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Best senior social worker certifications

Senior social worker certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an senior social worker to employers. However, not all senior social worker certifications provide the same value for job seekers.

The best certifications for a senior social worker are Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW), Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW), and Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA).

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

7 best senior social worker certifications

1. 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.

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)

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.

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

3. Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

Train to be a certified nurse assistant working with other health care professionals to provide quality care for elderly or sick individuals in nursing homes and hospitals and at home.

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? 
Certifying website
Certified Nurse Assistant

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

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)

5. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

The purpose of the ABPN's initial certification examination is to test the qualifications of candidates in child and adolescent psychiatry. Child and adolescent psychiatry entails having additional skills and training in the diagnosis and treatment of developmental, behavioral, emotional, and mental disorders of childhood and adolescence.

Certification details
  • 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 10 year(s)

6. Certified Professional - Human Resource (IPMA-CP)

IPMA-HR strives to encourage excellence in public sector human resources, promote continuous learning and develop the next generation of leaders. To that end, IPMA-HR offers two internationally recognized certification programs to the public HR community: the IPMA-CP and the IPMA-CS.

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 3 year(s)

7. Certified Case Manager (ACM)

Management. The purpose of the ACMA Certification process is to promote professional practice standards for hospital/health system case managers. The case manager credential will indicate successful completion of the certification examination in hospital and health system case management.

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 4 year(s)
Certifying website
Certified Case Manager

What is the best certification for a senior social worker?

The best senior social worker certification is Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW). The Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW) 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 senior social worker certification:

  • To become a certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW), 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 senior social workers?

The most in-demand senior social worker certification is Child and Adolescent Psychiatry based on all active job postings. Having this senior social worker certification will give you access to more senior social worker jobs with higher salaries.

Best certifications

The most common combination of senior social worker certifications include: Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW), Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW), and Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA).

Online courses for senior social workers to earn certifications

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