-year degree to qualify for this certification. The C-SWCM credential demonstrates that you have the experience, knowledge, and training needed to help clients and families meet their needs.

The processing time for your NASW credential or specialty certification application can take up to 12 weeks from the day NASW receives your completed application. If there’s any additional information needed during the process, NASW will contact you via the email address you provided on your application.

Yes, to apply for any NASW credential or specialty certification, you’ll need to have at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work.

These degrees must be from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which ensures the program provides the necessary skills and academic knowledge to prepare you for a successful career in social work.

Holding an NASW credential or specialty certification offers several benefits, such as recognition within the largest global social work organization, increased exposure and professional recognition, and validation of your expertise, experience, competence, and ethical practice.

Credentials can also lead to leadership roles and potentially higher salaries, as some employers value these certifications.

NASW operates 55 chapters throughout the United States. The association serves over 120,000 members, making it the largest social work professional association.