Accreditation Process

Accreditation Process

    • Accreditation

    Accreditation is intended to ensure that graduates from social work programs are equipped to achieve the professional competencies and learning outcomes necessary for entry into professional practice.

    The Accreditation Framework

    Implementing a Framework for program accreditation assists with overall consistency and transparency which has a number of benefits:

    • Building an understanding and better communication between stakeholders, including other government organisations.
    • Consistency, rigour and transparency with minimum standards for accredited courses and process.
    • Mutual recognition of graduates’ completion of accredited programs based on consistent understanding and application of the Standards and requirements.
    • Consistency of approach to accreditation submissions and assessment of Higher Education Provider practices and processes.

    The Accreditation Framework provides an enhanced accreditation system whilst maintaining the AASW commitment to a collegial and collaborative engagement with Higher Education Providers and stakeholders.

    Accreditation Process

    The requirements for all Providers are set out in the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS). These accreditation standards are, in turn, informed by the principles, values and professional competencies outlined in the AASW Code of Ethics (2020) and the AASW Practice Standards (2023).

    Meeting ASWEAS standards ensures Providers design and deliver social work programs that clearly equip entry-level social workers to practise safely and effectively, thus making them eligible for membership of the AASW.

    Accreditation process overview

    Accreditation process graphic

    Accreditation Resources

    To provide more detailed information regarding the accreditation process please utilise the below guides. 

    Flowcharts

    The following flowcharts outline the steps we follow when accrediting programs.

    APPENDIX 1: Reaccreditation & Accreditation Framework Diagram 1.1

    APPENDIX 2: Program variation 1.1

    APPENDIX 3: Conditional Accreditation 1.1

    Types of Accreditation Outcomes

    • Full Accreditation

    Approval would be sought as a recommendation of the Accreditation Assessment Panel for a period of five years, following the latest assessment of the Provider submission, site visit and annual reports received over the assessment period.

    • Conditional accreditation

    Approval would be sought as a recommendation of the Accreditation Assessment Panel when a program substantially meets the requirements for accreditation.

    • Provisional Accreditation

    Approval would be sought as a recommendation of the Accreditation Assessment Panel for a new Provider offering a program for the first time, or an existing Provider adding a new social work course that has not yet delivered its first graduates.

    For latest ASWEAS 2024 see page link here

    ASWEAS 2020

    The ASWEAS 2020 and associated templates and guidelines can be accessed below.

    ASWEAS 2020 Templates

    To assist with completion of the Application for program accreditation, please find suggested templates below which a Provider can download or choose to use their own.

    For site visit schedule, please refer to the following sample template.

    ASWEAS 2020 Guidelines

    Social Workers Labour Market Insights

    Here is an excellent source of social work-related statistics and job prospects.

    Social Work Scholarships

    Here is a list of available social work scholarships.