By Staff Reporter
The Council of Social Workers’ recent announcement introducing a mandatory registration examination for social work graduates has sparked significant backlash, particularly on social media. A Facebook post bearing the announcement attracted numerous comments, with many stakeholders expressing dissatisfaction over the communication and the policy itself.
The Council declared that, starting in 2025, all prospective social work professionals holding qualifications such as the Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Social Work, Diploma, or Postgraduate Diploma must pass a registration exam before licensing. This move aligns with the Social Workers Act [Chapter 27:21], Section 4, mandating the Council to conduct examinations for registration.
The Council contends this requirement will help uphold professional standards and ensure that registered social workers are fully competent to serve the public. The inaugural exam is slated for the last quarter of 2025, with details forthcoming. Graduates before 2024 who register by October 31, 2025, will be exempt from the test, while late registrants must sit for it.
However, the announcement has generated widespread criticism online. In the Facebook comments, Blessing Mafiko wrote, “I think it is important to consult with Social Workers before imposing such measures. An annual examination or Continuing Professional Development would make sense for Social Workers who are already practicing, not for those who are yet to practice. The Board needs to reconsider how this impacts Social Workers.”
Takue TK Kond added, “Students have already passed exams to graduate; this additional exam is unnecessary. They have demonstrated the required theoretical and practical knowledge through their studies.”
Tambudzai Munangaza questioned the rationale behind the exams: “Why sit for exams when the Council has been responsible for Quality Assurance all along? Are university programs now insufficient? If you trust the universities, why impose another exam just before professional registration?”
The Council urges all eligible graduates to complete their registration promptly to avoid delays or further complications. It remains to be seen whether the Council will engage with stakeholders or revise its decision in response to the growing concerns.
