QCSW (NASW) - Qualified Clinical Social Worker

The QCSW certification is designed for social workers who provide clinical services. This certification recognizes social workers with advanced clinical training and experience, and it validates their expertise in providing mental health and therapeutic services.

Completion Time: The time to complete requirements for QCSW certification varies based on individual progress through educational, experience, and supervision requirements.

Eligibility and Certification Requirements

• A Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

• A current state license for independent clinical social work practice.

• Documented post-graduate supervised clinical social work experience, typically two years or more.

• Adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics.

• NASW membership is often required for certification.

Cost: $165 for NASW members and $450 for non-members

Certification Process

Complete an MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program.

Obtain a state license for independent clinical social work.

Accumulate the required hours of post-graduate supervised clinical experience.

Apply for QCSW certification through NASW.

Provide documentation of education, licensure, and supervised experience.

QCSW certification requires renewal every two years.

Renewal involves completing the required number of continuing education units (CEUs) and adhering to the NASW Code of Ethics.

Continuing education for QCSW certified professionals may include clinical social work practice, mental health, substance abuse, child and family therapy, legal and ethical issues, and other related topics.

For specific information regarding Qualified Clinical Social Worker certification, including eligibility criteria, application details, and renewal processes, it is recommended to consult directly with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). NASW provides comprehensive resources, standards, and support for social workers seeking advanced clinical practice certification.

Career Opportunities

QCSW certified professionals work in various settings, including private practice, hospitals, community mental health centers, schools, and other agencies.

They provide therapeutic services, including counseling, psychotherapy, assessment, and treatment planning for individuals, families, and groups.

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 Work Case Manager (C-SWCM)

• 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)