Social Work Proficiency Certificate Examination (SWPCE)
SWPCE is the threshold criteria of proficiency as approved by Act 25 of 2022 (Sections 2,3&4) as one of its basic responsibilities, to determine and review from time to time what academic standard of knowledge and skills that shall be attained by persons to become registered members of the Institute; to maintain a register of professional Social Workers in Nigeria and to ensure that its members maintain reputable minimum standard of behaviour expected of any member of the Institute.
SWPCE is therefore the standard required for all entrants to the Register of the Institute; this introduces and examines the knowledge, skills, competencies and professional attributes for the safe practice of Social Work profession.
SWPCE is also the standards of proficiency required of applicants with professional qualifications obtained outside Nigeria. All applications for recognition of professional qualification(s) obtained outside Nigeria are assessed against these standards of proficiency. Applicants must demonstrate to the Institute that their professional qualification(s), additional education and training and/or work experience gained in the profession meets the minimum standards of proficiency required.
Hence, membership of the Institute is drawn from persons who are desirous of becoming social work practitioners and such an intending member should hold any of the following qualification; Auxiliary Social Work (AuxSW), Bachelor degree, HND or equivalent Professional qualification with experience, PGD, MSW, M.Sc, M.A, M.Phil, DSW, PhD in Social Work and other related fields with recognized certificates acceptable to the Council. Prospective members are admitted into various categories of membership with upgrading opportunities after a series of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training and other qualification acceptable to the Council.
Categories of Membership
i. Fellow
ii. Full Member
iii. Member
iv. Associate Member
v. Graduate Member
vi. Affiliate Member
vii. Student Member
Membership Categories i -iv is subject to the Institute’s Governing Council decision, prospective members should; be 18 years of age and above; have not been convicted in any court of law; should be of sound mind, and also; should be a responsible citizen. Those granted direct membership concession and given pre-induction training are those who hold a minimum of Bachelor degree or HND in Social Work discipline with at least, three years minimum experience.
Candidates with other qualifications will have to go through the Institute’s Professional Certification in Social Work to qualify for registration as practitioners.
RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF C-ISOWN MEMBERSHIP
(1) Persons registered as Fellows, Members and Associates of the Institute are entitled to use the prefix Sw. before their names and use after their names, the following acronyms:
(a) “Fellow, Institute of Social Work Practitioners” (FSOW);
(b) “Member, Institute of Social Work Practitioners” (MSOW);
(c) “Associate, Institute of Social Work Practitioners” (ASOW).
(2) A person registered as a Fellow, Member or Associate of the Institute shall:
(a) have the right to affix a member STAMP AND SEAL on every document endorsed by or emanating from them; and
(b) be awarded a certificate of qualification, practising certificate, plaque and other membership details in such form as the Council may approve.
Application fee – N10,000
Examinations fees into the Registers of the Institute
a. Foundational Professional Examination (FPE): N45,000
b. Intermediate Professional Examination (IPE): N75,000
c. Final Professional Examination (FIPE): N80,000