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School Social work's very own...
National certification
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National Certification of School Social Work (NCSSW) focuses on the nine
competencies of the National School Social Work Practice Model 2.0.
Within an asynchronous, self-paced approach, Candidates demonstrate
their skills and knowledge of specific performance indicators by submitting
critical reflections and evidenced artifacts developed or used in professional practices. A team of trained peer reviewers provide support, feedback, and evaluation for successful completion. Since launching in 2021, school social workers from all SSWAA regions have become Nationally Certified.
steps to BECOMING A NATIONAL CERTIFIED SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER:
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Submit an application.
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Once approved, pay registration fee
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Watch for an email with a link to access the course via SSWAAed
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Begin working on your National Certification Portfolio
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Create your portfolio of the nine competencies, showing your school social work expertise and skills
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Get Certified upon completion!
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ELIGIBILITY requirements for ENROLLMENT IN National CertificatioN:
Applications will be reviewed to ensure that each candidate meets the following requirements:
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Earned MSW
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Has 4+ years post-MSW experience as a School Social Worker or SSW educator in higher education
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Holds current licensure or certification for school social work position per state guidelines
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Has active SSWAA membership at the Full or Premiere level
Please Note:​
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This is a self-paced, asynchronous learning experience. NCSSW operates within a Cohort model.
While you may register for NCSSW at any time during the year, your application will be reviewed for approval to begin with the next cohort start date.
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Please refrain from payment until your application has been approved to avoid potential cancellation fees. Select 'Invoice Me' option when registering for NCSSW. We will notify you once your application has been verified and approved.​ We kindly request that payment be made only after receiving approval and an emailed payment invoice. ​No refunds provided.
COHORT III
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Applications Accepted & Reviewed:
July 1 - September 23
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Cohort Start Date:
October 1
COHORT IV
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Applications Accepted & Reviewed:
October 1 - December 24
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Cohort Start Date:
January 1
NCSSW Recertification
NCSSWs complete a Recertification process every three years in order to maintain active Certification.
Requirements:​​
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Demonstrate how your practice has continued to evolve in the three years since your last certification by completing the steps below.
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Maintain active SSWAA membership at the Full or Premier Level.
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Fulfill Continuing Education (CE) requirements per your state of employment*
*Earn at least 10 CEs per year when no specified CE requirements per state guidelines
Steps to Recertification (Every 3 years):
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Begin the recertification process before your certification expires. You may begin up to six months prior to expiration. Check your certificate for the expiration date.
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Submit Recertification within six months of initiating the process^
^or within six months of your NCSSW expiration date - the latter of the two -
Select from several possible recertification pathways, opting for the one most relevant to your position and experience.
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NCSSWs Across the Nation!
The Map above shows states that currently have NCSSWs!!
(Map Update: May 2025)