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Best foster care worker certifications
Foster care worker certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an foster care worker to employers. However, not all foster care worker certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a foster care worker are Certified Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS).
Below is a list of the best foster care worker certifications. Obtaining an foster care worker certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
4 best certifications for foster care workers
| Rank | Foster care worker certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Professional Counselor | APA, DAPA |
| 2 | National Certified Counselor (NCC) | NBCC |
| 3 | Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS) | NASW |
| 4 | Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW) | ACFEI, Cr.FA |
4 best foster care worker certifications
1. Certified Professional Counselor
You entered this field in order to help people. When was the last time that an organization came along to provide any real help to you? The mission of the American Board of Professional Counselors, ABPC program is to be the nation's leading advocate for counselors. ABPC will champion counselors' right to practice. We will work with you to protect your right to practice, increase parity for your profession, and provide you with the recognition that you so richly deserve.
- 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 1 year(s)
2. National Certified Counselor (NCC)
The NCC certification was launched by NBCC in 1983 as a result of the efforts of members of the American Counseling Association (ACA). Since that time, NBCC has become an independent entity and more than 80,000 counselors have become NCCs. The NCC is one of two NBCC certifications that are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
- 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 5 year(s)
3. 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)
4. 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
What is the best certification for a foster care worker?
The best foster care worker certification is Certified Professional Counselor. The Certified Professional Counselor is awarded by the American Psychotherapy Association. 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 foster care worker certification:
- To become a certified Certified Professional Counselor, you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 1 year.
The most common combination of foster care worker certifications include: Certified Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS).
Online courses for foster care workers to earn certifications
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