⚠ Important: Licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with your state licensing board before applying. Last reviewed April 2026.

Colorado Social Work Licensing

Navigate Colorado's streamlined two-tier system in the Rocky Mountain State, featuring innovative continuing education options and interstate compact participation.

Last Updated: August 2025
2
Primary License Types
3,360
Clinical Hours Required
40
Professional Development Hours
$99K
Average LCSW Salary

Colorado Social Work Licenses

Colorado's efficient two-tier system offers clear career progression with innovative continuing education requirements and strong earning potential in mountain resort communities.

Licensed Social Worker

LSW

Master's level license for non-clinical social work practice. Allows independent generalist practice and serves as the foundation for clinical advancement to LCSW.

Requirements:

  • Master's or Doctoral degree in Social Work from CSWE-accredited program
  • Pass ASWB Master's examination (Advanced Generalist no longer accepted)
  • Pass Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination ($20)
  • Complete Healthcare Professions Profile (HPPP)
  • Submit application with $70 processing fee
  • No post-degree supervised experience required

Practice Scope:

  • Independent non-clinical social work practice
  • Case management and service coordination
  • Policy development and advocacy
  • Community organizing and macro practice
  • Administrative and supervisory roles (non-clinical)
  • Foundation for LCSW clinical track

Fees & Renewal:

Application: $70 • ASWB Exam: $260 • Jurisprudence: $20 • Renewal: $70 every 2 years • 40 PDH required

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW

Clinical license allowing independent psychotherapy, diagnosis, and treatment. Requires two years of supervised clinical experience and enables private practice and clinical supervision.

Education & Prerequisites:

  • Master's or Doctoral degree in Social Work from CSWE-accredited program
  • Current LSW license or equivalent from another state
  • Pass Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination
  • Complete Healthcare Professions Profile (HPPP)
  • Submit application with $70 processing fee

Clinical Experience Requirements:

  • 3,360 hours supervised clinical experience over minimum 24 months
  • 1,680+ hours of direct clinical work (treatment, diagnosis, assessment)
  • 96 total supervision hours during the 24-month period
  • 48+ hours face-to-face individual supervision (evenly distributed)
  • Supervision must be under qualified LCSW
  • Experience must be post-MSW degree

Examination & Clinical Authority:

  • Pass ASWB Clinical examination ($260)
  • Independent clinical diagnosis and treatment
  • Individual, group, and family psychotherapy
  • Private practice operation
  • Clinical supervision of LSWs and other professionals
  • Specialized clinical assessments and evaluations

High Earning Potential:

Average salary: $99,010 • Vail/Leadville: $106K-$108K • Range: $46K-$167K • Strong mountain resort market

Additional Colorado Options

SWP/SWC

Colorado offers specialized pathways for specific practice settings and circumstances.

Social Work Provisional (SWP):

  • For professionals working solely in Residential Child Care Facilities
  • Allows supervised practice in specialized residential settings
  • Bridge license for specific employment contexts

Social Work Candidate (SWC) Permit:

  • For MSW graduates accumulating clinical hours toward LCSW
  • Alternative to LSW route when employer doesn't require full license
  • Allows logging clinical hours and supervision before taking Clinical exam
  • Not a license but a permit for supervised clinical practice

Flexible Pathways:

Multiple routes to LCSW • Specialized settings supported • Career flexibility emphasized

Your Colorado Licensing Journey

Streamlined two-tier system with flexible pathways and strong mountain lifestyle

1

Complete MSW Education

Graduate from CSWE-accredited Master's in Social Work program. Colorado requires master's level education for all licensed social workers - no bachelor's level license available.

2-3 Years
2

Apply for LSW & Pass Required Exams

Take ASWB Master's exam and Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination. Submit LSW application with Healthcare Professions Profile. No supervised experience required for LSW.

4-8 Weeks
3

Begin Professional Practice

Start independent non-clinical practice as LSW. If pursuing clinical work, begin accruing supervised clinical experience through LSW route or SWC permit pathway.

Immediate
4

Complete Clinical Supervision (LCSW Track)

Complete 3,360 hours supervised clinical experience over 24+ months with qualified LCSW supervisor. Must include specific clinical work requirements and face-to-face supervision.

2+ Years
5

Apply for LCSW & Pass Clinical Exam

Submit LCSW application, pass ASWB Clinical exam, and receive full clinical licensure. Retake Jurisprudence exam to ensure current knowledge of Colorado mental health laws.

3-6 Months

🏔️ Interstate Compact Member

Colorado joined the Social Work Licensure Compact in 2024. While multistate licenses aren't yet available, Colorado LSWs will soon be able to practice across all compact member states with enhanced mobility for mountain state professionals.

📚 Unique Continuing Professional Competency (CPC)

Colorado uses an innovative 40-hour Professional Development Hours (PDH) system every two years. Complete a Professional Practice Rubric, create learning goals, and document diverse professional development activities.

⚖️ Jurisprudence Examination Required

All applicants must pass the Colorado Mental Health Professions Jurisprudence Examination ($20). LCSW applicants must retake this exam to ensure current knowledge of state mental health laws and regulations.

🎯 Specific Clinical Hour Requirements

LCSW requires 3,360 total hours including minimum 1,680 hours direct clinical work. Must complete 96 supervision hours with 48+ being face-to-face individual supervision distributed evenly over 24 months.

📅 August 31 Renewal Deadline

All Colorado social work licenses expire August 31 of odd-numbered years (e.g., 2025, 2027). License renewal requires meeting CPC requirements through the CPD program or approved alternatives.

📋 Healthcare Professions Profile (HPPP) Required

All healthcare professionals in Colorado must complete an HPPP detailing background and qualifications. This profile must be maintained and updated throughout your career in the state.

Essential Colorado Resources

Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners

Examinations & Testing

Clinical Supervision & Experience

Continuing Professional Competency

Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners

Program Director

Reina Sbarbaro-Gordon

Address

1560 Broadway, Suite 1350
Denver, CO 80202

Website

dpo.colorado.gov/SocialWork

Interstate Compact

Member since 2024
Multistate licenses coming soon