Continuing Education
Social Worker CPD Requirements in Ontario
This page summarizes the current CPD requirements for regulated social work credentials in Ontario — renewal model, mandated topics, live/interactive rules, and home-study limits — with links to the official regulator.
Ontario regulates 2 social work credentials. This page covers: Registered Social Worker, Registered Social Service Worker. Each has its own requirements below.
Full Ontario Social Worker requirements
VerifiedRegistered Social Worker
Registered Social Worker
Regulator: Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
CPDSelf-directed Continuing Competence Program (CCP); no fixed hour or credit count
No specific live / interactive hour requirement
Mandated topics
- Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice reviewReviewed annually as Step 1 of the CCP
- Sexual Abuse Prevention ProgramMandatory for all registrants except the retired class
Board notes: The CCP is self-directed and explicitly not based on collecting hours or credits (the College suggests, but does not require, roughly 25 hours per year). Completed annually as four steps at registration renewal: (1) review Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, (2) complete the Self-Assessment Tool, (3) create a Professional Development Plan, (4) submit a Declaration of Participation. Registrants retain CCP records for 10 years and must provide evidence on College request; non-compliance can lead to certificate suspension. Renewal/reporting is annual.
VerifiedRegistered Social Service Worker
Registered Social Service Worker
Regulator: Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
CPDSelf-directed Continuing Competence Program (CCP); no fixed hour or credit count
No specific live / interactive hour requirement
Mandated topics
- Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice reviewReviewed annually as Step 1 of the CCP
- Sexual Abuse Prevention ProgramMandatory for all registrants except the retired class
Board notes: Registered Social Service Worker (RSSW) is a separately regulated profession under OCSWSSW, following the same self-directed Continuing Competence Program as Registered Social Workers. Not based on hours or credits; completed annually as four steps (Code of Ethics/Standards review, Self-Assessment Tool, Professional Development Plan, Declaration of Participation) at renewal. Records retained 10 years; audited on request. Renewal/reporting is annual.
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Frequently asked questions
How many CPD hours do Social Workers need in Ontario?
Requirements differ by credential in Ontario. Registered Social Worker — CPD-based — Self-directed Continuing Competence Program (CCP); no fixed hour or credit count. Registered Social Service Worker — CPD-based — Self-directed Continuing Competence Program (CCP); no fixed hour or credit count.
Which social work credentials does Ontario regulate?
Ontario regulates 2 social work credentials: Registered Social Worker, Registered Social Service Worker.
Other Ontario licenses
Social Worker CPD requirements in other jurisdictions
Updated July 2026 from official licensing-board, regulatory-college, and government sources. CE / CPD requirements change often — always confirm current rules directly with your licensing board or regulator before you renew. Informational only, not legal advice.