The Nova Scotia College of Social Workers exists to serve and protect Nova Scotians by effectively regulating the profession of social work.

As a member you have the ability to support the NSCSW in building a professional community that embodies the best of social work practice.

Ensuring Nova Scotians receive the services of skilled and competent social workers who are knowledgeable, ethical, qualified, and accountable to the people who receive social work services.

Private practitioners are self-employed RSWs who are licensed to practice independently in one or more areas of specialization.

We establish, maintain, and regulate Standards of Professional Practice to ensure Nova Scotians receive the services of skilled and competent social workers who are knowledgeable, ethical, qualified, and accountable to the people who receive their services.

Stay up to date on the latest news and events happening with NSCSW.

Find a Social Worker

About the Social Worker Registry

The searchable online public registry allows you to verify the registration of a Registered Social Worker in Nova Scotia by any piece of public information. This includes registration number, first name, last name and common first name. You may also search by one or all of the parameters which includes region, member category and areas of private practice specification. If you select areas of private practice specification, the search refers to a private practitioner’s approved competencies. Search terms may include “counseling�?, “family�?, “child�?.

Please contact the College if you believe a name is omitted from the Register in error, or have questions about the status of an individual on the Register.

Click the button below to open the searchable registry, or scroll down to view the different categories of membership.

Registered Social Worker (RSW)

Registered Social Workers can use the protected title Registered Social Worker and are registered through the College to practice social work within the scope of practice as defined by the Social Workers Act. These members,

have obtained a degree in social work from an approved social work faculty;
have the required social work experience;
Have met the requirements of the Act and have been approved by the Board of Examiners for registration.

Private Practitioner (PP)

Private practitioners are social workers who are self-employed and have demonstrated to the Board of Examiners that they have advanced skills in a particular area of social work and can apply them independently.

Temporary

Temporary Registered Social Worker’s or Social Worker Candidate’s have been approved to practice social work in Nova Scotia for a defined time period. There may be practice restrictions.

Failed to Renew (refused registration)

The member has failed to renew their registration and is prohibited from practicing social work or using any title which would suggest that the individual is eligible to practice social work. (Refer to Sections 52 and 55 of the Social Workers Act )

Social Work Candidate (SWC)

Social Worker Candidates are registered through the College to practice social work within the scope of practice as defined by the Social Workers Act. SWC’s are new graduates from an accredited school of social work and are required to complete 2500 hours of practice experience with the support of a mentor before using the protected title of Registered Social Worker. These members,

have obtained a degree in social work from an approved social work faculty;
have met the requirements of the Act and have been approved by the Board of Examiners for registration as a candidate;
are being mentored by an RSW approved by the Registrar of the Board.

Associate (Retired)

Associate (Retired) members are social workers in good standing who are not currently practicing. Associate members cannot use the title of Registered Social Worker (RSW) or practice social work within the scope of practice.

Associate members continue to maintain competencies while they are unemployed, on maternity or parental leave, or on long-term disability and or when they have retired from the profession.