Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Best clinical social worker certifications
The best certifications for a clinical social worker are Academy of Certified Social Workers Credential (ACSW), Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW), and Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW).
Clinical social worker certifications demonstrate your competency as a clinical social worker to employers. However, not all clinical social worker certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best clinical social worker certifications. Obtaining a clinical social worker certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
10 best certifications for clinical social workers
| Rank | Clinical social worker certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Academy of Certified Social Workers Credential (ACSW) | NASW |
| 2 | Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW) | ACFEI, Cr.FA |
| 3 | Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW) | NASW |
| 4 | Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS) | NASW |
| 5 | Clinical Research Assistant | APA |
| 6 | Certification of Clinical Hypnosis | ASCH |
| 7 | Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (BCD) | ABE |
| 8 | Certified Clinical Supervisor | ACADC |
| 9 | Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM) | NASW |
| 10 | National Clinical Supervision Endorsement (NCSE) | NAADAC |
10 best clinical social worker certifications
1. Academy of Certified Social Workers Credential (ACSW)
The Academy of Certified Social Workers was established in 1960 and remains the most widely recognized and respected social work credential. Social workers who hold the ACSW are qualified providers of social services. Social workers who hold the ACSW have: A current NASW membership; A master's degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); Documented two years of postgraduate social work employment and professional supervision by an MSW credentialed supervisor; Provided professional evaluations that validate their knowledge, understanding, and application of social work principles and values from an MSW supervisor and two social work colleagues; Verified 20 hours of relevant continuing education; and Agreed to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics and NASW Standards for Continuing Professional Education, and are subject to the NASW adjudication process. NASW professional credentials and specialty certifications provide recognition to those who have met national standards for higher levels of experience and knowledge, and are not a substitute for required state licenses or certifications.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
2. Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW)
Forensic social work is the application of social work to questions and issues relating to the law and legal system, both criminal and civil. Forensic social workers help children and families involved in custody issues, including but not limited to separation, divorce, neglect, and the termination of parental rights. The social workers also deal with the implications of child and spouse abuse. Forensic social workers may work in a number of settings, including juvenile and adult justice services, corrections, and mandated treatment programs.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
3. Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW)
The Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW) represents the highest level of expertise and excellence for clinical social workers. DCSW credentialed social workers are leaders in the area of clinical social work and hold employment positions in a range of practice settings. Globally recognized and demanded, the DCSW demonstrates that you have exceptional experience, education, competency and dedication to the social work profession.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
4. Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS)
The Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS) works with individuals, groups and families providing case management, conflict mediation and resolution, crisis intervention, group work, community organizing, advocacy, consultation, effective educational stratifies, and documentation. They utilize theories of human behavior and development, and methods of social work practice to support students within public and private school settings. C-SSWS have core knowledge and skills in the areas of: social work ethics; program development and management skills; social work modalities and procedures; characteristics of student populations; multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary activities; and public education and federal and state laws
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
5. Clinical Research Assistant
1. Completion of an Approved Phlebotomy/EKG/I.V Program 2. Minimum of 80 Hours Lecture 3. Minimum of 80 Clinical Rotation In Medical Lab or Research Center 4. Minimum of 50 Successful Venipunctures 5. High School Diploma or G.E.D 6. Successful Completion of Certification Exam
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
6. Certification of Clinical Hypnosis
Certification offers non-statutory voluntary credentialing in Clinical Hypnosis and provides recognition of the advanced clinician who has met educational qualifications and required training in clinical hypnosis. The ASCH Certification and Approved Consultant Program is gaining national recognition as a standard for the practice of hypnosis. Anecdotal evidence suggests that hospitals and third party payers are beginning to recognize the importance of such standards and view ASCH Certification as a basic requirement for promoting hypnosis as a treatment modality.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
7. Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (BCD)
The Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (BCD) certification is a national hallmark of quality practice, recognized by insurors, professionals, courts, and consumers. The BCD is issued by the American Board of Examiners (ABE) to those who have, through an examination process and professional attainments, proved their ability to practice advanced-generalist clinical social work at a high level of competency. In addition to the advanced-generalist BCD certification, clinical social workers may be certified for competency in Clinical Supervision, Practice with Children & Their Families, and Psychoanalysis. They can be found, with many details of their practice and background, in a free searchable-sortable Internet service, the Online BCD Directory.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
8. Certified Clinical Supervisor
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
9. Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM)
Social work case managers address the individual client's biopsychosocial statue as well as the state of the social system in which case management operates. They have a strong focus on client and system strengths and the development of self-care skills that go beyond the disease and symptom focus of the medical model.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
10. National Clinical Supervision Endorsement (NCSE)
While clinical supervision has long been regarded as a significant part of the counseling profession, the importance of effective clinical supervision in the addiction treatment process has gained increased attention over the past years. Clinical Supervision is an intervention or training that is provided by a more qualified addiction professional to a less experienced person in the addiction profession.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
What is the best certification for a clinical social worker?
