Overview
Are you skilled in working with children and families, and looking for a rewarding career path? Become a Community Support Worker by enrolling in this 1-year certificate program today. As a Community Support Worker, you will work closely with children and families who need extra assistance, care and resources.
Careers
With a Community Support Worker Certificate, you’ll be prepared to work with children and adults in a wide variety of community settings, including:
- Community living agencies and contractors
- Respite care
- Supported employment settings
- Residential support
- Life skills
- Leisure and day programs
- And more
What you will learn
The program is designed for practicing support workers and those who choose to become practitioners. It enhances competence in:
- Inclusion
- Human diversity
- Learning and support strategies
- Health and wellness
- Communication
- Community and relationships
- Professional practice and accountability
Community Support Worker Certificate Courses
With a Community Support Worker Certificate, you will be prepared to work with children and adults with developmental disabilities in a wide variety of community settings, including community living agencies and contractors, respite care, supported employment settings, residential support, life skills, leisure and day programs, and more. The program is designed for practicing support workers and those who choose to become practitioners. It enhances competence in inclusion, human diversity, learning and support strategies, health and wellness, communication, community and relationships, and professional practice and accountability.
Required Courses
Courses
| COURSE CODE |
COURSE TITLE |
CREDITS |
LENGTH |
Electives
CASS 189 or 3 credits from Arts, Sciences, ECCL, HCAP, or SSWK
| COURSE CODE |
COURSE TITLE |
CREDITS |
LENGTH |
Locations & Dates
CNC programs have varying lengths and start dates to meet your needs, and are offered across multiple campuses where possible. Don’t see the campus you’re looking for? Check back with us soon as this page is updated throughout the school year.
| START DATE |
CAMPUS |
DELIVERY |
LENGTH |
| Fall 2025 |
Burns Lake |
Online |
Varies (1 year equivalent) |
| Fall 2025 |
Prince George |
Online |
Varies (1 year equivalent) |
| Fall 2025 |
Mackenzie |
Online |
Varies (1 year equivalent) |
| Fall 2025 |
Fort St. James |
Online |
Varies (1 year equivalent) |
| Fall 2025 |
Vanderhoof |
Online |
Varies (1 year equivalent) |
| Fall 2025 |
Quesnel |
Online |
Varies (1 year equivalent) |
| Spring 2025 |
Prince George |
Online |
Varies (1 year equivalent) |
| Spring 2026 |
Prince George |
Online |
Varies (1 year equivalent) |
Entry Requirements
- English Studies 12, or English First Peoples 12, or ENGL 050, or ENGL 051, or equivalent (minimum “C”)
Students have 10 years from the time of first registration to complete all of the course and practicum requirements for the Community Support Worker (CSW) Certificate and/or the Education Assistant (EA) Certificate. This policy applies to CNC courses and to all courses transferred from other post-secondary institutions for credit at CNC. Courses more than 10 years old may be considered for elective credit. Students should contact the Dean to discuss this option. (Please note that professional certification or accreditation bodies and receiving institutions may have different criteria.) For the complete policy, see Ten Year Timeline for Program Completion Policy #E-1.37 available on the CNC Policy web page.
Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our Academic Upgrading options.
Program Expectations
- Commitment of an average of ten hours per week per course.
- MS Office and email skills, high speed internet.
- Students are required to find their own practicum placements, subject to faculty approval and availability.
- Students wishing to register in CASS 105, or 195 must have an approved Criminal Records Check on file at CNC prior to registration. Please contact the Office of the Registrar for more information.
NOTE: All costs associated with equipment, software, certifications and documentation are the student’s responsibility.
Invest in your future
The estimated cost for this program is $345 - $355 per course.
These costs are an estimate. Student fees vary by campus. Check the fee schedule for more details.
Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.