Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW)
New Applicants Only

Social workers who hold the NASW Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW) are recognized by the social work profession as providers of behavioral health care. The NASW Diplomate in Clinical Social Work is the highest distinction bestowed on clinical social workers. NASW Diplomates are listed in the NASW Register of Clinical Social Workers, both in the CD-ROM version and online version (www.socialworkers.org/register).

Diplomates in clinical social work have:

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  A current NASW membership;
• A master’s or doctoral degree in social work from a university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE);
• Documented five years of postgraduate clinical social work experience;
• Completed 20 hours of clinical course work;
• Provided professional evaluations that validate their interpersonal skills, clinical practice skills, and ethical standards of social work practice from an MSW supervisor and social work colleague;
• A current membership in the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) or hold a current state clinical license; and
• Agreed to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics, NASW Standards for the Practice of Clinical Social Work, and NASW Standards for Continuing Professional Education, and are subject to the NASW adjudication process.

NASW professional credentials and specialty certifications provide recognition to those who have met national standards for higher levels of experience and knowledge, and are not a substitute for required state licenses or certifications.

Social Workers who hold NASW Clinical Credentials (QCSW and DCSW) are eligible for listing in the NASW Register of Clinical Social Workers.

For more information, contact credentialing@naswdc.org. To download an application, click here. (pdf format)