BCASW/ BCCSW
The following is a description for students to assist in understanding the difference between membership with the BCASW and registration with the BCCSW.
BC Association of Social workers (BCASW)
The Association is the member services association whose mandate is to support members, strengthen the profession, and advocate for social justice. The College is the regulatory body whose sole mandate is to protect the public.
The BCASW application is simply done online. Anyone who holds a Social Work degree may join the BCASW. Students pursuing an education in Social Work may also join the Association at a reduced rate. The benefits of joining are many including professional development opportunities, a quarterly news letter highlighting Social Work in BC, access to professional liability insurance, job postings and mentorship.
Link to new member application here:
http://www.bcasw.org/content/membership%20benefits/join%20bcasw.asp
Link to further details on the benefits of membership:
http://www.bcasw.org/Content/Membership%20Benefits/Member%20Benefits.asp
BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW)
Registration through the BC College of Social Workers is more of a process. Applicants must submit an application package found here: http://www.bccollegeofsocialworkers.ca/registration/registration-process.htm
In addition to the package applicants must also submit
- The Consent to Criminal Records Check form
- Pay the $120 non-refundable application fee
- Arrange to have an official copy of their social work degree transcript sent to the College
- Undergo a minimum of two criminal record checks (National and BC )
- Provide a photocopy of two pieces of identification (one of which must be government-issued with a photograph, full name, and date of birth (e.g. Driver's License, Passport, BC ID))
- Provide a résumé
- Arrange for two character or two clinical references to be sent directly to the College by the referees
Successful applicants are awarded the title of Registered Social Worker (RSW).Through registration, social workers make a public commitment to hold themselves accountable for their practice through adherence to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
Registered Social Workers holding a Master's or doctoral degree in social work may apply through the college for Registered Clinical Social Work (RCSW) designation. Obtaining a Clinical Registration designation is a rigorous process that requires a written exam and a minimum of 3000 hours of supervised clinical social work.
Further information available here:
http://www.bccollegeofsocialworkers.ca/registration/registration-categories/clinical-registration.htm
Last reviewed 
9/12/2011 3:26:58 PM
BC Association of Social Workers
#402 - 1755 West Broadway
Vancouver BC V6J 4S5
Telephone: 604 730 9111
or 1 800 665 4747 in BC
Fax: 604 730 9112
bcasw@bcasw.org
British Columbia College of Social Workers
302-1765 West 8th Avenue
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada V6J 5C6
Telephone: 604-737-4916
Facsimile: 604-737-6809
E-mail: info@bccsw.ca
