Transitional Regime, Recognition of Prior Experience, and the Independent Practitioners Examination (Order No. 2275.25)
Regularization pathways for experienced practitioners (2025-2028): skills assessment interview and supplementary training for salaried workers, and the annual proficiency examination (written + oral, 10/20 pass mark) for independents.
1Legal Basis and Effective Schedule of the Transitional Period (2025 to 2028)
When Law No. 45.18 was enacted, thousands of practitioners were already working in associations, Social Welfare Institutions (EPS), and private practice without holding one of the 74 specific diplomas later listed in Ministerial Order No. 827.25. To safeguard existing jobs and maintain the continuity of social services, Article 25 of Law No. 45.18 and Articles 9 to 17 of Decree No. 2.22.604 established a transitional mechanism for recognizing prior professional experience.
Legal Clarification on the Three-Year Transitional Window:
Although Article 25 of Law No. 45.18 refers to a three-year transitional period, its practical implementation was legally contingent upon the publication of Decree No. 2.22.604 (published on May 9, 2024) and the implementing ministerial orders governing examinations and skills evaluations. Accordingly, Ministerial Order No. 2275.25 of September 19, 2025 (published in Official Bulletin No. 7459 of November 24, 2025) explicitly provides that the annual professional proficiency examination for independent practitioners is organized once a year for a maximum duration of three (3) years from the date of its publication in the Official Bulletin (covering the window from November 2025 to November 2028).
Although Article 25 of Law No. 45.18 refers to a three-year transitional period, its practical implementation was legally contingent upon the publication of Decree No. 2.22.604 (published on May 9, 2024) and the implementing ministerial orders governing examinations and skills evaluations. Accordingly, Ministerial Order No. 2275.25 of September 19, 2025 (published in Official Bulletin No. 7459 of November 24, 2025) explicitly provides that the annual professional proficiency examination for independent practitioners is organized once a year for a maximum duration of three (3) years from the date of its publication in the Official Bulletin (covering the window from November 2025 to November 2028).
2Transitional Pathway 1: Experienced SALARIED Social Workers (Articles 10 and 12 to 15 of Decree No. 2.22.604)
This pathway applies to salaried staff working in an association, foundation, EPS, or private entity who do not hold a diploma listed in Ministerial Order No. 827.25:
- Submission of Verifiable Proof of Experience: The employee documents their educational background and length of service in social work using verifiable records (employment contracts, detailed employer certificates specifying duties performed, National Social Security Fund (CNSS) registration and wage declaration statements, and pay slips).
- Skills Assessment Interview (مقابلة لتقييم الكفاءات المهنية): The candidate is convened before an evaluation committee appointed by the Ministry to assess their practical, methodological, and ethical mastery of the target occupation.
- Outcome of the Assessment:
- Direct Accreditation: Granted when the candidate's demonstrated experience fully satisfies the competency standards of the requested professional category;
- Mandatory Supplementary Training (تكوين تكميلي): Where the committee identifies gaps in theoretical, methodological, or legal knowledge, the candidate is required to complete a supplementary training module (organized in partnership with INAS, the National Mutual Aid agency, and partner public universities) prior to receiving final accreditation.
3Transitional Pathway 2: Experienced INDEPENDENT Social Workers (Article 16 of Decree No. 2.22.604 and Ministerial Order No. 2275.25)
Individuals practicing social work activities in an independent capacity (فئة المستقلين) without holding one of the diplomas required under Article 8 must pass an official professional proficiency examination (اختبار الكفاءة المهنية) governed by Ministerial Order No. 2275.25 of September 19, 2025 (BO No. 7459 of November 24, 2025).
A. Organization of the Annual Examination (Articles 2 to 5 of Order No. 2275.25)
- Frequency: Held once a year for a maximum period of three (3) years from the publication of the Order in the Official Bulletin.
- Advance Notice: The official examination notice is published at least fifteen (15) days before the application window opens, specifying the application deadline, regional filing desks, examination date, and testing center.
- Examination Board (Article 4): Appointed by ministerial decision, the board comprises at least three (3) qualified members responsible for overseeing the tests, grading candidates, and drawing up the official record of final results.
B. Examination Format, Duration, Weighting, and Passing Thresholds (Articles 6 and 7 and Official Schedule of Order No. 2275.25)
| Domain and Professional Categories Covered | Required Tests | Duration, Content, and Weighting (Official Schedule to Order No. 2275.25) | Passing and Admission Thresholds (Article 7) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domain 1: Social Assistance (Categories 1 to 4: Social Worker, Medical Social Worker, Socio-Professional Integration Assistant, Family Mediator) |
Written Examination + Oral Examination |
1. Written Test (Duration: 2 hours | Weight: 1): Essay question on social work and the candidate's chosen specialty. 2. Oral Test (Duration: 15 to 30 minutes | Weight: 1): Structured interview with the board covering the candidate's training background and professional experience. |
- Score at least 10/20 on the written test to qualify for the oral test (any written score below 10/20 is eliminatory). - Achieve a combined average of at least 10/20 (written + oral) for final admission. |
| Domain 2: Social Facilitation and Education (Categories 5 to 10: Reintegration Counselor, Special Needs Educator for Children or Disability, Community/Sociocultural Facilitator, Socio-Educational Supervisor) |
Written Examination + Oral Examination |
1. Written Test (Duration: 2 hours | Weight: 1): Topic focused on social facilitation and education within the target category. 2. Oral Test (Duration: 15 to 30 minutes | Weight: 1): Professional interview with the board assessing acquired field experience. |
- Minimum score of 10/20 on the written test to advance to the oral test. - Final combined average at least 10/20. |
| Domain 3: Family and Social Support and Assistance (Categories 11 to 15: Reception Agent, Family Support Worker, School Inclusion Assistant AVS/AESH, Elderly Support Worker, Family Care Assistant) |
Oral Examination Only (No Written Test) |
Single Oral Test (Duration: 30 to 40 minutes | Weight: 1): In-depth interview with the examination board evaluating practical skills, case scenarios, and hands-on field experience. | - Score at least 10/20 on the oral examination. |
| Domain 4: Social Development Management (Categories 16 to 18: EPS Facility Manager, Social Development Officer, Territorial Social Development Engineering) |
Written Examination + Oral Examination |
1. Written Test (Duration: 2 hours | Weight: 1): Analytical topic on social work, institutional governance, or social development management. 2. Oral Test (Duration: 15 to 30 minutes | Weight: 1): Interview with the board on management, executive, or territorial engineering experience. |
- Minimum score of 10/20 on the written test to advance to the oral test. - Final combined average at least 10/20. |