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Professional Development

Professional Credentials and Specialty Certifications

NASW professional credentials and specialty certifications exemplify a higher level of competence and go beyond a social work degree or state license. More than 80,000 members have earned the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW), the Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW), and the Qualified Clinical Social Work (QCSW) credentials, or are listed in the NASW Register of Clinical Social Workers.

New specialty certifications are also available to qualified members:

• Certified-Clinical Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Social Worker (C-CATODSW)
• Certified-Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM)
• Certified-Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM)
• Certified-School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS)

Members who hold these credentials and certifications are more valuable to employers and clients because their NASW credentials demonstrate advanced practice skills and professionalism.

Special Practice Sections

The NASW Specialty Practice Sections (SPS) are an essential resource for social workers whose interests and practice needs vary. The NASW SPS is designed to provide content expertise and inform members about current trends and policy issues that impact social work practice and service delivery. The sections will link you to key information and resources to help you stay at the forefront of your specialty.

Continuing Education

NASW is dedicated to offering members state and national continuing education opportunities providing information, skills, training, continuing education contact hours, and networking opportunities needed for professional and personal development. Look for the profession's stamp of approval for quality continuing education to ensure the courses you attend nationwide meet the strictest professional standards.

Become a Voice for Your Profession

NASW membership provides you with an excellent opportunity to become a leader in your profession and to advance your career through volunteer involvement. Being involved in NASW allows you to share your vision, participate in decision making, and influence and shape association policy on behalf of the profession and the clients and members you serve.

JobLink

Access to social work job opportunities nationwide through NASW JobLink, an online interactive social work job bank. Find up-to-the-minute job opportunities and accelerate your career search by posting your resume and receiving new job alerts.

NASW Membership Application
(pdf file)

If you have any questions about specific membership benefits, please call NASW Customer Service at 1-800-742-4089.