Saturday, August 1, 2026

PSW Qualifications Are Changing

Here's what you need to know.

By Aren Plante, Representative, Grimsby Member Centre

Most of us in healthcare rely on long term care homes more than we realize. But imagine for a moment if 25 percent of the residents in long term care suddenly had to leave. They would flood our hospitals and overwhelm the homecare sector, putting enormous pressure on an already strained healthcare system.

That’s the kind of scenario we could face if thousands of PSWs who earned their qualifications before July 1, 2014, don’t register with the Health and Supportive Care Providers Oversight Authority before December 1, 2027—and the government follows through with its plan to prevent them from working in long term care if they don’t.

Sounds like a terrible plan. The idea behind it actually isn’t.

CLAC has long supported the creation of a registry for PSWs, similar to the system already in place for nurses. We support it because the majority of our members support it. A registry can strengthen accountability, professional recognition, and confidence in the important work PSWs do.

The problem is how the government is rolling it out.

The government is trying to avoid making registration mandatory. But under the current plan, many PSWs who don’t register will effectively be prevented from working in long term care after December 1, 2027. That creates an awkward contradiction, and a potentially serious workforce problem.

CLAC has asked the government to change the process, but so far it is sticking with its current approach and its less-than-clear communication. That means all of us have a role to play in making sure PSWs understand what is changing, what they need to do, and when they need to do it.

The goal should be a successful PSW registry, not losing experienced PSWs from long term care because they didn’t know they needed to register.

If this doesn’t apply to you, it applies to someone you know. So let’s imagine the PSW is your friend Tiffany.

Example: Tiffany the PSW

Tiffany has been working as a PSW since 2011. She’s experienced, trusted by her residents, and has spent years building her skills on the job. Like many PSWs, she completed her training before July 1, 2014—and until now, that hasn’t been an issue.

But things are changing.

Ontario has introduced a new registry for PSWs through the Health and Supportive Care Providers Oversight Authority (HSCPOA). While registration is currently voluntary, it will become mandatory by December 1, 2027, for anyone working as a PSW in long term care who trained before July 1, 2014—or who doesn’t have a formal PSW certificate.

That means Tiffany will need to register if she wants to continue working in long term care.

Tiffany Doesn’t Know She Has a Problem

Tiffany completed her training before 2014 and doesn’t know that she can’t rely on her original certificate alone going forward. To keep working in long term care after December 1, 2027, she must be registered with HSCPOA.

Right now, Tiffany has an important option available to her: the Employment (Legacy) Pathway. This pathway allows experienced PSWs like her to register based on their recent work experience.

But there’s a catch—this pathway is only open until December 1, 2027.

If Tiffany waits too long and misses that window, she may need to go back and complete a new, recognized PSW program to qualify.

Turning Point

A friend tells Tiffany about her need to enroll. At first, Tiffany thinks, “2027 is still a long way off.” But she quickly realizes that waiting could create problems. Employers will be asked to complete forms, and as more PSWs apply closer to the deadline, delays are likely.

By applying early, Tiffany avoids the rush and gives herself peace of mind.

What Tiffany Needs to Do

Tiffany decides not to wait. She investigates the process and finds that there are four possible pathways to registration. In her case, the Legacy Pathway makes the most sense.

To apply, she needs to:

Create an online account with HSCPOA
Gather her documents, including ID and a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check
Ask her employer to complete a Confirmation of Employment and PSW Skills form

Because she’s been actively working, she meets the requirement of having recent PSW experience. Once her employer confirms her hours and skills, she can submit her application.

How Much Does It Cost?

Tiffany is relieved to learn that registration is currently free, including renewals. If fees are introduced in the future, they will have to go through a government-approved process and be publicly posted in advance.

Once registered, she’ll just need to renew each year between April 1 and March 31.

Support Along the Way

The application process is online, which works well for Tiffany—but for PSWs who may not have easy access to a computer or need help navigating the system, they should ask for help from their employer, who will provide computer access. Contact your steward or CLAC representative if that isn’t working for you.

CLAC Is Advocating for You

Tiffany also learns that CLAC is actively advocating on behalf of members like her. This includes pushing for:

Keeping the Legacy Pathway open after the deadline
Fair and accessible appeal processes
Affordable and accessible registration for all

How We Can All Help

Tiffany’s story is not unique. Many experienced PSWs across Ontario are in the same position.

If you completed your training before July 1, 2014—or have been working as a PSW without a certificate—it’s important to take action now. Registering early will help ensure you can continue doing the work you care about in long term care.

If you’re unsure where to start, your CLAC representative is here to help.

Check out our handy guide to the PSW registry.

PSW Qualifications Are Changing

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