Professional Certificates for Macro Social Workers

Lifelong learning is is important for personal and professional development. First, it enhances our understanding of the world around us. Second, it provides us with more opportunities for career advancement. Social workers and allied professionals in particular are required to obtain continuing education units (CEUs) for licensing renewal. CEUs are typically offered as a course, workshop, or webinar by universities, agencies, and associations. However, practicing macro social workers may encounter challenges in finding relevant content in macro practice settings (e.g., administration and leadership; advocacy and organizing; community-based initiatives; policy analysis and implementation; program development for organizations and communities; and research and evaluation). However, the majority of social work continuing education offerings are targeted for social workers in clinical or psychiatric settings. Generally, topics will focus on issues related to mental health and wellness with individuals and small groups. As a result, practicing macro social workers have to pursue a strategic approach towards continuing education that meets our needs.

What is the difference between a certification and a certificate?

Certification typically involves an exam administered by a third-party organization, such as the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). The ASWB offers five different types of exams for early-career social workers: Associate, Bachelor, Master, Advanced Generalist, and Clinical. The exams allow social workers to qualify for licensure in the states where they will work, depending on their level of education and practice area. For most professionals, certifications must be renewed on a regular basis. Obtaining relevant CEUs is part of the licensing renewal process. Certification recognizes achievement among professionals who meet the established knowledge, skills, and competencies in their industry.

Certificates are designed to respond to demand in a specific industry. These programs, which are offered for-credit or non-for-credit by educational institutions, follow a designated curriculum, have intended learning outcomes, and lead to an earned credential upon successful completion of the coursework. Certificate programs are typically shorter than master's programs. Since certificates are narrow in scope, the goal is for professionals to acquire specific knowledge, skills, and/or competencies.

For example, two top-ranked social work programs--University of Maryland and University of Michigan--offer several innovative macro-oriented professional certificate programs for social workers:

University of Maryland School of Social Work

• Financial Social Work Certificate Program
• Human Services Leadership and Management Certificate

University of Michigan School of Social Work

• Online Certificate Program in Mixed Methods Research
• Online Certificate Program in Political Social Work

I provided examples of the broad range of professional certificates available at educational institutions. CEUs can also be obtained at conferences and events sponsored by industry-specific associations. The following areas may be of interest to macro social workers:

• Global health and social development
• Higher education and student affairs 
• Intergroup relations and conflict resolution 
• Law and legal methods 
• Nonprofit management
• Program evaluation and assessment