Certification
The Certified Applied Sociologist (C.A.S.) or the Certified Clinical Sociologist (C.C.S.) designation is awarded by the Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology (AACS) to experienced professional sociological practitioners who demonstrate excellence in their practice of applied, clinical, or engaged public sociology. Please refer to the document placed under certification titled, AACS Certification Designations, to determine which
designation you intend to pursue. opportunity to present a portfolio demonstration for peer review at an AACS meeting or another regional, national or international sociology meeting.
Value of Certification
Certification as a Certified Applied Sociologist or a Certified Clinical Sociologist indicates that your background, current practice, attitudes, ethics, and skills have been examined by certified professionals in your discipline. By awarding certification, AACS indicates that you have met the standards of sociological practice as an applied, clinical, or engaged public sociologist. Please note that certification is not licensure. A state or commonwealth grants a license after successful passage of a bill in the legislature and signature of the governor.
How to Become Certified
To become certified, applicants submit application materials that include a Curriculum Vitae/Resume, portfolio (refer to application form for more detail), letters of reference, and academic transcripts. Application materials are evaluated by a certification review committee. This committee determines if the applicant will be given the opportunity to present a portfolio demonstration for peer review at an AACS meeting or another regional, national or international sociology meeting.
For applicants unable to attend one of the meetings cited above, the use of video conferencing technology will be considered on a case-by-case basis. For example, international applicants would be given this consideration. In all cases, the Certification Review Committee will make the final decision.
Download Detailed Certification Instructions
Eligibility
Practicing sociologists with either a Master’s or Doctoral degree may apply for certification. Those practitioners with interdisciplinary degrees are also eligible if their practice features a strong sociological component. Applicants holding a Ph.D. must be able to document at least 1,500 hours or one year full-time working as a practicing sociologist in the last 5 years. Applicants holding a M.A. or M.S. must be able to document at least 3,000 hours or two-years full-time working as a practicing sociologist in the last 5 years.
Areas of Certification
Sociological Practitioners practice on multiple levels of focus: international, national, community, organizational, large group, small group, family, and/or individual. Major sociological practice content areas include community development, conflict resolution, criminology/criminal justice, organizational development, gerontology, health, August 2020
counseling, and social policy. In addition, many sociologists have developed unique practices which the certification process may accommodate.
Cost
- You must be a member of AACS to apply for certification. Annual Membership fee for U.S. Citizens is $90 USD; international membership fees are sliding scale. Please refer to Membership form
- Certification Application Fee is $200 USD and is due at the time of application.
- The Portfolio Demonstration Fee is $100 USD and is due at least 2 weeks prior to the Portfolio Demonstration.
- Annual certification renewal is $30 USD due at the time of your annual AACS membership renewal.
Contact
For more information about AACS Certification, please contact: