How to Become a Social Worker in Northwest Territories
Do you need a licence?
Licence required
You must be registered with the Professional Licensing Office, NWT Health and Social Services to work as a social worker in Northwest Territories or to use a protected title.
- Protected titles
- Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“Pursuant to this legislation, all individuals using the title or holding themselves out to be Social Workers are required to be licensed.”
From hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/social-worker-licence, checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Licence required See the source
- Routes
- Not stated by the regulator Check with Professional Licensing Office, NWT Health and Social Services
- Annual fees
- Not stated by the regulator Check with Professional Licensing Office, NWT Health and Social Services
Your roadmap
The steps are not listed yet.
Check the current steps with Professional Licensing Office, NWT Health and Social Services.
Requirements
Education
Registered Social Workers need a degree from an institution whose program is accredited by the Canadian Association Social Work Education.
Source
“A degree is required which must be from an institution indicating the program has been accredited by the Canadian Association Social Work Education.”
hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/social-worker-licenceLicensed Social Workers need a diploma from a program on the approved list of schools.
Source
“Diplomas must be on the approved list by the Minister of Health and Social Services.”
hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/social-worker-licenceRegistered Social Workers require a Bachelor of Social Work.
Source
“Registered Social Worker (R.S.W.) which will require a Bachelor of Social Work”
hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/social-worker-licenceLicensed Social Workers require a Diploma of Social Work.
Source
“Licenced Social Worker (L.S.W.) which will require a Diploma of Social Work”
hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/social-worker-licence
Other
Foreign graduates must provide a notarized copy of their degree and a certified copy of a letter from the Canadian Association of Social Workers confirming Canadian Standard equivalencies were met.
Source
“Foreign graduates must provide a certified true copy (by a Notary Public) of the degree/diploma as well as a certified true copy of the letter from the Canadian Association of Social Workers confirming Canadian Standard equivalencies were met.”
hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/social-worker-licence
Already licensed in another province?
Not stated
The pages do not state how someone licensed in another Canadian province or territory registers in the NWT.
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Professional Licensing Office, NWT Health and Social Services
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with Professional Licensing Office, NWT Health and Social Services
Exams
Not stated by the regulator Check with Professional Licensing Office, NWT Health and Social Services
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Professional Licensing Office, NWT Health and Social Services
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with Professional Licensing Office, NWT Health and Social Services
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with Professional Licensing Office, NWT Health and Social Services
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Territories | $38.88 | $56.76 | $77.56 | Moderate (3 of 5) |
| Canada | $25.00 | $38.46 | $50.26 | — |
Social workers in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Licence required
- Alberta Licence required
- Saskatchewan Licence required
- Manitoba Licence required
- Ontario Licence required
- Quebec Licence required
- New Brunswick Licence required
- Nova Scotia Licence required
- Prince Edward Island Licence required
- Newfoundland and Labrador Licence required
- Yukon Not confirmed yet
- Nunavut Not confirmed yet
Sources checked
- Social Worker Licence | Health and Social Services hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/social-worker-licence · fetched October 8, 2026
- Apply for a Certificate of Good Standing | Health and Social Services hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/apply-certificate-good-standing · fetched October 8, 2026
Frequently asked questions
1
Do you need a licence to work as a social worker in Northwest Territories?
Yes. Registration with the Professional Licensing Office, NWT Health and Social Services is required to practise in Northwest Territories.
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