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PSW Qualifications in Long Term Care are Changing

What You Need to Know

Ontario is introducing new requirements for PSWs working in long term care.

If you became a PSW before July 1, 2014,  your qualification will soon no longer meet the requirements to work as a PSW in long term care after December 1, 2027. If you are working as a PSW without a certificate, you will not be able to keep doing so after December 1, 2027. 

Ontario has introduced a new registry for PSWs managed by the Health and Supportive Care Providers Oversight Authority (HSCPOA). Registration is currently voluntary and free, but will become mandatory by December 1, 2027, for PSWs working in long term care who did not obtain their certificate after July 1, 2014.

If this applies to you or someone you know, here’s everything you need to know.

Watch our WEBINAR

CLAC hosted a webinar in April 2026 with representatives from the Health and Supportive Care Providers Oversight Authority (HSCPOA) to share information and answer questions about the new PSW registry. Check out the recording if you still have questions about the registry.

 

Watch the Webinar

 

If you graduated in Ontario before July 1, 2014, register as soon as possible (this is also true if you have no PSW certificate).

After December 1, 2027, you will require registration to work in long term care and will not be able to do so without obtaining a new PSW certificate.

Don’t wait for the deadline—employer form completion and volume can create delays.

For a good overview of the ways to register, you can check out their website here: How to become a Registrant - HSCPOA.

You will find four paths to registration:

  • Ontario PSW Education – You finished an approved PSW program (July 2014 or later).
  • Employment (Legacy) – You’ve worked as a PSW in Ontario in the last 3 years (open only until Dec 1, 2027).
  • Labour Mobility – You’re already on another province’s PSW/HCA registry.
  • Competency Assessment – For those trained outside Ontario.

Anyone who obtained their PSW certificate prior to July 1, 2014 (or anyone without a PSW certificate) will not be able to register based on experience (Path 2) after December 1, 2027.

After that, most pre‑2014 graduates and experience‑trained PSWs will need a recognized Ontario PSW certificate obtained after July 1, 2014 (Path 1).

HSCPOA uses an online application and a virtual office model.

If you have limited internet or device access, contact your CLAC rep for assistance submitting your application.

  • Application, registration, and renewals are currently free.
  • Criminal record check (~$23, completed online after you apply—no need to obtain in advance).
  • Any future fees must follow a Minister-approved process that considers affordability and will be posted publicly in advance.

This varies by pathway.

Everyone needs:

  • A government photo ID and a headshot.
  • Their Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check.*

In addition:

  • If using Path 1: your Ontario PSW certificate/diploma (2014+ standard).
  • If using Path 2: the Confirmation of Employment and PSW Skills form from a prescribed employer (and, for option B, your ≥600 hour education certificate/transcript).
  • If using Path 3: documents proving your registration.
  • If using Path 4: ≥600 hour program outside Ontario.

 

*Based on the information provided in the link here, applicants do not need to obtain a police check on their own in advance. After submitting the HSCPOA application, they will receive an email with a unique link to complete the required criminal record check online for approximately $23, making the process faster and more convenient than traditional methods.

First renewals were set for March 31, 2026.

Going forward, renewal runs annually April 1–March 31.

What Should I Do Now?

Here are our recommended steps:

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1. Identify your pathway

Use HSCPOA’s guide to identify your pahway, then create your online account.

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2. Collect your documents

View the list of required documents listed under "What Will I Need?" above.  

 

If you’re using Path 2, ask your employer (from HSCPOA’s prescribed employers list) to complete the Confirmation of Employment and PSW Skills form.

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3. Submit early

Apply well before December 1, 2027. This is important if you trained before 2014 or learned on the job.

Four Pathways to Become Registered

There are four pathways to becoming a HSCPOA PSW registrant.

You will need to select the registration pathway that applies to you to begin your HSCPOA’s application process.

Path 1

Ontario PSW Education

(You finished an approved PSW program)

You completed an Ontario PSW program that meets Ministry standards (typically July 1, 2014, or later) at a DSB, CAAT, Private Career College, or Indigenous Institute.

Learn more

Path 2

Employment (Legacy)

(The “Legacy” pathway: open until Dec 1, 2027) 

You worked as a PSW in Ontario within the last 3 years, and your employer completes HSCPOA’s Confirmation of Employment and PSW Skills form, confirming either: 

  1. ≥600 hours Ontario PSW employment in the past 3 years (includes “learned on the job”), or 
  2. <600 hours but you completed a ≥600‑hour personal support services program (inside or outside Canada).

Learn more

Path 3

Labour Mobility

(You were trained in another Canadian jurisdiction) 

You’re currently listed/registered on another province’s PSW/HCA registry or directory (e.g., BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry, AB Health Care Aide Directory, NS CCA Registry).

Learn more

Path 4

Competency Assessment

(Education outside Ontario)

You completed a ≥600‑hour personal support services program outside Ontario (internationally or elsewhere in Canada) and are not eligible under Labour Mobility.

Learn more

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CLAC’s Advocacy

Here’s what CLAC is advocating for on your behalf:

  • To keep registration affordable and accessible, including a paper/assisted application option.
  • To extend or adapt the Legacy Pathway (Path 2) past December 1, 2027, with fair bridging options.
  • To strengthen fairness: today, only discipline orders can be appealed to HSCPOA’s Appeals Committee; registration refusals get a written‑only HPARB review; complaint outcomes by the CEO go to judicial review (Divisional Court). We are advocating for more accessible, independent appeals and PSW expertise on panels.
  • To calibrate the Code of Ethics to PSW roles. Improvements were made—including “reasonable action” wording and allowing employer‑directed discontinuation—and we’re seeking clear practice guidance that reflects real PSW scope.

 

CLAC will keep pushing for fair appeals, a longer legacy window, PSW representation on panels, and low‑barrier access.

Helpful HSCPOA Links