Congratulations, you have now successfully graduated as a newly qualified Social Worker (NQSW) – what next?
All students must apply to register as a NQSW on the Social Care Council Register.
To begin this process the Social Care Council needs to confirm the award of your qualification with your university. This happens a short time following the release of your exam results.
Once we receive your degree results from your university, we will contact you.
Scroll down to learn more.
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How do I register as a newly qualified social worker?
Once your results have been confirmed, you will receive an email from the Social Care Council with a personalised link so that you can apply to register as a NQSW.
There are three things to remember:
- Please take no action until you receive an email with your personalised link.
- Do not try to register any other way, or by completing any other type of application form.
- Do not share your link with anyone as it is personalised to you.
If you have any queries about your results before registering with the Social Care Council, please contact your course provider directly.
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How does AYE support Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs)?
All registered social workers are required to develop and maintain their knowledge and skills to practise competently and safely.
This begins with the Assessed Year in Employment (AYE) followed by Professional in Practice – a framework through which social workers can undertake professional Awards and achieve professional Requirements for a broad range of learning and development which can be gained through taught or self-directed study.
The AYE is designed to ensure that NQSW’s have made the transition from student to employee and have demonstrated sustained, continuous and effective competence in the workplace.
As a NQSW you will receive extra support to develop your skills, knowledge and competence through the ‘Assessed Year in Employment’. This ensures you have made the transition from student to employee and are competent to practise in the workplace.
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Your AYE Responsiblities
When you register as an NQSW, an AYE condition is placed on your registration for one calendar year.
It is important that you familiarise yourself with the AYE guidance, your responsiblities as an AYE registrant and the Standards of Conduct and Practice for Social Workers. This includes:
- Applying to the Social Care Council Register on the part reserved for qualifed social workers.
- Obtaining employment in an agency/organisation that can provide practice that will offer consolidation and development in the six key social work roles and support for the AYE (See AYE Guidance to learn more).
- Complying with and upholding the Social Care Council Standards of Conduct and Practice for Social Workers (2015).
- Ensuring your Social Care Council online registration account is up-to-date i.e. keeping your contact and employment details current and confirming the start date of your employment as an AYE registrant.
- Adhering to the AYE guidance regarding learning and development and submitting the required AYE forms as per AYE Guidance processes and timelines
- Making use of the resources and guidance available on the Learning Zone – these are designed to support you as you progress through your social work career.
See the following to learn more:
- AYE Guidance for Registrants and their Employers, March 2026
- AYE Year in Employment for NQSWs – digital guide
- Standards of Conduct and Practice for Social Workers
- Registration website (MyPortal)
Employers/line managers also have responsibilities to NQSWs – click here to learn more.
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I have been called for AYE Audit – What does this mean?
As the regulator for setting and maintaining standards, the Social Care Council is required to perform an annual audit of registrants completing the Assessed Year in Employment (AYE).
See AYE audit to learn more.
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More Information and Guidance
See Associated Resources for quick access to key guidance documents and forms including: AYE Guidance for NQSWs, Summary of Learning, AYE Form 1 Certificate of Completion, AYE Forms 2-6 and AYE Audit Submission Form.
See Professional in Practice Framework Guidance below to learn about Professional in Practice Framework including Two Mandatory Requirements.
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Contact Us
If you need more information or guidance contact us at: AYE@niscc.hscni.net.
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