The Florida Certification Board (FCB) is pleased to offer the Child Welfare Certification Program, which meets the requirements outlined in Section 402.40, Florida Statutes. This two-stage credentialing program supports child welfare professionals in building the skills, competence, and confidence needed for success in the field.
Certification Stages
Stage 1: Provisional Certification
Applicants begin with Provisional Certification, issued after completing the required training and testing requirements. We issue discipline-specific provisional credentials:
- 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 and requires intensive supervision while candidates complete field-based competency requirements.
Stage 2: Full Certification
Full Certification (CWPI, CWCM, CWLC) is issued upon successful completion of all on-the-job work experience, supervision, and field observation requirements. Candidates must also submit an application to upgrade their credential to full certification.
Certification Models
The Florida Certification Board (FCB) is working in partnership with the Department of Children and Families as it transitions to the new Florida Academy model for pre-service training. During this transition, the FCB will administer both the traditional certification program and the new program, which is aligned with the Florida Academy.
- CWPI applicants are required to complete the Florida Academy.
- CWCM and CWLC applicants will follow the training model designated by their employer.
While training pathways may vary, all applicants begin with Provisional Certification and follow the same requirements for upgrade to full certification.
Carefully review the Standards and Requirements Tables by Applicant Type:
- New Employee – Traditional Pre-Service Program
- New Employee – Florida Academy Pre-Service Program
- Experienced or Returning Employee
- BSW/MSW Intern
Full details of the program rules and processes are available in the Child Welfare Policy.
Point of Contact Information
Each FCB-recognized child welfare employer designates one or more Certification Points of Contact to serve as liaisons between the FCB and certification applicants. These contacts ensure the timely and accurate submission of applications, supporting documents, and fees.
To report changes to your designated contact(s), complete and submit the CWAC Contact Update Form to: LaShanda Jones at ljones@flcertificationboard.org
Resources
Select the appropriate application route below.