Social Work Licensure: Implications for Strengthening Social Work Practice in Egypt

Abstract

One of the hallmarks or essential attributes of a profession has been defined as licensure (Greenwood, 2002). This paper will use a case study approach using specific state examples from Canada and the United States to display how licensure can affect the social work profession in Egypt. An analysis of specific state based legislation related to licensure suggests that licensure has strengthened a profession’s professional identity, improved the respect garnered from other professions relative to multidisciplinary collaboration and led to opportunities for privatization and private practice. This paper will also articulate some of the steps required in the licensure process from legislation to the development of oversight from a state based or national Department of Professional Regulation. Lastly the paper will outline some of the potential impacts for social work as a profession and how the social work profession can mature in Egypt as a result of licensure.