Social workers who have qualified as a social worker outside the United Kingdom can apply to register with the Social Care Council if they can demonstrate that their qualifications, knowledge and skills meet the standards required for social work practice in Northern Ireland.
Qualification Requirements
Applicants must show that they:
- Hold a qualification comparable to the Northern Ireland Degree in Social Work; or
- Have completed additional training, education or professional experience that enables them to meet the required standard for registration.
Each application is assessed individually against the knowledge, skills and values set out in the Northern Ireland Framework Specification for the Degree in Social Work.
English Language Requirements
Applicants must also demonstrate that they have the necessary English language skills to practise safely and effectively. Add link English Language Skills – What the Social Care Council Requires – NISCC
How Applications Are Assessed
International applications are reviewed by a panel of Social Care Council Professional Advisers. The assessment considers:
• Social work qualifications and course content.
• Professional training and experience.
• Evidence of English language proficiency.
• Alignment with Northern Ireland social work standards.
Possible Outcomes
Following assessment, applicants may be:
- Registered.
- Registered with an Assessed Year in Employment (AYE) condition.
- Registered with a Professional in Practice (PiP) condition.
- Required to successfully complete a compensation measure before being registered as a social worker.
- Refused registration.
This process helps ensure that all social workers joining the Register meet the standards required to practise safely, effectively and in the public interest.