How to Become a Certified Gerontological Social Worker (GSW)

Major Takeaways:

With America’s aging population rapidly increasing, Certified Gerontological Social Workers (GSWs) are in high demand across healthcare, policy, and social service sectors.
GSW certification from NASW validates expertise in elder care, enhances credibility, and opens doors to higher-paying, specialized roles.
To earn the GSW, candidates need a BSW or MSW from a CSWE-accredited program and 3,000 hours of supervised experience in gerontological social work.
Maintaining GSW certification requires renewal every two years, including 20 CEUs with a focus on ethics and aging, ensuring professionals stay current.

America is getting older. Right now, about 58 million people in the United States are aged 65 and older, and by 2034, older adults will outnumber children for the first time in history. That means there will be more grandparents than grandkids. And that shift brings with it new challenges, everything from healthcare and housing to social services and caregiving.

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As more families need support for aging parents, as healthcare systems face pressure from older patients, and as policymakers scramble to adjust, gerontological social workers—specialists in aging—are becoming essential. So, if you’re looking for a great field that can sustain a better lifestyle, consider becoming a Certified Gerontological Social Worker (GSW).

Why do we say that this is a great field?

Job Growth: Social work in healthcare and aging is projected to grow faster than average, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing 6% growth by 2034, adding tens of thousands of new jobs.
Specialization: In a competitive job market, generalists are good, but specialists are valuable. A GSW shows employers you’re committed to gerontology.
Professional Credibility: It’s not just about getting hired. It’s about being trusted. Families, hospitals, and agencies are more likely to trust someone who has formal credentials in aging.

So, if you’ve ever thought about building a career where you can truly make a difference in the lives of older adults, let’s talk about how to become a GSW.

Related:

What Is a Certified Gerontological Social Worker?

A Certified Gerontological Social Worker (GSW) is a social worker who has been officially recognized for their training, experience, and expertise in working with older adults.

This certification is issued by the NASW Credentialing Center, which is basically the credentialing arm of the biggest professional social work organization in the U.S.

So what does a Certified Gerontological Social Worker actually do?

Care coordination: Helping older adults move smoothly between hospitals, rehab facilities, and home care.
Long-term care support: Assisting families with nursing home decisions, Medicaid applications, and care planning.
Hospice and end-of-life care: Supporting patients and families during some of life’s hardest moments.
Public policy and advocacy: Working to improve laws, programs, and funding that affect seniors.

Why Pursue GSW Certification?

You can pursue a social work career just by earning an MSW or LCSW. So, why should you bother earning the NASW GSW certification?

Increased Job Opportunities

Healthcare and aging services are exploding. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) reports that by 2060, nearly 95 million Americans will be 65 or older. That’s a massive client base, and agencies need specialists who can serve them. With a GSW, you stand out from other applicants and show you’re ready to meet that demand.

Higher Earning Potential

While salaries vary, specialization often leads to better pay. According to PayScale, social workers with gerontology or healthcare expertise often earn $5,000–$8,000 more per year than those without.

Professional Credibility

Imagine two candidates: one is a licensed social worker, the other is a licensed and certified gerontological social worker. Who will the hospital choose for their new senior services program? The GSW credential signals that you’ve gone the extra mile, and that matters to employers, clients, and policymakers.

Opportunities for Advancement

This credential isn’t just about front-line work. It can open doors to supervisory roles, program director positions, and even policy-making jobs. Many state and federal agencies look for people with specialized credentials when filling leadership positions.

Educational Requirements for GSW Certification

The GSW certification process takes a lot of effort and planning. The first thing you must make sure of is that you meet the basic education requirements.

To qualify for the GSW, you need either:

A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), or
A Master of Social Work (MSW)

You can only meet the minimum GSW education requirements if your degree is from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program.

These degrees show that you are familiar with the three big areas in gerontology:

Aging and Human Development – Courses that cover the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging.
Healthcare Systems – Understanding Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care, and hospital systems.
Ethics in Aging – Older adults face unique ethical issues like guardianship, autonomy, and end-of-life decisions.

If your school offers a gerontology-focused specialization, take it. If not, at least load up on electives related to aging, death and dying, or healthcare policy. Those courses will not only help you qualify but also give you confidence in real-world practice.

Experience Requirements for GSW Certification

To earn the Gerontological social work credential, you must also have at least 3 years (about 3,000 hours) of supervised, paid, post-degree experience in gerontological social work.

Where can you get that experience for social work with aging populations?

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
Hospitals or rehabilitation centers
Hospice and palliative care programs
Community-based aging services

Document everything. Keep a log of your hours, job duties, and supervisors. When it comes time to verify your experience, you’ll need supervisor signatures and job descriptions.

The Certification Process

How do you actually get certified? Let me walk you through it step by step.

Verify eligibility.
- Make sure you’ve got the degree and supervised work experience.
- Confirm you hold a current, valid state social work license.
Prepare documentation.
- Transcripts from your BSW or MSW program
- Copy of your license
- Proof of supervised experience (usually supervisor letters or forms)
Submit your application.
- Go to the NASW Credentialing Center website.
- Fill out the GSW application form.
- Upload your documents.
Name professional references.
- Most applicants need 2–3 references from supervisors or colleagues who can vouch for their gerontological skills.
Pay the fees.
- Application fees vary but are typically around $165–$210 for NASW members and $250–$350 for non-members.
Wait for the review.
- The process usually takes a few weeks. If everything checks out, you’ll get your GSW certificate in the mail.

Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements

Social work certifications for elder care aren’t forever. You’ve got to keep it current, especially because gerontology is changing fast. Think about technology in elder care, evolving Medicare rules, or new treatments for dementia. CEUs keep you sharp and relevant.

Validity: The GSW is valid for two years.
Renewal Requirements:
- You must complete 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every cycle.
- At least 3 hours must be in ethics
- The rest should focus on aging and gerontology topics

But where do you get CEUs?

NASW CE Institute – Offers a wide range of online courses.
CE4Less and PESI – Affordable options with aging-specific modules.

Career Paths for GSW Credential Holders

What can you do with a GSW? Gerontological social worker careers are wide:

Sample Job Titles:

Geriatric Social Worker
Aging Services Coordinator
Hospice Social Worker
Long-Term Care Program Director
Policy Advocate for Aging Services

Typical Work Settings:

Hospitals and healthcare systems
Nursing facilities and assisted living
Government agencies like the Department of Aging
Home health and hospice services
Nonprofits serving seniors

Plus, with Medicare and Medicaid expanding coverage for older adults, new jobs are popping up in care management, telehealth support, and community-based programs.

Tips for Success in Gerontological Social Work

Let us leave you with some real-world advice for working in gerontology in social work:

Build communication and empathy skills. Working with older adults requires patience, compassion, and active listening.
Stay informed on policy. Know what’s happening with Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Your clients will need guidance.
Find mentors. Seek out experienced GSWs who can help you navigate challenges.
Join professional organizations. Membership in NASW or the Gerontological Society of America can expand your network and knowledge.
Self-care matters. Aging work can be emotionally heavy. Make sure you practice self-care to avoid burnout.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The U.S. is aging, and with that comes incredible demand for professionals who understand the unique needs of older adults. A Certified Gerontological Social Worker (GSW) can be your ticket to higher credibility, stronger job prospects, and the ability to make a real impact in the lives of seniors.

So, if you’re serious about this path, here’s your game plan:

Get your BSW or MSW from a CSWE-accredited school.
Load up on gerontology-focused classes.
Gain at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience in aging settings.
Document your experience and apply through NASW.
Keep your certification current with CEUs.

This is a career where the demand is rising, the work is meaningful, and the impact is life-changing. If you’re ready to step up and serve one of the fastest-growing populations in America, then the GSW certification is your next big move.