Tests of competence

Last updated: 10 September 2025

• About this guidance
• What is a test of competence?
• How do you decide if I need a test of competence?
• When will my test of competence be?
• Where will my test of competence take place?
• What does a test of competence involve?
• How should I prepare for my test of competence?
• What will happen after my test of competence?
• What will happen if I fail to attend the test?
• Further information

About this guidance

This guidance is for people who’ve applied to join the register and have been asked to take a test of competence.

What is a test of competence?

A test of competence is an interview designed to examine whether or not you meet the standards required for registration. All applicants who apply to join our register are required to demonstrate that they meet our professional standards and are capable of safe and effective practice.

If our registration advisers find that there are significant shortfalls in your education, knowledge or skills, you may be asked to attend a test of competence. Your test of competence will address the specific standards that were not sufficiently demonstrated in your application.

The test of competence gives you the opportunity to show that you do, in fact, meet the standards required to join our register. If you pass the test of competence, you’ll be eligible for registration, subject to any additional checks that may be required as part of the registration assessment process. 

If your shortfall of placement days is more than 50 days, you will be advised to take a period of adaptation instead.

How do you decide if I need a test of competence?

When you apply to join our register with a qualification from overseas, you’ll need to give us details about your education, training and experience. 

It’s your responsibility to provide as social work much information as possible so we can make an informed decision about your application. Your application is then reviewed individually by two registration advisers. These are registered social workers who work with us as partners.

When assessing your application, our registration advisers will consider how your education and training meets our education and training standards. These set out what we expect from social work course providers for qualifications and training. 

Our registration advisers will also look at how your application meets our professional standards. These are set at the minimum level we feel is necessary for safe and effective practice. 

We’ll also verify any evidence that you submit with your application with the relevant body. This might be your course provider or the regulatory body you were previously registered with, if applicable. 

Once your test of competence has been assessed, and following advice from our registration advisers, we may take one of the following actions:

• We may inform you that your application meets our requirements for registration. You’ll then be able to pay your registration fee and join the register.
• We may ask you to undertake a period of adaptation.

For more information on how we decide if you need a test of competence see:

• The Social Work England registration rules 2019, rule 22(6), 25(2)(b), 25(2)(a), rule 25(2)(c), rule 25(5)(a) and rule 25(4)

When will my test of competence be?

Once our registration advisers have made the decision that a test of competence is needed,  our registration and advice officers will inform you of the available dates and time (GMT) for your test of competence to take place. You will then be able to request your preferred date. You will need to factor in your local time zone when confirming your availability for the test of competence.

You must respond within 28 calendar days with an agreed date that must be within six months of our letter informing you that a test is required. 

If you do not arrange a test within six months, your application will be closed. You will then need to make a new application and pay an additional scrutiny fee if you still wish to join the register.

Where will my test of competence take place?

Your test of competence will take place online via a Microsoft Teams meeting. The information required to join the meeting will be provided by a registration and advice officer in advance of the meeting taking place.

As the test of competence will take place online, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have sufficient internet access. The bandwidth will need to be capable of keeping your camera on at all times and have a clear visual connection.

You will be asked to show your original passport on camera. You will also be asked to move your camera to show the room and confirm nobody else is present during the test of competence.

What does a test of competence involve?

During your test of competence, you will be required to keep your camera on at all times. You will also be expected to have access to your emails as document(s) will be sent to you during the test.

It is important that you are in a private location which is quiet and is a distraction-free environment throughout the test.

How should I prepare for my test of competence?

To prepare for your test of competence, we advise that you read and familiarise yourself with our professional standards. It’s also useful to look over the registration advisers’ assessment of your application for registration which would have been sent to you by your case officer. This will show the standards that were not met in your application and that will, therefore, be covered in your test of competence.

What will happen after my test of competence?

The registration advisers who conducted your test will assess the answers you give by referring to the model answers. If our registration advisers find that your answers demonstrate that you meet the necessary standards, you’ll pass the test of competence. 

If our registration advisers find that your answers do not demonstrate that you meet the necessary standards, you will not pass the test of competence. The registration advisers may recommend that you undertake a period of adaptation.

This is a period of supervised practice and/or academic training designed to make up for any significant shortfalls in your application. You can read more about periods of adaptation.

The registration advisers will write a short justification of their decision. This will include brief feedback informing you of any areas where you did not show that you meet the professional standards.

What will happen if I fail to attend the test?

A test of competence requires the resource of 3 staff who are committed to attending your test of competence at an agreed date and time.

If you fail to attend the test, you will not pass the test of competence or qualify to register with Social Work England. 

If you cancel the test by giving more than 48 hours notice, a new date can be rearranged. You will need to contact your case officer to rearrange.

Further information

For more information about tests of competence, please contact us.