Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM)

Optimizing Client Functioning Through Quality Service

  Download the C-SWCM Application


Who seeks this credential?

Social work case managers address the individual client’s biopsychosocial state as well as the state of the social system in which case management operates. Social work case managers have a strong focus on client and system strengths and the development of self-care skills that go beyond the disease and symptom focus of the medical model. The overall focus of social work case management is built on the biopsychosocial model which uses a Person-in Environment perspective to assess strengths and challenges within a systems framework.

Certified Social Work Case Managers (C-SWCM) are BSW level social work case managers with training, experience and commitment to the knowledge, values, theory and skills used in the service of attaining goals that are established in conjunction with the client and the clients’ family when appropriate.

What does this credential represent?

In 2000, NASW developed specialty practice credentials, including the C-SWCM credential, in response to the expressed needs of its members and to support association members in the competitive workplace. Specialty practice certifications were established to enhance professional and public recognition; increase visibility as a specialized, professional social worker; and declare association with a select group of specialized, professional social workers who have attained national distinction.

What are the basic eligibility requirements?

  • Please read and review the complete criteria in the application
  • A Bachelor’s degree in social work from a graduate program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
  • Documentation of at least three (3) years and 4,500 hours of paid, supervised, post-BSW professional experience in an organization or agency that provides case management services
  • Current state BSW-level license or an ASWB BSW-level exam passing score.
  • Adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics and the NASW Standards for Continuing Professional Education

NASW / CCMC Collaborative


NASW and the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC) are collaborating to address the growing demand for health care case managers by giving more social workers the opportunity to earn the Commission’s Certified Case Manager® (CCM®) credential.

Learn more




co-workers having a conversation

Still have questions?


Read the Credentialing Center FAQ or contact the Credentialing Center at credential@socialworkers.org.