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Best social work case manager certifications

Social work case manager certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an social work case manager to employers. However, not all social work case manager certifications provide the same value for job seekers.

The best certifications for a social work case manager are Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW), Certified Case Manager (ACM), and Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA).

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

8 best social work case manager 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. 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

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 Master Forensic Social Worker (CMFSW)

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? 

5. Certified Integrated Solid Waste Management - Technical Associate (MSW)

By earning this certification, you will demonstrate knowledge and proficiency that only the top in a field can show. Once you've earned the title "SWANA Certified" you'll know that you've accomplished something important; important not only for your job, but for your career.

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 3 year(s)
Certifying organization
Solid Waste Association of...

6. Child Development Associate (CDA)

A Child Development Associate (CDA) is able to meet the specific needs of children and work with parents and other adults to nurture children's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth in a child development framework.

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 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)

8. 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).

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 5 year(s)
Certifying organization
National Board for Certified...

What is the best certification for a social work case manager?

The best social work case manager 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 social work case manager 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 are some of the most in-demand certifications for social work case managers?

The most in-demand social work case manager certification is Certified Case Manager based on all active job postings. Having this social work case manager certification will give you access to more social work case manager jobs with higher salaries.

What certifications can impact a social work case manager career and salary?

The Certification in Forensic Social Work certification will help you to secure a social worker position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A social worker's average salary is $51,178 whereas social work case managers make an average salary of $45,321.

Best certifications

The most common combination of social work case manager certifications include: Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW), Certified Case Manager (ACM), and Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA).

Online courses for social work case managers to earn certifications

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