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How to Register

The Social Care Council registration process is an online process through the Online Portal. All social care workers, social work students and UK-qualified social workers must use this system to register, pay fees, update their registration details and record their training and learning. Guidance for Internationally Qualified Social Workers (IQSWs) is available below.

New Applicants (Social Work and Social Care)

For most new applicants, their employer will support them to create their Online Portal account and submit their application form. People who are new to social care will be expected to complete their application as part of induction to their new job role. Scroll down for advice on using the portal.

Internationally Qualified Social Workers (IQSWs)

Internationally qualified social workers applying for the first time cannot use the Online application system and should continue to use the paper application form They will be able to use the Online Portal once their registration is approved. Guidance on Social Care Council registration, working and living in Northern Ireland  is available here.

The Registration Process

We manage each application according to the guidelines set out in the Registration Rules. This is to confirm your suitability to work safely in social care services. If you need advice about registering; if you are unable to use the online service because of your disability, or if you do not have access a computer please contact our Registration Team on 028 9536 2600 (option 1) or by email: registration@niscc.hscni.net.   

Timescales

#It normally takes 6-12 weeks to process an application, although this may take longer if there are issues which require additional assessment, such as a criminal record, disciplinary record, or their mental/physical ill health.

Download your guide to Applying for Registration here:

Your Registration Data

The Social Care Council is registered with the Information Commissioner and data supplied by you will be processed in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998. We electronically store the information you provide which will be retained according to our data retention and deletion policy.

If we close your application, or when you leave the Register, your data will be archived.

By submitting your application, you consent to the processing of your personal data in the ways described in the Social Care Council Data Protection Statement.