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Best psychiatric social worker certifications

The best certifications for a psychiatric social worker are Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW), Academy of Certified Social Workers Credential (ACSW), and Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI).

Psychiatric social worker certifications demonstrate your competency as a psychiatric social worker to employers. However, not all psychiatric social worker certifications provide the same value.

Below is a list of the best psychiatric social worker certifications. Obtaining a psychiatric social worker certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

3 best certifications for psychiatric social workers

3 best psychiatric social worker certifications

1. 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.

Certification details
  • 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

2. 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.

Certification details
  • 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)

3. Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI)

The mission of the National Board is to foster improved healthcare outcomes, patient safety and patient/provider communication, by elevating the standards for and quality of medical interpreting through a nationally recognized and accredited certification for medical interpreters.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)

What is the best certification for a psychiatric social worker?

The best psychiatric social worker certification is Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW). The Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW) is awarded by the American College of Forensic Examiners. This certification corresponds to a specialty within a recognized occupation.

Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this psychiatric social worker certification:

  • To become a certified Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW), you need to pass the exam.
  • This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
  • No renewal for certification, if you earn it once it is valid all time.

What certifications can impact a psychiatric social worker career and salary?

The Academy of Certified Social Workers Credential certification will help you to secure a medical social worker position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A medical social worker's average salary is $65,335 whereas psychiatric social workers make an average salary of $59,144.

Best certifications

The most common combination of psychiatric social worker certifications include: Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW), Academy of Certified Social Workers Credential (ACSW), and Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI).

Online courses for psychiatric social workers to earn certifications

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