Social Workers - Recognition of International Qualifications

In order to practice as a professional social worker in Ireland, those who have international qualifications must apply to the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) at CORU for Recognition of their Qualification. This function was previously carried out by the National Social Work Qualifications Board.

Steps to Recognition

If you have studied social work abroad and are interested in working in Ireland you should take the following steps to have your qualification recognised:

  • COMPLETE the Recognition of Qualifications Application Form. The Adobe® Acrobat® Reader TM is required to access PDF files. This is available as a free download from the Adobe site.

  • FOLLOW the instructions contained in the form; complete all sections of the form using BLOCK LETTERS in black ink.

  • ACQUIRE and submit the certified copies of proof documents outlined in the form and checklist

  • CHECK the checklist to ensure you have all required documentation

  • PAY the fee in Euro only (if using electronic transfer, ensure your name is referenced by your bank) and

  • SUBMIT everything to: CORU, Unit 13-15 The Mall, Beacon Court, Bracken Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18.

Payment of the Fee

The application for recognition of qualification fee is €410.00 and is payable by Electronic Transfer:  (All details for the electronic transfer of your fee are contained on page 22 of the Application Form.)

Alternatively, the fee is also payable by postal order/bank draft (made payable to the Health and Social Care Professionals Council) and must be in Euro.

Payments made in a currency other than Euro will be returned. Cash is not acceptable

  • Please note that the process can take up to 12 weeks.
  • Please do not send original documents – only certified copies will be accepted.  CORU will not be held liable for loss or damage to original documents.
  • Please note that incomplete applications, missing documents or omitted fees will result in your application being returned to you.

Please note that we cannot guarantee the outcome of an application and applicants are advised not to make travel or other arrangements which (e.g. starting a job) depend upon your qualification being recognised by CORU.  Applicants who make travel, work or other arrangements before knowing the outcome of their application do so at their own risk.

Agencies

Please note that we will only correspond with you, not with an agency. You must provide a home address in your application and not the address of an agency. If you give an agency address, we will return your application.

It is possible that you may be asked for further information relating to your application.  If you do not respond within a two month period, CORU will assume that you do not wish to continue with the recognition of your qualification and your file will be closed.  You may reapply by submitting a new application at a later stage.

If you have any further queries please contact us at recognition@coru.ie

Closing Dates

Please note the closing dates for completed application forms for 2011

May 19th 2011

August 25th 2011

October 20th 2011