We are proposing that qualified social workers applying to register will need to evidence their competence of the English language at the time of application.
This will give us confidence as the social work, social care and children and young people workforce regulator that all qualified social workers practising in Scotland, regardless of where they qualified, can evidence their competence of the English language at the right level to practice safely and effectively.
Demonstrating competency
There will be four ways to demonstrate English language competency.
- If an applicant holds a passport for a country on the Home Office citizenship list, we can consider this as evidence of knowledge of English.
- The applicant has successfully completed an approved language competence test within the last two years (both the British Council and International English Language Testing System recommend a two-year validity period for this test).
- A social work qualification can be used as evidence of knowledge of English. They must provide evidence that their social work qualification was taught in English, was awarded in the past five years and was completed in a country where English is the first language, based on the Home Office citizenship list (for example, an approved Social Work course completed in Scotland).
- The applicant has been registered and practised as a qualified social worker in a country where English is the first and native language (based on the Home Office citizenship list) for at least one year within the last five years.
Get involved
We would like to hear from social workers, Chief Social Work Officers, social work students, NQSWs, their employers, other social care workers and anyone who has lived experience or an interest in social work services in Scotland.
If you have any questions, please email internationalqualifications@sssc.uk.com
Respond to the consultation
The consultation will run from Monday 7 July to Monday 15 September 2025.