How to Become a Social Worker in Colorado

Start your career with 300 days of sun, hundreds of hikeable paths and peaks and a statewide network of social workers more than 16,000 strong, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report on State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates – Colorado. Bring your unique set of skills in counseling, therapy and education to connect clients with public or private resources across colorful Colorado.

University of Denver

Graduate School of Social Work

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

Complete the Online Advanced-Standing MSW in as few as 12 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the Online MSW Program may be completed in as few as 27 months.
No GRE Required
Customizable pathway options include Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness concentrations

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Steps to Become a Colorado Social Worker

If you want to practice as a licensed social worker in Colorado, you’ll typically need a graduate-level social work degree and to meet the state’s licensing requirements based on the path you choose. Colorado’s primary social work licenses are the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Applicants may also see related credential pathways, such as the Clinical Social Worker Candidate (SWC) and Provisional Social Worker (SWP), in Colorado’s system.

Depending on your goals, you may need additional steps such as a jurisprudence exam, a background check, and supervised clinical experience (for clinical licensure).

1. Complete a CSWE-accredited MSW degree.

To pursue Colorado social work credentialing/licensure, you must hold a qualifying graduate social work degree (typically an MSW) from a graduate school of social work’ as defined by Colorado rules, which includes CSWE-accredited/approved programs or CSWE candidacy programs.

2. Complete postgraduate supervised experience.

For the LCSW license, Colorado requires 3,360 hours of post-degree practice that is reasonably uniformly distributed over a minimum of 24 months, plus 96 hours of supervision (including minimum individual supervision requirements).

3. Complete a health care professionals profile.

This profile is added to a database to help consumers find a provider that best meets their needs. Colorado requires a Healthcare Professions Profile for each active license, and licensees must update the profile within 30 days of changes.

4. Pass the jurisprudence examination.

The Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Exam is required for SWC (Clinical Social Worker Candidate), LSW, and LCSW applicants. The exam focuses on state laws and ethical standards that apply to social work practice in Colorado and is administered online.

5. Apply for the ASWB exam.

To apply for LCSW in Colorado, you must apply for and pass the clinical ASWB exam. Colorado no longer requires an ASWB exam for the LSW license; SB24-115 removed the ASWB Master’s exam requirement for LSW. (The LCSW still requires passing the ASWB Clinical exam.)

6. Submit required materials and application.

Once you have completed all the required materials and passing scores for examinations, you may submit an application to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).

Requirements can change; applicants should confirm current steps and forms through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) / Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO) and the State Board of Social Work Examiners.

Degree Pathways to Become a Social Worker in CO

In Colorado, the most common education path for social work licensure is a CSWE-accredited MSW, and Colorado rules also recognize doctoral social work education (e.g., DSW/PhD in social work) as meeting the ‘graduate school of social work’ definition used for licensure. While a doctoral degree in social work is also accepted, an MSW is the minimum education requirement. Learn more about MSW programs in Colorado.

Online Master’s in Social Work (MSW): Colorado has multiple in-state online or hybrid MSW options, and there are also many CSWE-accredited programs nationwide that accept students from Colorado (format and availability vary by school).
Advanced Standing MSW Program: If you’ve completed a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program and need to earn your MSW for LSW or LCSW licensure in Colorado, an advanced standing MSW program may be completed in less time than a traditional MSW program. Advanced standing programs build on your existing coursework from the BSW degree.
MSW with a Clinical/Mental Health Focus: Colorado doesn’t require your MSW to be labeled ‘clinical,’ but clinically focused coursework and field placements may help prepare you for supervised clinical practice and the ASWB Clinical exam required for LCSW licensure.
Online MSW with No GRE: Some universities offer admissions without requiring the GRE but may still have GPA and other requirements.
Doctorate of Social Work (DSW): While not required as a minimum requirement in Colorado, earning your DSW may help prepare you for more advanced social work careers.

University of Denver

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Syracuse University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

Simmons University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

Howard University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

Hawaii Pacific University

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Master of Social Work

The online Master of Social Work prepares aspiring social work leaders to develop a multicultural social work practice, advocate for social and economic justice, and empower diverse communities affected by systemic inequities within civilian and military-focused areas.

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Social Work Licenses in Colorado

Colorado’s primary social work licenses are the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Colorado also offers a Provisional Social Worker (SWP) license for eligible applicants working in a residential child care facility under appropriate supervision, and the state lists a Clinical Social Worker Candidate (SWC) credential for those working toward clinical licensure. For the most current requirements, forms, and updates, refer to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) / Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO) and the State Board of Social Work Examiners.

Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Colorado

Becoming an LSW is Colorado’s standard entry-level social work license and can serve as a stepping stone for those who later pursue LCSW licensure. If you plan to accrue supervised post-degree clinical hours, Colorado notes that those hours only count if you are properly registered/authorized first (for example, as an SWC or another qualifying status).

Education Requirement: Master’s or Doctorate in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program or equivalent
Field Requirement: None
Exams: Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Exam. Colorado law (SB24-115) removed the requirement to pass the ASWB Master’s exam to obtain the LSW license.
Fees: Application and renewal fees apply (confirm current amounts in DORA/DPO online services and application materials). NASW-CO has listed the LSW application fee as $84 (as of July 2024).
License Renewal: LSW, LCSW, and Provisional Social Worker licenses expire on August 31 of odd-numbered years (renewal is handled through DPO Online Services).