The best clinical social worker certification is Academy of Certified Social Workers Credential (ACSW). The Academy of Certified Social Workers Credential (ACSW) is awarded by the National Association of Social Workers. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this clinical social worker certification:
- To become a certified Academy of Certified Social Workers Credential (ACSW), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 2 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for clinical social workers?
The most in-demand clinical social worker certification is Certified Clinical Supervisor based on all active job postings. Having this clinical social worker certification will give you access to more clinical social worker jobs with higher salaries.
The most common combination of clinical social worker certifications include: Academy of Certified Social Workers Credential (ACSW), Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW), and Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW).
Online courses for clinical social workers to earn certifications
1. Social Policy for Social Services & Health Practitioners
In the U.S., social policy accounts for two-thirds of government spending. Knowing how policies are constructed, what values underlie them, and how they succeed or fail makes everyone more effective at work or in their civic role. This specialization includes an HONORS track in which learners will complete a professional social policy analysis.\n\nTeachers, health care workers, police, and social workers interact with policy daily, but all of us should care about the impact and effectiveness of...
2. Social Determinants of Health
This is an introductory course on social determinants of population health with a focus on the United States. The course will introduce you to, or reinforce your knowledge of, issues related to health that consider behavioral, psychological and structural factors in population health beyond the healthcare system. We will examine social, economic, and political factors that contribute to health inequalities and suggest innovative ways to reduce disparities in health when the goal is to achieve...
3. Crisis Intervention Seminar
The emphasis is on the development of fundamental clinical skills in the area of crisis intervention...
4. Abnormal Behavior & Clinical Psychology (Certificate)
Guiding students into the field of mental health services for either personal and/or professional development...
5. Cannabis, Mental Health, and Brain Disorders
This Cannabis, Mental Health, and Brain Disorders course is designed to have you think critically about the health effects of cannabis (i.e., marijuana) in the context of several mental health and neurocognitive disorders. You'll be able to identify key features of several anxiety disorders (e.g., panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, PTSD), major depression, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's...
6. Advanced Training for Trauma Treatment of Complex PTSD
Complex PTSD...
7. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): The Complete Course
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)...
8. The Comprehensive PTSD Course
**The Only Dedicated & Comprehensive PTSD Course On The (UDEMY) Platform! – Everything You Need To Know About PTSD**...
9. The Communication Skills and Social Intelligence Masterclass
An essential guide to cultivating influential people skills, communication skills and street-smart social intelligence...
10. Communication & Social Skills
Learn to become more confident and effective when speaking, listening, or writing...
11. Basic of Clinical Data Management
Clinical Data Management...
12. Addiction & Mental Health (Dual Diagnosis) Integrative 12hrs
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions: Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health - Integrative Holistic Approach...
13. Conflict Resolution for Co-Workers
You'll learn diagnosis and resolution techniques for tense, sensitive conflicts with your co-workers, manager or peers...
14. Addiction & Mental Health - Chemically Speaking Two (2hrs)
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions - Understand Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health. How to help people...
15. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Certificate
Become a certified CBT practitioner and learn to use cognitive behavior therapy to improve people's mental health...
16. The Beginners Course for Clinical Research
The Essentials of Clinical Trials - Clinical Research for Beginners...
17. Social Media Crisis Prevention
Get practical skills to protect your reputation and your organization against a social media meltdown...
18. Good Clinical Practice ICH GCP for Clinical Research
Certification on ICH GCP E6 R2 Good Clinical Practice for Clinical Research The Only Complete Course You Can Find Online...
19. Good Clinical Practice for Clinical Research Professionals
The Complete, Certified ICH GCP (R2 & R3) Course for Investigators, Study Coordinators, Sponsors, Monitors and Study staff...
20. Social Media for Healthcare Providers
Social media and HIPPA compliance training for covered entities that transmit health information...