C-SWCM (NASW) - Certified Social Work Case Manager

Social work case managers have a strong focus on client and system strengths and the development of self-care skills that go beyond the medical model. 

The Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM) credential is offered by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). The C-SWCM credential to designate specialty practice and distinction. C-SWCMs are BSW-level social work case managers with training, experience, and commitment to the knowledge, values, theory, and skills used to attain goals established in conjunction with the client and the clients’ family when appropriate. Social work case managers play an essential role in supporting and advocating for clients across various healthcare settings, including mental health and substance use agencies, child welfare and adoption agencies, or in hospice care, hospitals, or nursing homes.

Eligibility

Basic eligibility requirements to attain the C-SWCM credential are as follows:

• A Bachelor’s degree in social work from a graduate program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

• Documentation of at least three years and 4,500 hours of paid, supervised, post-BSW professional experience in an organization or agency that provides case management services. 

• Current state BSW-level license or an ASWB BSW-level exam passing score

• Adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics and the NASW Standards for Continuing Professional Education

A BSW must supervise supervised post-BSW experience with at least five years of post-BSW experience or an MSW with at least two years of post-MSW social work experience. Alternate supervisors may be a licensed psychiatrist, licensed clinical psychologist (PhD), licensed psychologist (PhD), licensed mental health practitioner (LMHP), licensed registered nurse or higher, or licensed professional counselor (LPC).

After eligibility criteria are met, BSW-level social workers can complete the online application. Letters of reference are required, as well as educational transcripts.

Costs

• C-SWCM only: NASW members $165, Non-members $210

• C-SWCM and CCM: NASW members $310, Non-members $385

Renewal occurs every two years for individuals who have successfully attained the C-SWCM credential. Requirements to renew include:

• 20 contact hours of continuing education within the past two years relevant to case management. The certification holder must associate each CE activity with a social work case management core function. 

• Current BSW-level state social work licensure. 

• Compliance with the NASW’s Standards for Continuing Professional Education.

Renewal Fees

• NASW members: $95

• Non-members: $335

NASW Credential Center FAQ.

The NASW also offers the following certifications:

• Advanced Certified Hospice & Palliative Social Worker (ACHP-SW)

• Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW)

• Advanced Social Worker in Gerontology (ASW-G)

• Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM)

• Certified Advanced Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-CYFSW)

• Certified Clinical Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs Social Worker (C-CATODSW)

• Certified Hospice & Palliative Social Worker (CHP-SW)

• Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS)

• Certified Social Worker in Health Care (C-SWHC)

• Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology (CSW-G)

• Social Worker in Gerontology (SW-G)

• Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW)