NASW Professional Social Work Credentials and Advanced Practice Specialty Credentials
Click on the individual credential below for more information on the requirements and to download an application.
NASW Specialty Credentials are open to all qualified and licensed social workers. The ACSW and DCSW credentials are limited to members-only and the DCSW requires licensure. An ACSW credential is available for social worker leaders in all practice areas.
| Professional Social Work Credentials (NASW Membership Required) |
| LEADERSHIP |
Required Degree |
| Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) |
MSW |
| Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW) |
MSW |
| Advanced Practice Specialty Credentials (Available to All Qualified Social Workers) |
| MILITARY |
| Military Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families—Social Worker (MVF-SW) |
BSW |
| Military Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families—Advanced Social Worker (MVF-ASW) |
MSW |
| Military Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families—Clinical Social Worker (MVF-CSW) |
MSW |
| CLINICAL |
| Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW) |
MSW |
| Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology (CSW-G) |
MSW |
| Certified Clinical Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Social Worker (C-CATODSW) |
MSW |
| GERONTOLOGY |
| Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology (CSW-G) |
MSW |
| Social Worker in Gerontology (SW-G) |
BSW |
| Advanced Social Worker in Gerontology (ASW-G) |
MSW |
| HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE |
| Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker (ACHP-SW) |
MSW |
| Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Social Worker (CHP-SW) |
BSW |
| YOUTH AND FAMILY |
| Certified Advanced Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-ACYFSW) |
MSW |
| Certified Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-CYFSW) |
BSW |
| HEALTHCARE |
| Certified Social Worker in Health Care (C-SWHC) |
MSW |
| ADDICTIONS |
| Certified Clinical Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Social Worker (C-CATODSW) |
MSW |
| CASE MANAGEMENT |
| Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM) |
MSW |
| Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM) |
BSW |
| EDUCATION |
| Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS) |
MSW |
Renewal for the ACSW is every year and the QCSW is every two years. Renewal for Specialty Credentials is every two years. Renewal packets are sent prior to the expiration of the credential/certification.
NASW Credentialing Center
More than 50 years of experience developing credentials and certifications for social workers |
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