Prior Educational Requirements

• Forensic social work certificate programs only accept applicants who have an undergraduate degree in social work or a related field. Many programs also require that applicants hold a master's degree in social work or are concurrently enrolled in a master's degree program. A current professional social work license may also be required, depending on the certificate program.
  
  

Application to Certificate Programs

• In addition to having a background in social work, an application to a forensic social work certificate program must submit a personal statement detailing his reason for seeking forensic certification. This personal statement should also include the ways in which the applicant's academic and professional experience qualify him for forensic social work. Often, professional recommendations from supervisors or professors are required.
  
  

Coursework

• Certificate programs usually require students to take five or six courses in forensic social work. These courses cover legal and ethical issues facing social workers, the role of the social worker in the legal system, how to work with clients and specific topics in specialized fields of law. Certificate programs also teach technical skills such as interviewing, writing court reports and serving as an expert witness.
  
  

Field Practica

• Forensic social work certificate programs usually involve one or more field practica. These supervised on-the-job training programs provide students with practical experience working as a forensic social worker. Common practicum sites include public defender's offices, county psychological services, youth centers and detention centers. Successful completion of a field practicum and a reference from a supervisor are valuable upon entering the job market.
  
  

Careers in Forensic Social Work

• Forensic social workers can find positions in a variety of settings. According to the National Organization of Forensic Social Work, people who complete certificate programs in forensic social work can consult, train and educate attorneys, lawmakers and law enforcement workers. Forensic social workers also diagnose and treat criminal populations and serve as expert witnesses. Some people who complete forensic social work certificate programs enter public policy or advocacy positions.