ACSW (NASW) - Academy of Certified Social Workers

The Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) credential is offered by the Nation Association of Social Workers (NASW). Social workers help people meet their basic needs and are on the front lines helping those who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. They focus on the person and their environment, helping manage the external factors that impact people’s lives so they can cope effectively and start making necessary changes.

Whether you’re completing a social work program or are a practicing social worker looking to take the next step in your career, consider seeking an Academy of Certified Social Workers credential.

About This Certification

The Academy of Certified Social Workers credential (ACSW) is the best-recognized credential in the field. It was created by the Nation Association of Social Workers (NASW) in 1960 and was the first national credential in the profession. 

There are many reasons to get an ACSW. It signals to your colleagues that you meet the high standards for practice and have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the profession. Many insurance companies accept it as eligibility for third-party reimbursements, and it satisfies one of the requirements for being included in the NASW Register of Clinical Social Workers.

There is no exam required for this credential, though you must be a member of the NASW to obtain it. There are multiple types of memberships, depending on where you are in your career, whether you’re a student or a required professional. Fees are tiered accordingly and range from $60 to $236 a year.

You must renew your membership yearly by paying the membership dues and a $35 a year administrative fee.

After you are a member, you can apply for the ACSW credential, which for a $140 application fee. Once accepted into the ACSW, you can use the ACSW after your name, as long as you maintain both your membership and credential.

To get the ACSW credential, you first have to apply for membership to the ACSW. To do so, you need the following:

• A master’s degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

• Two years of supervised experience as an employee practicing in an agency or organization after completing a master’s degree, meaning you have a supervisor who you are accountable to 

• Full or part-time work experience totaling a minimum of 3,000 or two years of full-time employment during the preceding 24-month period

• Three professional references from professional social workers with at least a master’s degree, including a current or former supervisor and two colleagues

Note that self-employment does not count toward required work hours, though regular annual employment at a school for ten months of the year is considered a full year of experience.

Once you are accepted as a member, you can apply for the credential. Many of the requirements are the same as those for membership. To obtain an ACSW, you need the following:

• NASW membership

• A master’s degree in social work from a CSWE accredited school

• Two years of documented postgraduate social work employment and supervision by a qualified supervisor

• Professional references concerning understanding, knowledge, and application of values and principles from a supervisor and two colleagues

• 20 hours of continuing education

• Adherence to the NASW Standards for Continuing Professional Education and Code of Ethics

You must renew your ACSW every year, and you will receive an email reminder 60 days before the expiration date. This renewal is $35 a year, in addition to the fees for renewing your NASW membership. Again, you must maintain both your NASW membership and ACSW credential to use the letters after your name.

The NASW offers a list of credential and continuing education FAQs, and information on state licensing.

ACSW Application

The NASW also offers the following certifications:

• Advanced Social Worker in Gerontology (ASW-G)

• Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM)

• Certified Advanced Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-CYFSW)

• Certified Clinical Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs Social Worker (C-CATODSW)

• Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM)

• Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology (CSW-G)

• Social Worker in Gerontology (SW-G)

• Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW)