DCD Standards for Education and Practical Experience | 1 First Edition 2020

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DCD Standards for Education and Practical Experience | 1 First Edition 2020
Licensing of Social Care Professionals
Second Edition - 2025
DCD Standards for Education &
Practical Experience

DCD Standards for Education and Practical Experience | 3 First Edition 2020
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DCD Standards for Education and
Practical Excperience
رمز الوثيقة: DCD.FMY.STS.02
رقم اإلصدار: 02
تاريخ اإلصدار: 2025
3
Table of Content
Chapter 1: Definitions ............................................................................................................................... 4
1. Definitions ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Chapter 2: Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 6
2. Purpose ............................................................................................................................................ 6
3. Scope ................................................................................................................................................ 7
Chapter 3: Standards of Education & Practical Experience ...................................................................... 7
4. Educational Qualifications ............................................................................................................... 7
5. Practical Experience ......................................................................................................................... 8
6 Professional Competency ................................................................................................................ 9
Chapter 4: Education and Practical Experience License Requirements for Social Care Professionals ..... 9
7 Categories of Social Care Professionals ........................................................................................... 9
8 Applicability of the Social Care Professional Licensing Education and Practical Experience
Requirements.......................................................................................................................................... 10
9 Education and Practical Experience License Requirements for each profession .......................... 11
9.1. SOCIAL WORKER ..................................................................................................................... 11
9.2. PSYCHOLOGIST (Non-Clinical) ................................................................................................ 12
9.3. COUNSELOR ............................................................................................................................. 13
9.4. PSYCHOTHERAPIST ................................................................................................................ 14
9.5. APPLIED BEHAVIOUR ANALYST (ABA) ................................................................................. 15
Chapter 5 Discontinuity of Practice (DoP) .............................................................................................. 16
10 Applicability of the DoP requirements........................................................................................... 17
11 Dop Requirement Schedule ........................................................................................................... 17
Publication Info ....................................................................................................................................... 17

DCD Standards for Education and
Practical Excperience
رمز الوثيقة: DCD.FMY.STS.02
رقم اإلصدار: 02
تاريخ اإلصدار: 2025
4
Chapter 1: Definitions
1. Definitions
1.1. The following words and expressions shall bear the meanings assigned thereto herein
respectively, unless the context otherwise requires:
TERM DEFINITION
THE COUNTRY The United Arab Emirates
THE EMIRATE The Emirate of Abu Dhabi
DCD Department of Community Development
APPLICANT An individual seeking licensure under the provisions of this manual.
APPLIED BEHAVIRAL
ANALYST (ABA)
A professional seeks to understand the cause of a particular behaviour and apply interventions
based on applied behavior analysis to address a wide range of social problems and behavior
disorders.
COMPETENCY-BASED
ASSESSMENT
The process of evaluating the professional's ability to achieve a standard of competency
pertaining to the practice of a specific Social Care Profession.
CONTINUING
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT (CPD)
The formal, self-led or profession-related learning activities that Social Care Professionals
undergoes in order to advance their skills, enhance the quality of practice and qualify to
renew a License.
DISCONTINUITY OF
PRACTICE (DOP)
A term used to describe a situation under which an individual has departed from practicing
their scope of work as a licensed Social Care Professional in Abu Dhabi for two or more years.
LICENSE PERIOD Is a time-bound duration starts on the date of license issuance and ends by the license expiry
date. During this period, a Social Care Professional and/or Facility are authorized to provide
Social Care Services to a Beneficiary.
LICENSE Refers to the permission granted to social care professionals to practice a social care
profession including the Provisional License and Professional License.

DCD Standards for Education and
Practical Excperience
رمز الوثيقة: DCD.FMY.STS.02
رقم اإلصدار: 02
تاريخ اإلصدار: 2025
5
PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE Hands on experience gained by a licensed social care professional during a salaried
employment contractual period.
SUPERVISED PRACTICAL
EXPERIENCE
Time-bound period of supervised hands-on work. Experience that aim to enhance the practice
and competency of the Provisional Licensee in a specific area of social care. Such experiences
are carried out in social care relevant settings under the supervision of a Licensed Social Care
Professional.
PRIMARY SOURCE
VERIFICATION )PSV)
An activity undertaken to verify an individual’s credentials and practical experiences and
ensure their authenticity
PROFESSIONALS LICENSE The permission given by DCD to a social care professional who meets the qualification and
experience and allows the professionals to practice the profession in the Emirate and does not
include the Provisional License.
PROVISIONAL LICENSE A license granted by DCD to applicants upon fulfilling part of the licensing requirements such
as the educational qualification requirements only. This license grants them the ability to
practice a social care profession whilst being supervised by a Social Care Professional with a
Professional License. This license is granted to applicants who seek to complete an advanced
educational degree and/or are pursuing to fulfil the practical experience requirements in order
to qualify for a Professional License.
PSYCHOLOGIST (NON-
CLINICAL)
A professional who is involved in helping individuals address psychological, emotional, and
behavioral problems without the capacity of prescribing medication. For the purpose of this
document, this includes professionals outside a medical setting who focus on helping
individuals in evaluating the problem(s) they face and supporting them through developing
and administering non-medical treatment plans to cope with the problem(s).
SOCIAL CARE FACILITY The private, governmental or third sector entity or institution licensed by DCD to provide
social care services in the Emirate including Supported Accommodation Facilities, Day Care
and Therapy, Community Service Facilities and Digital and Teleservices.
SOCIAL CARE PROFESSION Social Worker, Counselor, Applied Behaviour Analyst (ABA), Psychologist (Non-Clinical), or
Psychotherapist in the specializations mentioned in DCD standards for Education and
Practical Experience, or all these professions together.
SOCIAL CARE
PROFESSIONAL
Is the licensed individual by DCD to practice a Social Care Profession in the Emirate.

DCD Standards for Education and
Practical Excperience
رمز الوثيقة: DCD.FMY.STS.02
رقم اإلصدار: 02
تاريخ اإلصدار: 2025
6
LICENSING
REQUIREMENTS OF
SOCIAL CARE
PROFESISONALS
A term to describe the group of requirements mentioned in which an applicant must meet in
order to qualify for a Professional License or a Provisional License.
SOCIAL WORKER A Professional who supports individuals, families or groups of people (including Children, the
Elderly and People of Determination) with social problems, by conducting an assessment of
their needs, causes and impact, and working with them and/ or their caregivers to identify,
coordinate and manage appropriate solutions to enhance their personal, social, and economic
competencies.
SPECIALIZATION The scope of practice within the bounds of a specific Profession.
COUNSELOR A Social Care Professional who supports individuals or groups (couples, families or larger
audiences) in identifying and/ or analyzing their mental health disorders or social conflicts
and in assessing the need for treatment. This involves working collectively with them through
conversational sessions to explore methods and solutions which can help them adapt or
integrate into society or enhance their professional development, social and or personal well-
being.
Chapter 2: Introduction
2. Purpose
The Professional Licensing Standards and Education & Practical Experience Requirements
has been developed to:
2.1. Detail the educational qualifications and practical experience a Social Care
Professional must possess in order to be licensed to practice in a Social Care
Profession in the Emirate.
2.2. Define the categories of Social Care Professionals who will be licensed by DCD.
2.3. Detail the licensing requirements to be fulfilled by each profession.

DCD Standards for Education and
Practical Excperience
رمز الوثيقة: DCD.FMY.STS.02
رقم اإلصدار: 02
تاريخ اإلصدار: 2025
7
3. Scope
The requirements stipulated throughout the provisions of this manual apply to:
3.1. All DCD Licensed Social Care Profession in the Emirate.
3.2. Applicants looking to get DCD license to practice Social Care Profession in the
Emirate including the four categories mentioned in chapter 4.
3.3. Social Care Facilities, Facility Managers and Support Staff due to their involvement
in the provision of Social Care Services.
Chapter 3: Standards of Education & Practical Experience
The following sections outline the standards with which all professionals must comply when
fulfilling their educational and practical experience requirements
4. Educational Qualifications
4.1. Educational qualifications required for a Social Care Professional License
4.1.1. Applicant seeking a provisional or professional license must comply with the
requirements set out in Chapter 4 or their equivalent in addition to any other
DCD requirements.
4.2. Source of an Educational degree
4.2.1. Qualifications must be obtained from:
4.2.1.1. A recognized educational institution in the applicant home country’s
educational regulators as well as the relevant educational regulators in the
country.
4.2.1.2. An educational program that is nationally accredited.
4.3. Evidencing and verifying Educational Qualifications

DCD Standards for Education and
Practical Excperience
رمز الوثيقة: DCD.FMY.STS.02
رقم اإلصدار: 02
تاريخ اإلصدار: 2025
8
4.3.1. Educational qualifications must
4.3.1.1. Be attested by the relevant regulatory bodies for each of the educational
qualifications obtained and as per the procedure followed in the country.
4.3.1.2. Be attested and equalized by the relevant regulatory bodies for each of the
educational qualifications obtained from an educational institution outside the
country and as per the relevant procedures.
4.3.1.3. Comply with any requirements requested by DCD in relation to verifying
the educational qualifications and information.
5. Practical Experience
5.5 Characteristics of a Practical Experience
5.1.1. To successfully apply for a Professional License an applicant must obtain practical experience for the
duration specified by the provisions of the Chapter 4 and chapter 5.
5.1.2. Applicant must ensure that practical experience:
5.1.2.1. Is relevant to the profession and license type applicant is seeking to practice.
5.1.2.2. Has been carried out in a relevant setting.
5.1.2.3. Recognized in a formal contractual employment arrangement.
5.1.3. For Provisional License holders applying for Professional License should provide an evidence of
Supervised Practical Experience by a Licensed Professional who:
5.1.3.1. The supervised practical experience is in an area that is relevant to the Profession the individual
is seeking to be licensed under.
5.1.3.2. Has been practicing the Profession as a Licensed Professional for not less than 3 years –
equating to 4,500 hours of practice under the license.
5.1.3.3. Supervised Practical experience is recognized in any of the following:
5.1.3.3.1. Postgraduate hands-on training.

DCD Standards for Education and
Practical Excperience
رمز الوثيقة: DCD.FMY.STS.02
رقم اإلصدار: 02
تاريخ اإلصدار: 2025
9
5.1.3.3.2. Postgraduate temporary or part-time work placements.
5.1.3.3.3. Recognized in a formal contractual employment arrangement.
5.2 Evidencing Practical Experience
Applicant must ensure:
5.2.1 The appropriate evidence is obtained to validate practical learning experience. Evidence to include
Name of the Organization, Date of issue the certificate, Period of employment "the start and end
date of employment", Designation or position, Roles and Responsibilities of the employee, workplace
contact details, location and all activities conducted by the social care professional and and the
relevant experience he has gained.
5.2.2 The supervising Licensed Professional (who satisfies DCD Standards for Education and Practical
Experience and the Professional Licensing Manual) signs off the evidence.
5.2.3 Compliance with any requirements requested by DCD in relation to verifying practical experiences.
6 Professional Competency
6.1. Proof of Competency & Eligibility to Practice
Applicant must:
6.1.1. Not be issued a disciplinary sanction by a professional body or regulator resulting in results including,
but not limited to, penalties, restrictions or conditions for the exercise of the social profession.
6.1.2. Must not currently be subject to disciplinary action by a professional body or regulator.
6.1.3. Ensure that all information disclosed as part of a license application is accurate and complete.
Chapter 4: Education and Practical Experience License Requirements
for Social Care Professionals
7 Categories of Social Care Professionals
7.1. DCD will regulate the following Social Care Professions:
7.1.1. Social Workers.

DCD Standards for Education and
Practical Excperience
رمز الوثيقة: DCD.FMY.STS.02
رقم اإلصدار: 02
تاريخ اإلصدار: 2025
10
7.1.2. Psychologists )Non-Clinical( .
7.1.3. Counselor.
7.1.4. Psychotherapist.
7.1.5. Applied Behaviour Analyst (ABA).
7.2. The definitions of each Social Care Profession included within definition list and under the
‘Definitions’ Section.
7.3. All Social Care Professionals in the above-mentioned categories must comply with all professional
standards published by DCD.
7.4. The professionals listed above must comply with the Education and Practical Experience Social Care
Professional Licensing Requirements as defined in the following tables, in order to attain a Provisional
or Professional license from DCD, which authorizes them to provide Social Care Services in the
Emirate.
8 Applicability of the Social Care Professional Licensing Education and
Practical Experience Requirements
8.1. The table below lists the eligibility requirements which must be fulfilled in order for an applicant to
be issued a Professional License or a Provisional License.
8.1.1. Provisional License - A permission is granted to applicants upon fulfilling part of the licensing
requirements such as the educational qualification requirements.
8.1.1.1. Provisional License allows professionals to practice only under an onsite
supervision of a professional holding an active DCD Professional License.
8.1.1.2. Provisional license will support professionals to fulfil the practical experience
requirement to be eligible for a Professional License.
8.1.2. Professional License - the permission granted by DCD to professionals who meet the
educational and experience requirements to practice a regulated Social Care Profession in
the Emirate.
8.1.3. DCD reserves the right to issue detailed requirements regarding the categories of license
which can be applied for.
8.1.4. DCD reserves the right to introduce ‘Specializations’ within each profession, where
Specializations’ will be subject to different requirements.

DCD Standards for Education and
Practical Excperience
رمز الوثيقة: DCD.FMY.STS.02
رقم اإلصدار: 02
تاريخ اإلصدار: 2025
11
8.1.5. The Department has the right to issue a license to practice the social care profession whenever
the applicant meets the educational and practical experience requirements, in accordance with
the academic qualifications and practical experience mentioned in Clause (9) below in the
relevant or relevant specializations and as it deems appropriate.
9 Education and Practical Experience License Requirements for each
profession
**Note: The Provisional license allows its holder to practice the social care profession under the field supervision
of a social worker who holds a professional license issued by the department.
9.1. SOCIAL
WORKER
EDUCATIONAL
QUALIFICATIONS
PRACTICAL
EXPERIENCE
CPD HOURS
REQUIRED FOR
LICENSE RENEWAL
LICENSE
RENEWAL
PROFESSIONAL
LICENSE
• Bachelor’s
Degree in Social
Work
• 3,000 hours of
practical experience
(2 years full-time) or
equivalent within a
related filed
• 20 hours per year
(40 hours
throughout the
license period)
• License valid for 24
months from date
of issuance
• Unlimited renewals
whilst
professionally active
PROVISIONAL
LICENSE*
• Bachelor’s Degree
in Social Work
• Not Required • 20 hours per year
(40 hours
throughout the
license period)
• License valid for 24
months from date
of issuance
• It can be renewed
only once.

DCD Standards for Education and
Practical Excperience
رمز الوثيقة: DCD.FMY.STS.02
رقم اإلصدار: 02
تاريخ اإلصدار: 2025
12
**Note: The Provisional license allows its holder to practice the social care profession under the field supervision of a
psychologist (non-clinical) who holds a professional license issued by the department.
*Note: Specializations can be specified as a specific branch of psychology (as shown in the table below).
*Note: If the psychologist is licensed based on a bachelor’s degree in one of the fields indicated in the table below, the
department issues the license to practice the social profession restricted to the limits of his specialization stated in the academic
certificate only.
DISCIPLINES IN PSYCHOLOGY
1- Educational/Academic Psychology 2- Marriage & Family Psychology/Marriage
Psychology
3- School Psychology
4- Counseling Psychology 5- Forensic Psychology 6- Child Psychology
7- Organization Psychology 8- Cognitive Psychology
9.2. PSYCHOLOGIST
(Non-Clinical)
EDUCATIONAL
QUALIFICATIONS
PRACTICAL
EXPERIENCE
CPD HOURS
REQUIRED FOR
LICENSE RENEWAL
LICENSE
RENEWAL
PROFESSIONAL
LICENSE
Doctoral Degree or
Master's Degree in
psychology or one of
the disciplines of
psychology listed
below*
3,000 hours of practical
experience (2 years full-
time) or equivalent
within a related field
20 hours per year
(40 hours
throughout the
license cycle)
• License valid for 24
months from date of
issuance
• Unlimited renewals whilst
professionally active
PROVISIONAL
LICENSE**
Bachelors’ Degree in
Psychology in one of
the areas of
specialization in
Psychology listed
below**
Not Required 20 hours per year
(40 hours
throughout the
license period)
• License valid for 24
months from date of
issuance
• It can be renewed only
once.

DCD Standards for Education and
Practical Excperience
رمز الوثيقة: DCD.FMY.STS.02
رقم اإلصدار: 02
تاريخ اإلصدار: 2025
13
**Note: The Provisional license allows its holder to practice the social care profession under the field supervision
of a Counsellor who holds a professional license issued by the department.
*Note: Specializations can be specified as a specific branch of Counselling (as shown in the table below).
DISCIPLINES IN COUNSELLING
1- School & Educational (Academic)
Counselling 2- Family & Marriage Counselling 3- Elderly & Geriatric Counselling
4- Addiction & Substance Abuse
Counselling 5- Forensic (Legal) Counselling 6- Rehabilitation Counselling
7- Psychological Counselling 8- Career Counselling
9.3. COUNSELOR EDUCATIONAL
QUALIFICATIONS
PRACTICAL
EXPERIENCE
CPD HOURS
REQUIRED FOR
LICENSE RENEWAL
LICENSE
RENEWAL
PROFESSIONAL
LICENSE
Master’s Degree in
Counselling or one
of the areas of
specialization in
counselling listed
below
3,000 hours of practical
experience (2 years full-
time) or equivalent
within a related field
20 hours per year (40
hours throughout the
license cycle)
• License valid for 24 months
from date of issuance
• Unlimited renewals whilst
professionally active
PROVISIONAL
LICENSE**
Bachelors or
Master’s Degree in
Counselling or one
of the areas of
specialization in
counselling listed
below
Not Required 20 hours per year (40
hours throughout the
license period)
• License valid for 24 months
from date of issuance
• It can be renewed only once

DCD Standards for Education and
Practical Excperience
رمز الوثيقة: DCD.FMY.STS.02
رقم اإلصدار: 02
تاريخ اإلصدار: 2025
14
**Note: The Provisional license allows its holder to practice the social care profession under the field supervision
of a Psychotherapist who holds a professional license issued by the department.
*Note: Specializations can be specified as a specific branch of Psychotherapy (as shown in the table below).
DISCIPLINES IN COUNSELLING
1- Psychotherapy 2- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 3- Behavioural Therapy
9.4. PSYCHOTHERAPIST EDUCATIONAL
QUALIFICATIONS
PRACTICAL
EXPERIENCE
CPD HOURS
REQUIRED FOR
LICENSE RENEWAL
LICENSE
RENEWAL
PROFESSIONAL LICENSE
Doctoral Degree or
Master's Degree in
one of the specialties
in psychotherapy
listed below*
3,000 hours of
practical experience
(2 years full-time)
or equivalent within
a related field
20 hours per year
(40 hours
throughout the
license cycle)
• License valid for 24
months from date of
issuance
• Unlimited renewals
whilst professionally
active
PROVISIONAL
LICENSE**
Master's Degree in
the fields of
specialization in
Psychotherapy listed
below*
Not Required 20 hours per year
(40 hours
throughout the
license period)
• License valid for 24
months from date of
issuance
• It can be renewed only
once.

DCD Standards for Education and
Practical Excperience
رمز الوثيقة: DCD.FMY.STS.02
رقم اإلصدار: 02
تاريخ اإلصدار: 2025
15
9.5. APPLIED
BEHAVIOUR
ANALYST
(ABA)
EDUCATIONAL
QUALIFICATIONS
PRACTICAL
EXPERIENCE
CPD HOURS
REQUIRED FOR
LICENSE RENEWAL
LICENSE
RENEWAL
Applied Behaviour
Analyst -Doctoral
(Professional
license)
Doctoral Degree in Applied
Behavior Analysis in
addition to passing the
proficiency test from one of
the professional
associations accredited in
the specialty
1500 hours of training
under the supervision
of specialized
professional
20 hours per year
(40 hours
throughout the
license cycle)
• License valid for 24
months from date of
issuance
• Unlimited renewals
whilst professionally
active
Applied Behaviour
Analyst
(Professional
license)
Master's Degree in applied
behavior analysis with
passing the proficiency test
from one of the professional
associations accredited in
the specialty
1500 hours of training
under the supervision
of specialized
professional
20 hours per year
(40 hours
throughout the
license cycle)
• License valid for 24
months from date of
issuance
• Unlimited renewals
whilst professionally
active
Assistant Behaviour
Analyst
(Professional
license)
Bachelor or Diploma of
Applied Behavior Analysis
with the passing the
proficiency test from one of
the professional
associations accredited in
the specialty
1500 hours of training
under the supervision
of specialized
professional
20 hours per year
(40 hours
throughout the
license cycle)
• License valid for 24
months from date of
issuance
• Unlimited renewals
whilst professionally
active
PROVISIONAL
LICENSE**
Doctoral Degree in Applied
Behavior Analysis of
Provisional License of the
Applied Behavior Analyst -
Doctoral Level.
Master in the treatment of
Applied Behavior for
Not Required 20 hours per year
(40 hours
throughout the
license period)
• License valid for 24
months from date of
issuance
• It can be renewed
only once.

DCD Standards for Education and
Practical Excperience
رمز الوثيقة: DCD.FMY.STS.02
رقم اإلصدار: 02
تاريخ اإلصدار: 2025
16
**Note: The provisional license allows its holder to practice the social care profession under the field supervision of
an applied behavior analyst who holds a professional license issued by the department
Chapter 5 Discontinuity of Practice (DoP)
Provisional License of the
Applied Behavior Analyst.
Bachelor or Diploma in
Psychoanalysis for
Provisional License of
Assistant Behavioral Analyst

DCD Standards for Education and
Practical Excperience
رمز الوثيقة: DCD.FMY.STS.02
رقم اإلصدار: 02
تاريخ اإلصدار: 2025
17
10 Applicability of the DoP requirements
10.1. An individual is deemed to have ‘Discontinued Practice’ if any of the following conditions apply:
10.1.1. A Social Care Professional who has been previously licensed by a relevant authority (Including
DCD or its international equivalent entity) and have not practiced their profession for two or
more years.
10.1.2. A Social Care Professional who has been previously licensed by a relevant authority (Including
DCD or its international equivalent) and whose license has been expired for two or more years.
10.2. Those who are deemed to have discontinued their practice are required to submit an application for a
new license; they will not be allowed to renew a previous license (if issued by DCD).
10.3. Those who are deemed to have discontinued their practice must satisfy the requirements set out in the
SCPLR in addition to those set out in the ‘DoP requirements Schedule’ below.
10.4. Professionals who fail to meet the additional requirements for those who discontinued their practice
must apply for a Provisional License in order to be able to fulfil such requirements.
10.5. The table below lists the requirements which will be applied to individuals who have discontinued their
practice.
11 Dop Requirement Schedule
Publication Info
PERIOD OF DISCONTINUED PRACTICE
Duration of interruption of
profession
Continuing education
requirements
Additional Practical Experience
Requirement
Less than two years Does not require additional training
requirements
Does not require additional training
requirements
Two years to less than five years 20 hours of continuous professional
development
750 hours of supervised practical
experience and through obtaining a
Provisional License (6 months)
From 5 to 10 years 50 hours of continuous professional
development
1,500 hours supervised practical
experience under a Provisional
License (1 year full-time)

DCD Standards for Education and
Practical Excperience
رمز الوثيقة: DCD.FMY.STS.02
رقم اإلصدار: 02
تاريخ اإلصدار: 2025
18
COMMUNICATIONS TEAM TO ADD: Logo, contact details, address and communication channels
PUBLICATION INFORMATION
Document Name DCD Standards for Education & Practical Experience
Document Type
Professional Standards
Social Care Professional Licensing Requirements
Discontinuity of Practice Requirements
Document Owner(s) Community Development Sector- Social Care Quality Division
Document Version 1.0
Date Published 06/2020
File Code PROF_STD004_062020_001

DCD Standards for Education and Practical Experience | 26 First Edition 2020
United Arab Emirates
Emirate of Abu Dhabi
Issued by the Department of Community Development - Abu Dhabi
E. info@addcd.gov.ae
All copy rights reserved
addcd.gov.ae
@dcdabudhabi