Human Service Worker Certificate

The Human Service Worker certificate is an online and community-based program. Courses run from September to June over three semesters. Full-time students will complete all the required courses and practicums within 10 months, while part-time students may take up to 3 years to complete all coursework and practicum requirements.

Course Design

Courses are run asynchronously online. Students complete assigned work each week, including activities, readings, assignments, and discussions with classmates. There is regular interaction between students and instructors, but there are no set class times. This flexibility allows students to work around their schedules.

Practicum 

A major component of human service education is learning by doing. Two practicums provide experiential learning opportunities in community agencies. Students are required to attend practicum 2-3 days per week in the winter and spring semesters. Where possible, students will complete their practicum requirements in their own communities. If they are not able to complete practicum requirements in their own communities, students must be prepared to travel and are responsible for their transportation and living expenses.

Workload

When enrolled full-time in the Human Service Work program, students should plan to spend approximately 30-50 hours per week on their coursework.

HSW Certificate Program Requirements

Year 1 Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
CYFS 101	Inclusive Interpersonal Communications	3
CYFS 102	Observing and Recording	3
HSWR 105	Professional Communications	3
HSWR 200	Roles and Responsibilities in Human Services	3
HSWR 201	Trends and Issues in Human Services	3
HSWR 108	Health and Wellness	3
Total		18

Year 1 Winter Semester

Course	Title	Credits
HSWR 106	Families	3
HSWR 150	Supporting Change in Human Service Work	4
HSWR 103	Counseling Skills	4
HSWR 116	Lifespan Development	4
HSWR 118	Practicum 1	4
Total		19

Year 1 Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
HSWR 101	Disability Studies	3
HSWR 119	Practicum 2	4
Total		7

Total Credits: 44

View Human Service Worker Planning Guide

View official program outline.

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Practicum Information

There are two practicums in this program. Where possible, students will complete their requirements for practicum in their own communities. If they are not able to complete practicum requirements in their own communities, students must be prepared to travel elsewhere, and will be responsible for their own transportation as well as any travel and living expenses.

Year 1 – Semester 1 – Fall

Year 1 – Semester 2 – Winter

Year 1 – Semester 3 – Spring

Academic Requirements:

• Secondary school graduation or equivalent.
• Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
  • ENST 12 – English Studies 12
  • ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
  • ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level

Additional Requirements:

• Completion and submission of CYFS Admission Package
• Completion of immunizations, documented by the immunization form in the admission package, or completion of Immunization Waiver Form (Incomplete immunizations may impact a student’s access to Practicum placements).
• Good command of oral and written English language
• Complete a criminal record check through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Criminal Records Review Program*

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Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

View or download: CYFS Handbook – Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Credit can be awarded for one or more courses in this program through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).

For the 2025/26 academic year (2025/SU, 2025/FA, 2026/WI, 2026/SP)

Application Fee:	$30.00
Tuition:	$3,218.60
Student Association Fee:	$92.00

_{*Tuition and Fees for domestic students are estimates and are subject to change. Depending on course electives there may be additional lab fees. Tuition and Fees do not include textbook costs or supplies. Tuition fees include student technology fees, student activity fees, and alumni fees. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.}

Additional Costs:

Travel within the Program

Practice experiences are essential in the HSWR program. It may not be possible to arrange practice experiences in the location and at the time preferred by students. Students must arrange their own transportation. Travel and accommodation arrangements and costs associated with practice experiences are the responsibility of the student.

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Computer

In the HSWR program, teaching and learning strategies incorporate the use of technology through various platforms such as online learning and communication. Students must have access to a computer in order to engage in this learning.

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Books and Supplies

In addition to tuition and other fees, students can expect to purchase books and supplies. Visit our bookstore for textbook information and costs.

“Human Service Worker” is a generic term for people who hold professional and paraprofessional jobs in diverse settings that support people with social challenges. Depending on the employment setting and the kinds of clients served there, job titles and duties vary a great deal.

A Human Service Worker certificate prepares you for entry level positions. With additional education, some of the careers you could consider are:

• Social / Community Service Worker*
• Youth Care Worker*
• Social Worker *

* High Opportunity Occupation

To Institution	Program
University of Victoria	Bachelor of Arts – Child & Youth Care 15 units transferable equivalent to one year Note: For transfer details please see University of Victoria Calendar or visit BC Transfer Guide website
University of Victoria	Bachelor of Social Work Note: For transfer details please see University of Victoria Calendar or visit BC Transfer Guide website
University of Victoria	Bachelor of Arts – Public Health 15 units transferable equivalent to one year Note: For transfer details please see University of Victoria Calendar or visit BC Transfer Guide website