The Child Welfare certification program is specifically designed for individuals who are employed by an FCB approved employer in a position that requires certification as a condition of employment. 

The Child Welfare policies can be reviewed in the Child Welfare Certification Policy, Standards, and Requirements document.

New Certification Applicants include:

  1. New employees who have never been certified in the field of child welfare. These individuals must complete the entire DCF-approved pre-service curriculum before testing with FCB.
  2. New employees who have significant child welfare employment history and are not currently certified. These individuals are eligible to waive parts or all of the DCF-approved pre-service curriculum before testing with FCB. 

The FCB has implemented child welfare workforce/caseload relief programs to provide pathways to certification for applicants who do not meet the standard application eligibility requirements. Click to access current policies, programs and application directions/forms.


The FCB has developed a two-phase certification program, which allows applicants to learn and demonstrate competency while on the job. The first stage is to earn provisional certification. The second phase is to earn the On-the-Job experience necessary for competency.

When all requirements are met, the individual will be fully certified as a Protective Investigator (CWPI), Case Manager (CWCM) or Licensing Counselor (CWLC)


Please click on the appropriate box for additional information.