The Child Welfare Provisional Certification is awarded to individuals who have successfully completed the required training, examination, and competency assessments applicable to their certification pathway.
Provisional certification demonstrates foundational knowledge and initial competency and authorizes individuals to perform duties within their designated child welfare discipline while working under intensive supervision as they develop the on-the-job experience and competencies required for full certification.
The following provisional credentials are available:
- CWPI-P – Child Welfare Protective Investigator – Provisional
- CWCM-P – Child Welfare Case Manager – Provisional
- CWLC-P – Child Welfare Licensing Counselor – Provisional
Provisional certification is valid for 12 months. During this period, individuals must complete the required work experience, supervision, and field observations and submit an application to upgrade to full certification.
Once all requirements have been satisfied and approved, provisionally certified professionals may upgrade to the corresponding CWPI, CWCM, or CWLC credential.
Child Welfare Certification Policy and Requirements
For complete information regarding eligibility, certification pathways, training, examinations, provisional certification, and competency requirements, please review the:
Child Welfare Certification Policy, Standards, and Requirements
For information on upgrading to full certification, please visit the CW Upgrade to Full Certification page.
Applicant Eligibility
To apply for provisional certification:
- You must be employed by an FCB-recognized employer in an eligible child welfare position at the time of both application and credential award.
- Continued employment is not required to maintain or renew certification once awarded.
How to Apply for Provisional Certification
Provisional Certification applications are completed online through FCB CertTrack.
If you do not already have an account, create your FCB CertTrack account.
From your Dashboard:
- Select Apply for Certification and choose the appropriate Provisional Certification.
- Complete and submit the required application information and documentation.
- Pay the application fee online, unless the fee is being paid by your employer.
Provisional Credential Extensions
Provisional credentials cannot be renewed, but in some cases, a one-time extension for cause may be granted.
- Additional extensions are only approved under extraordinary circumstances.
- Each request is evaluated individually.
- To apply for an extension, please review the policy document and submit the attached extension application.
Already Provisionally Certified?
Click the link below to learn how to upgrade your provisional credential to a full credential.