Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW)

New Applicants Only

  Download the ACSW application

The Academy of Certified Social Workers was established in 1960 and remains the most widely recognized and respected social work credential. Social workers who hold the ACSW are qualified providers of social services. Social workers who hold the ACSW have:

• A current NASW membership;
• A master’s degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE);
• Documented two years of postgraduate social work employment and professional supervision by an MSW credentialed supervisor;
• Provided professional evaluations that validate their knowledge, understanding, and application of social work principles and values from an MSW supervisor and two social work colleagues;
• Verified 20 hours of relevant continuing education; and
• Agreed to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics and NASW Standards for Continuing Professional Education, and are subject to the NASW adjudication process.

NASW professional credentials and specialty certifications provide recognition to those who have met national standards for higher levels of experience and knowledge, and are not a substitute for required state licenses or certifications.