This application process applies to those who have not graduated from a recognized social work technician program and who have completed post-secondary education in a related field. Please note that work experience may be considered in the substantial equivalency application process.

Stop and complete the Social Work Technician Application instead if you:

- Have successfully completed the recognized social work technician programs:

• NBCC’s Social Service Community Worker program
• CCNB’s Technique en service social et communautaire program
• A program approved by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
• An Alberta Social Work Diploma program approved by the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW)

OR

- Are currently registered as a social work technician-equivalent in another jurisdiction in Canada (Ex: OCSWSSW).

Due to the unique nature of the Substantial Equivalency application process, the NBASW cannot guarantee a timeframe in which the application will be considered. The NBASW will make our most sincere effort to review Substantial Equivalency applications at our earliest opportunity.

Applicants will receive a confirmation email once all required application documents have been received. Applicants will be contacted again only after a decision has been made on the file.

If an applicant’s contact information changes while awaiting a decision, please inform sebastian.gomez@nbasw-attsnb.ca

Applicants:

-Review the basics of Social Work Technician Regulation and Employment.

-Review the Scopes of Practice to understand what is considered within the social work technician scope of practice

-Review the NBASW Code of Ethics to understand the ethical standard for social work technicians.

-Know the Benefits of NBASW Membership.

Employers: 

-Review the Information for Employers.

-Review the Employer Package.

-Know the Benefits of NBASW Membership.

Still have questions? Contact sebastian.gomez@nbasw-attsnb.ca or call 506 440 3340 to discuss social work technician substantial equivalency.

Download the Substantial Equivalency Member Application Form

The $105.00 non-refundable application fee can be paid by:

• credit or debit HERE (Indicate Association number 7, Registration number 12345); or
• cheque made out to NBASW or the New Brunswick Association of Social Workers 

Provide the NBASW with a PDF copy of your CV.  A curriculum vitae (CV) is a comprehensive document which includes personal information, work history, education, certifications, skills, etc.

Two reference forms must be submitted directly from the referees to the NBASW. For recent graduates, at least one reference form must be provided by a field placement supervisor. Please review the Reference Form Policy before choosing your referees.

Download the Reference Form for your referees.

A Declaration of Criminal Record must be submitted as part of your application.

• Upon approval of the application, the NBASW will request a valid Criminal Record Check and will be required at that time as a condition of NBASW membership. Please review our Criminal Record Check Policy.
• Criminal record checks dated 3 months before the date of application review will not be valid.

Review the Equivalency Verification Form Policy.

Complete the applicant portions of the Equivalency Verification Form.

Forward the form to an eligible employer, and ensure the employer is informed they must:

• Initial each task marked “yes;”
• Initial each completed description;
• Complete the Investigations and Unethical Conduct section; and
• Sign and submit the form directly to sebastian.gomez@nbasw-attsnb.ca subject: Substantial Equivalency.

Required if the applicant has graduated from a social work technician related program. Must be submitted directly from the educational institution to the NBASW following reception of the diploma (applicants must contact the educational institution to request this document be submitted).

Required only if requested by the NBASW after the initial review of the Substantial Equivalency application.

The NBASW reserves the right to request further documentation from applicants as needed.

Once all applicable application documents have been received, the NBASW will confirm reception of the completed application. Due to the unique nature of the Substantial Equivalency application process, the NBASW cannot guarantee a timeframe in which the application will be considered. The NBASW will make our most sincere effort to review Substantial Equivalency applications at our earliest opportunity.

A notice of the decision will be sent to the applicant by email which will outline any conditions of approval that apply, or actions required.

Upon approval of the application and fulfillment of conditions that may apply, the NBASW will request the full payment of dues applicable. Once all outstanding items have been received, the registration will be processed, and the successful applicant will be sent the official member card by email.

2025-2026 MEMBERSHIP DUES

• Practicing Member: $429
• Practicing Member: $214.50
  *for applicants who begin registration after September 30th
• Non-Practicing Member: $126