The following questions are often asked by ākonga when they start to think about applying for registration towards the end of their studies.

When should I start my application?

We recommend that you start gathering your application documents in the final three months of your course. You can submit your application when your education provider confirms you are eligible to have your social worker degree awarded (legally conferred).

How much do I need to pay for my registration? 

From 1 July 2024, the registration fee for New Zealand qualified applicants is $423. This is the fee to become provisionally registered. Details of fees are on our website fees and funding page. 

When do I need to pay for my registration? 

You will not be able to submit your application until you have provided all the information required for your assessment. From 14 August 2026, you will need to pay the full registration fee to submit your application.

What documents do I need to supply? 

We have the key documents you will need to upload listed on our registration website. If you have questions about the documents needed, please contact our registration team at applications@swrb.govt.nz. 

What is a ten year timeline ? 

A 10 year timeline is a summary list of your key activity for the past ten years covering any work, study, extended leave or travel you may have undertaken.

What do you need in a confirmation of ID? 

For yourconfirmation of ID in your application, supply a photo of you holding your primary or secondary forms of photo ID next to your face. 

What ID can I use in my application? 

We recommend providing your passport and NZ driver licence as forms of ID. However, a full list of acceptable ID combinations (two are required) can be found outlined on the registration page. 

When do I have to pay for my Practising Certificate? 

You do not need to pay for your Practising Certificate until you are registered and practising social work. But before you begin working as a social worker. You will need to apply and pay for your Practising Certificate annually. Many employers will pay for your Practising Certificate fee, so please check with them when you start work. You can see our fees, including our part year Practising Certificate on the fees and funding page. 

Who should/can provide a professional reference?

• If you finished your studies in the last 12 months, your professional reference should be supplied by your Final Placement Supervisor or Field Supervisor.
• If you finished your studies over 12 months ago, you would need to provide a  professional reference from your most recent manager as well as from your Final Placement Supervisor.
• If your most recent manager has known you for less than 12 months, we will discuss with you if another option for your reference may be needed.  

Why do I need an additional professional reference? 

In some cases, we may ask for another professional reference. This can be due to your referee  knowing you for less than 12 months, or if they don’t fulfil our requirements for supplying a professional reference. 

Can my employer pay the registration fee?

Yes. If your employer is an Authorised Employer and you are connected to their billing account, they will be invoiced when you submit your application.

Check your employer is correctly listed in MySWRB before submitting. If they are not listed, ask them to connect you to their billing. Otherwise, pay the fee and arrange reimbursement directly with your employer.

We only invoice employers with an Authorised Employer agreement.

Can I get an invoice for my registration fee? 

No, we do not issue invoices for individuals. Payments for registration fees are made through the MySWRB portal.

Once your registration fee has been paid, GST receipt can be downloaded for your records, or to seek reimbursement.  

What does ‘provisional’ registration mean?  

Provisional registration is the registration status for newly qualified social workers who have applied via the New Zealand qualification pathway.

To progress to full registration, you will need to complete 2000 hours of supervised social work practice over your first two years of practice, and any other conditions placed on your registration. It takes approximately one year of full-time work to achieve the required number of hours.   

What does ‘full’ registration mean?  

Full registration demonstrates to the public and employers that you have completed 2000 hours of social work experience. To go from provisional to full registration, you must present evidence of your practice hours to the Board. Please complete the confirmation of hours document

What should I look for when applying for my first job?

As a new graduate considering your first job, this blog post is a valuable read
Beyond ‘any job will do’: your new-grad social work survival kit

What is a ‘Fit and Proper Assessment’?

As part of your application for registration, we assess whether you’re a ‘fit and proper’ person to practise social work. Read this item about understanding the fit and proper assessment.
Understanding the Fit and Proper Assessment