Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Work in these areas may be acceptable as it would be considered “provision of biopsychosocialspiritual services” under the 2023 definition of Oncology Social Work Practice so long as the work is performed with patients with cancer, their families, and/or caregivers. The language of our program parameters has changed in this regard, but the intent has not—the credential is for professionals working in oncology and with patients and families facing a potential or actual cancer diagnosis.

Starting in 2023, CEUs earned do not have to be on oncology specific content. They must be accredited social work CEUs (or medical, nursing, etc. up to the limit allowed in the new requirements) and on a topic from the OSW-C^® Competency Domains. This change provides MORE flexibility for candidates and recognizes that OSWs often learn things in non-oncology settings that are applied regularly in their oncology social work practice. CEU certificates should be provided as documentation and clearly state your name, the program title/content, CEUs earned, date, and the provider/accreditor of the CEU units.

Yes. The required number of CEUs that must be from Domain 1 for Initial or Renewal of certification may be from either Domain 1.A or 1.B.

If you are creating and presenting content (presentation, authorship, etc.), the content must be on a topic from the OSW-C^® Competency Domains and based in an oncology social work setting or from the perspective of caring for patients with cancer. These activities would be used for the Demonstrated Practice requirement (formerly the Community/Leadership Activity requirement) and should be documented by program fliers or other materials that indicate your role and the content covered. The Demonstrated Practice requirements are just that, showing that you are performing the role of oncology social worker—thus these activities must be performed in an oncology setting.

Demonstrated Practice activities may be of the same or different type (e.g., program development/presentation, publication, committee involement/leadership). Of course, BOSWC would like to see a well-round presentation of the candidate’s professional practice. Therefore, different types of professional activities are preferred for the Demonstrated Practice requirement.

If the program you have developed/presented awards accredited CEUs and you are claiming it for the CEU requirement, the content must be on a topic from the OSW-C^® Competency Domains but does NOT have to be based in an oncology social work setting or from the perspective of caring for patients with cancer. However, if you are claiming the program as for the Demonstrated Practice requirement, it must be based in an oncology social work setting or from the perspective of caring for patients with cancer. Demonstrated Practice requirements are just that, showing that you are performing the role of oncology social worker—thus these activities must be performed in an oncology setting.

Under the 2023 program requirements effective, individuals in private practice or another position in which they do not have a direct supervisor may have a “colleague with whom they regularly consult regarding their practice” complete the Supervisor Attestation and Assessment of KSAs reference.

BOSWC has not increase fees in more than five (5) years to keep our certification program affordable–especially through the COVID-19 health crisis. The implementation of the new candidate management platform and other services to applicants and candidates requires that fees be increased to ensure fiscal stability of the organization and certification program in the years ahead. The new programs and services being offered will simplify and streamline the application, approval, and renewal processes. And verification of certification and self-service for candidate and certificant information look-up also will enhance service provided to all BOSWC stakeholders.

The Renewal Application Deadline requires that certificants submit an application of renewal 30 days PRIOR to their Certification Renewal Due/Expiration Date (which is printed on the OSW-C^® Certificate and available for look-up in your BOSWC online account). The Renewal Application Deadline was created to help ensure that renewal applications are submitted far enough in advance of the certification expiration date to allow for review and approval without the social worker experiencing a disruption in their continuous certification.

The Reinstatement Policy enables BOSWC certified social workers who did not submit a renewal application prior to their Renewal Due Date (printed on their BOSWC OSW-C^® certificate) to maintain certification without interruption. Reinstatement is the only way to maintain continuous certification after their credential’s Renewal Due Date (i.e., expiration) has passed. Social Workers who plan to reinstate may earn CEUs for renewal and Oncology Social Work Practice hours toward eligibility until the day the reinstatement application is submitted. CEUs must be accrued, and certificates issued prior to application. Application for reinstatement with required documentation of all CEUs must be submitted within 90 DAYS after the individual’s OSW-C^® Renewal Due Date. There is a $100 fee for reinstatement.

Frame your success in style! BOSWC has partnered with Framing Success of offer customized frame options for your OSW-C^® certificate. There are three different options of high-quality frames (at varied price points) to choose from – each with a royal blue and silver double mat and silver embossing of the BOSWC name mark. The frames are approximately 17 x 19 inches. Learn more.