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Non-Practicing
Definition
A non-practicing membership is available as an option only at renewal for current social workers and non-practicing members who will not be engaged in the practice of social work in Newfoundland and Labrador as defined by the Social Workers Act due to:
- being on extended leave
- residing in another jurisdiction or
- not working
A non-practicing membership is NOT available for those:
- employed in a related or unrelated field, or
- practicing social work in NL electronically while residing out of province
Non-Practicing Renewal Fee
$200
Conditions
Non-practicing members must abide by the following conditions:
- Will not use the title ‘social worker’, ‘registered social worker’, or the RSW designation
- Will not engage in the practice of social work as defined by the Social Workers Act
- Will not lead others to believe they are authorized to practice social work until such a time that they hold an active registration
- Understand that if they return to or start employment during a given registration year, including a position which does not require registration, the non-practicing membership will no longer be in effect. In such circumstances, a switch over to active registration would be required. Contact registrations@nlcsw.ca for more information.
Non-Practicing Members Seeking A Return to Active Registration
As required under the Social Workers Regulations, there are re-entry to practice requirements for non-practicing members seeking a return to active registration. This re-entry to practice route is only available to non-practicing members with no membership lapse. The requirements do not apply to non-practicing members who are actively registered to practice social work in another jurisdiction.
- 1 – 3 Years as a Non-Practicing Member: Return to active registration at any time without additional educational requirements. Re-entry to practice is available as part of annual renewal for members who fall under this category. If the return to active registration occurs outside annual renewal, contact registration@nlcsw.ca to complete the switch over application and pay the fee.
- 3 – 5 years as a Non-Practicing Member:
- Non-practicing members who have been non-practicing for more than 3 years but less than 5 years can return to active registration by submitting 40 credits if non-practicing for 4 years and 80 credits if non-practicing for 5 years as per NLCSW’s CPE Policy statement.
- At least 40 of the credits which are submitted must have been completed in the last two years before applying for re-entry.
- Credits must be submitted through MyNLCSW’s Update My CPE feature and include the date of completion, event title and category, and number of hours.
- Re-entry to practice is available as part of annual renewal for members who fall under this category and met the CPE requirements.
- If the return to active registration occurs outside annual renewal:
- CPE credits are prorated as per the CPE Policy. At least 40 of the credits must have been completed in the last 2 years before applying for re-entry. Any remaining balance may have been obtained at anytime throughout the period that the individual has been non-practicing. Credits must be submitted through MyNLCSW’s Update My CPE feature.
- Contact registration@nlcsw.ca to complete the switch over application and pay the fee.
- If sufficient CPE credits have not been obtained or the submission does not meet the CPE Policy, successful completion of the appropriate Association of Social Work Boards Exam will be required. Exam details are available under the Registration Lapse submenu.
- 5 years or more as a Non-Practicing Member:
- Successful completion of the appropriate Association of Social Work Boards Exam will be required.
- Exam details are available under the Registration Lapse submenu.
Key Dates – Annual Renewal
- Mid-January: Members are notified by email when online renewal is open.
- February 15: Administrative deadline to submit online renewal.
- February 28: Legislative deadline to submit online renewal.
Renewal Resources
- Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Policy: The policy includes details regarding the credit system and how to use it.
- Renewal FAQ: This module addresses many of the common inquiries received from members regarding the renewal process.
Renewal Reminders
- Ensure your email is up to date with NLCSW. All notices regarding renewal will be issued via email. Emails can be updated at anytime during the registration year using MyNLCSW’s Update My Profile option.
- Login credentials for MyNLCSW will require your 4-digit membership number and unique password. A forgot my registration number/password option is available on the login screen. Password reset requests received by NLCSW staff are responded to during regular business hours.
- The renewal fee can be paid via MyNLCSW using Visa or MasterCard.
- NLCSW members automatically become affiliated with the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) and renew this affiliation each year through the NLCSW renewal process. Following renewal, names and emails are released to the CASW unless members indicate otherwise by contacting the NLCSW office.