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Colorado

In Colorado, the clinical pathway typically begins by registering as a Clinical Social Worker Candidate (SWC) so your supervised post-degree clinical hours can count toward LCSW licensure. An LSW is not required to begin working toward the LCSW.

Education Requirement: Master’s or Doctorate in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program or equivalent
Field Requirement: 3,360 hours of post-degree practice reasonably uniformly distributed over a minimum of 24 months, plus 96 hours of supervision (including required individual supervision).
Exams: Jurisprudence Exam and ASWB Clinical Exam
Fees: Application and renewal fees apply (confirm current amounts in DORA/DPO online services and application materials).
License Renewal: All social work licenses expire on August 31 of odd numbered years

Learn more about how to become a LCSW.

Provisional Social Worker (SWP) in Colorado

A Provisional Social Worker (SWP) license allows you to practice only while working in a residential child care facility (as defined in state law) and under the supervision of a licensee. To qualify for a provisional license, you must have completed a postgraduate degree that meets the educational requirements for the applicable Colorado mental health profession, and you must be employed in a qualifying residential child care facility under supervision.

Education Requirement: A postgraduate degree that meets the educational requirements for the applicable Colorado profession (including social work).
Field Requirements: Must be working in a residential child care facility under the supervision of a licensee. The provisional license can terminate 30 days after employment ends or 30 days after supervision ends unless updated proof is submitted.
Documentation: Submit the required Verification of Practice form (and other DPO application materials).
Fees: Fees apply. Colorado statute authorizes an application fee for provisional licensure, and current DORA/DPO materials list SWP application fees (e.g., $81 as of 4/2025 in a Colorado licensure flowchart).
License Renewal: SWP licenses must be renewed to continue practicing, and all Social Worker and Provisional licenses expire August 31 of odd-numbered years (renewals are handled through DPO Online Services).

Social Work Salaries for Colorado

Colorado Social Work Careers	Number of Social Workers in Colorado	Annual Mean Social Work Salary
Child, family and school Social Workers	7,840	$69,470
Health care social workers	4,050	$66,660
Mental health and substance abuse social workers	1,980	$65,530
Social workers, all other	2,480	$67,500

Information on the above social work salaries in Colorado was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Colorado in January 2026.

Colorado Social Work Scholarships

For those just starting on their path to social work, there are statewide scholarships and programs in place to assist you. While each state has different offerings, below are some grants and loans that may help you become an LSW, LCSW or SWP in the state of Colorado.

Colorado Health Services Corps Loan Repayment: Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) Loan Repayment: CHSC is a loan repayment program (not a student loan program) for eligible clinicians working at approved sites in designated shortage areas. Current CHSC award amounts are listed by CDPHE and can be up to $90,000 for eligible licensed mental health providers (including LCSWs) with a full-time, three-year service obligation (with lower award tiers for ¾-time and part-time).
MSU Denver Child Welfare Scholars Program (CCWSC): Formerly known as the Child Welfare Stipend Program, MSU Denver’s CCWSC scholarships are published by MSU Denver. MSW awards are $12,000 (urban, full-time) or $14,000 (rural, full-time), with part-time amounts also listed (e.g., $6,000 urban / $7,000 rural).
University of Denver (DU) Graduate School of Social Work – City Year partnership: City Year reports that DU offers merit scholarships to eligible City Year applicants (including a stated $21,000 per year for admitted City Year applicants in the two-year MSW program on the Denver campus). DU also notes eligible AmeriCorps/volunteer alumni may qualify for a separate one-time $5,000 public service scholarship (availability and terms vary by program/campus).

Colorado Social Worker Organizations

There are countless local and national associations and organizations with goals to promote, develop and protect the practice of social work and social workers. Better social work means better solutions for issues such as welfare, child welfare, elderly welfare, health care reform and other issues affecting the disadvantaged populations in Colorado and beyond.

National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Colorado Chapter: The Colorado chapter of NASW provides sources for social work practice, continuing education and ethical and legal resources for social workers in the state.
Colorado Society for Clinical Social Work: The purpose of the Colorado Society for Clinical Social Work is to provide a collegial association that advances the profession by providing opportunities for education, setting practice standards, promoting public recognition of the profession and advocating for protection of clinical social workers and their clientele.
Colorado School Social Work Association: The Colorado School Social Work Association exists to promote the visibility and viability of the School Social Work profession and promote professional excellence among school social workers in an effort to enhance the well-being of students, families and community within the educational system.

FAQs

Does Colorado have social work reciprocity?

Colorado does not have traditional, automatic reciprocity, but it has enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact (HB24-1002), and DORA has stated that multi-state licenses were estimated to become available 18–24 months after the 2024 law (implementation dependent).

What are the social work continuing education (CE) requirements in Colorado?

To renew a social work license in Colorado, LSWs and LCSWs must demonstrate Continuing Professional Competency (CPC) using one of three methods: (1) the Board’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program—complete the Professional Practice Rubric and Self-Assessment, establish learning goals and document them on a Learning Plan, and complete 40 Professional Development Hours (PDH) aligned with that plan (PDH may be prorated for new licensees); (2) Deem Status (for qualifying formal employer professional development programs); or (3) an Active Duty Military Exemption for eligible service members. Colorado conducts CPC audits after the renewal period ends, so licensees should retain documentation.

Learn more about continuing education for social workers.

What is the best way to look up my social work license in Colorado?

To search for social work licenses in Colorado, the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) offers a verification search for professional or business licenses.

Information on this page was last retrieved in January 2026.