Social Service Worker Certificate

Courses

With a one year Social Service Certificate, you can find work in residential child/adult care services, men's and women's programs, group homes, shelters, First Nations social services organizations, and more. This program gives you the basic skills and knowledge needed for work as a social service paraprofessional. It combines theory and classroom instruction with practical experience.

Entry Requirements

Spring 2027 Intake and Onwards

For applications to the Spring 2027 intake (January start), you must meet the following requirements:

• Standard Admission Requirements

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Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our Academic Upgrading options.

Completed acceptance package must be submitted by date indicated in the package. Incomplete certifications or documentation will prevent students from entering the practicum.

• Criminal Record Check (RCMP criminal record checks are not accepted)

Students must complete a provincial Schedule B criminal record search because there is a practicum component involving work with vulnerable people. A search which identifies relevant criminal convictions may prevent students from registering for practicum.

Note: All costs associated with certifications, courses, and/or documentation requirements are the student’s responsibility.

It is recommended that all successful candidates have current:

• Proof of current immunization status as outlined by the BC Centre for Disease Control and as outlined in the Practice Education guidelines
• TB screening: Negative TB skin text or negative chest x-ray
• Emergency level first aid
• Food Safe certification
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention certification
• Non-violent Crisis Intervention certification
• Valid class 5 driver’s license

These recommendations are considered assets for employment in the Social Service Worker field. All costs associated with certifications, courses and/or documentation requirements are the student’s responsibility.

Limited admission

If there is room in the program, the student will be accepted once they have met all the admission requirements. This is called “first qualified, first accepted.” If the student qualifies after the program is full, they will be put on a wait list.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Based on skills and knowledge acquired through life and/or work experience, students may be able to obtain course credits in the Social Services Worker Program. Through an assessment process, students applying for PLAR credit will document and demonstrate their capabilities based on identified competencies and the learning objectives of the SSWK course for which they seek credit.

This option applies to SSWK 195 and SSWK 186/196, the practicum components of the program. To explore this option, please see a CNC Academic Advisor for assistance with initiating a Prior Learning Assessment application. Applications will be considered per institutional policy.

For more information, please contact CNC Academic Advising. 

Locations & Dates

CNC programs have varying lengths and start dates to meet your needs, and are offered across multiple campuses where possible. Don’t see the campus you’re looking for? Check back with us soon as this page is updated throughout the school year.

Invest in your future

The estimated cost for this program is $4,289.66

These costs are an estimate. Student fees vary by campus. Check the  for more details.

Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.