Filling out an NASW membership application is the first step in becoming a member with various perks and bonuses, depending on which chapter you belong to. The National Association of Social Workers is wonderful for support, networking and educational growth. You will be able to find one of these applications online and print it up to fill out all the necessary information, starting with the basics like your name, phone number, and home address. At the top of the page, you will notice that it prompts you to enter in your prior name and member ID number if you have been a member before.

Your educational history is next, so you will want to provide them with the highest level of education you have completed so far. There is a separate section to fill out for being an associated member as the application states in this section. You will then need to move on to the part where you choose the appropriate category. Your choices for this section of the application include MSW, DSW, AND PhD which are also $190. The BSW is $125 per year. If you need ACSW reinstatement, it will cost you $30 and you will be required to provide the expired certificate with your application for membership.

The next section of this application will require you to choose whether or not you want to join a specialty practice session, such as aging, child welfare, private practice, mental health, and much more. By selecting one of these on your application, you will be able to receive specialized content which will contain interesting and educational materials for you to look over. For each section that you choose, you will need to pay a total of $35 per year, so if you are thinking about selecting one you will want to choose a category which applies to what you will be doing in social work specifically.

When you go down further on the application, you will notice that a brief summary of the NASW code of ethics is given for your own personal benefit. You will be able to briefly look through this and see what it covers. After that, it asks you to agree to these ethical guidelines by filling out and signing the application. The last section you will need to fill out details how much you are paying total. After you are done with that you will be able sign and turn in your application to this organization for review. Once joining, find out where your local national association of social worker meetings are held. Often you can pick up continuing education credits at the monthly meetings because there is an interesting presenter providing information. There are also networking opportunities for those job hunting or changing their employment.