National certification for school social workers (NCSSW) centers around the nine (9) competencies associated with the National School Social Work Model. The national certification competencies were derived from the Practice Features in the National School Social Work Practice Model. The performance indicators were developed by a diverse team of school social work professionals and academics representing all regions of SSWAA. The portfolio for national certification underwent further validation through public review (October 2017) and SSWAA Delegate Assembly review (July 2018). SSWAA Board approval of the document was obtained in December 2018. National Certification launched in April of 2021 and applications are being accepted. Portfolios will be evaluated by experts in the field that have worked and/or taught in the field of school social work. The evaluators have completed a training and have been normed in the evaluation process.
Please consider the following requirements before registering for National Certification
Applications will be reviewed to ensure that each candidate meets the following requirements:
MSW
At least four years post-MSW experience as a School Social Worker or SSW educator in higher education
Current active licensure or certification in the state for a school social work position
Active SSWAA membership at the Full or Premiere level
The steps to obtain national certification include
Complete the application submitting proof of employment in the field and a cover letter
Once the application is approved, pay the fee of $250 and receive an email with a link to access the course
Begin working on your National Certification Portfolio
Access the online course where you will upload your portfolio and submissions
Orientations will be offered by SSWAA's Professional Development Coordinator on an individual basis with the candidate.
Begin working on your National Certification Portfolio
*Because the National Certified School Social WorkerTM course is self-paced, refunds are not available. Individuals can apply for an extension if circumstances interfere with completion of the National Certification process within the one-year time frame. A committee will review the request and make a determination if circumstances warrant an extension. Extensions may be granted for 6 months or 1 year with an extension fee; extensions are not automatic and may be denied.
IMPORTANT: When registering for the event, please select the 'Invoice Me' option. Kindly refrain from payment until your application has been approved to avoid potential cancellation fees. We will notify you once your application has been verified and approved. Please refer to the notice regarding the timeline for cohorts.
NOTICE REGARDING NCSSW COURSE TIMELINE: **Effective February 8, 2024, NCSSW has transitioned to a Cohort model. While you may register for NCSSW at any time during the year, your application will be reviewed for approval to begin with the next cohort start date. We kindly request that payment be made only after receiving approval and an emailed payment invoice.
COHORT I
Applications Accepted:
January 1 - March 31
Applications Approval/Start Date:
April 1
COHORT II
Applications Accepted:
April 1 - June 30
Applications Approval/Start Date:
July 1
COHORT III
Applications Accepted:
July 1 - September 30
Applications Approval/Start Date:
October 1
COHORT IV
Applications Accepted:
October 1 - December 31
Applications Approval/Start Date:
January 1
NCSSW Recertification Process
To maintain your National Certification as a School Social Worker, you must complete the recertification process every three years to demonstrate ongoing professional growth.
Requirements:
Maintain active SSWAA membership at the Full or Premier Level.
Fulfill your state's annual Continuing Education (CE) requirements, or earn at least 10 CEs per year if none are specified.
Demonstrate how your practice has continued to evolve in the three years since your last certification by completing the steps below.
Recertification Steps (Every 3 years):
Begin the recertification process before your certification expires. Check your certificate for the due date.
Select two (2) of the nine (9) School Social Work Competencies and write a reflection and provide artifacts for each of your selected competencies. In your written competencies you will continue to validate your growth and development as a Nationally Certified School Social Worker reflecting on how your practice has evolved over the last 3 years since your last certification.
Recertification Timeline:
You can start six (6) months before the due date.
Complete the process within six (6) months after the due date.
Register and pay the $100 fee by your due date. A 25% late fee applies if you miss this, and failure to complete recertification will result in the loss of your credential.
If your credential lapses, you'll need to restart the entire certification process.
Steps to Recertify:
When your window opens, email our PD Coordinator.
You'll receive a link to register and pay.
Finish the recertification process within the six-month deadline.
NCSSW Recertification Timeline Example:
If your National Certification Certificate has a Deadline/Expiration date of of June 1, 2024
Time to Recertify your National Certification?
Click HERE to Apply for NCSSW RECERTIFICATION (please note, this is the link for Re-Certification. Clicking the link for Time to Re-Certify will start an email thread with PDlearning@sswaa.org, when it is time to re-certify your NCSSW you will be sent an invoice after initiating your time to re-certify. If you need to apply to start the NCSSW process for the first time, please see the Apply Box Below)
The Map above shows states (in SSWAA red) that currently have NCSSWs!!
(Map Update: June 2024)