Registered Social Worker CE Requirements in Nova Scotia
This page summarizes the current CE requirements for the Registered Social Worker (RSW) license in Nova Scotia — renewal model, mandated topics, live/interactive rules, and home-study limits — with links to the official regulator.
Registered Social Worker
- Social work ethics — 1 h
- Anti-racist and anti-discriminatory practice — 1 h
- Truth & Reconciliation — 1 h
- Vicarious trauma & secondary stress — 2 h
- Social justice — 1 h
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How many CE hours does a Registered Social Worker need in Nova Scotia?
A Registered Social Worker must complete 40 CE / continuing-education hours every 1 years in Nova Scotia. That total includes 1 hour of ethics.
Are there required CE topics for Registered Social Worker in Nova Scotia?
Yes. Nova Scotia requires the following CE topics for Registered Social Worker: Social work ethics (1 h); Anti-racist and anti-discriminatory practice (1 h); Truth & Reconciliation (1 h); Vicarious trauma & secondary stress (2 h); Social justice (1 h).
Can Registered Social Worker CE be completed online in Nova Scotia?
Generally yes — Nova Scotia does not require live or interactive hours for Registered Social Worker, so approved online / home-study CE can typically satisfy the requirement. Home-study note: Informal PD capped at a maximum of 14 hours/year for Active members. Within informal PD, sub-caps apply: critical review of published materials up to 5 hrs/yr, supervision/consultation up to 12 hrs/yr, personal growth up to 12 hrs/yr, self-care up to 5 hrs/yr, professional/technical knowledge up to 5 hrs/yr..
What else should Registered Social Worker renewals know in Nova Scotia?
Active members: 40 total hours/year = 6 hours mandated topics + minimum 20 hours formal PD + maximum 14 hours informal PD. Associate members: 20 total hours/year (6 mandated + 14 discretionary). The five topic AREAS are mandated (ethics, anti-racism/anti-discrimination, Truth & Reconciliation, vicarious trauma/secondary stress, social justice) totalling 6 hours, but members choose the specific training. Annual reporting cycle runs February to January and is reported at registration renewal. Record shown reflects the Active member standard.