Amendment to Social Work Practice Act PRC

A Master’s Degree in Social Work (M.S.S.W., M.S.S., M.A.S.W., or equivalent) is required.
The degree must be conferred by a reputable school, college, or university recognized by the Philippine government.
Degrees from duly accredited foreign schools, colleges, or universities are also accepted.

Practicing social work or being appointed as social worker in any agency in the Philippines requires a valid certificate of registration issued by the Board of Examiners for Social Workers.
Exceptions:
- Recognized social workers or authorities from other countries working in UN or similar international social agencies.
- Social workers permanently appointed before the law’s approval retain their rights including promotions and benefits.
- Practitioners with five years of service in accredited social work agencies as of the law’s effectivity are exempt from examination if they register within one year.
- Provisional government social workers without required educational qualifications but with five or more years service may retain their position and qualify by December 31, 1978.
- Persons practicing social work openly for at least ten years before the amendment, who meet qualifications except certain educational requirements, may continue practice without examination upon affidavit or certification.

Philippine citizenship.
At least twenty-one years old.
Good health and moral character.
Holder of a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work from an accredited and legally constituted institution.
- The provisions protecting cultural minorities under Republic Act No. 2260 apply.
Completion of at least one thousand hours of practical training under supervision of a qualified social worker in an established agency.