Become a Social Worker in Colorado

There may be additional methods of certification that have not been covered here. Please contact your state social work licensing department for more information.

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Disclaimer: Due to the rapidly changing nature of social work regulations, for the most up-to-date information on becoming a social worker in Colorado, contact the Colorado Social Work Licensing Board.

Colorado law recognizes two classes of social workers: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Social Worker (LSW). The requirements are as follows:

Sponsored Online Social Work Programs

Sponsored Online Social Work Programs
School Program Description
University of Denver
  • Research-driven faculty dedicated to making an impact on social problems
  • Prepares you to apply social work skills across practice settings
Fordham University
  • Four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy
Simmons University
  • Four Clinical Specializations: Child and Family, Trauma and Interpersonal Violence, Mental Health and Addictions, and Health and Aging
  • Three program tracks: Traditional, Accelerated, and Extended
Case Western Reserve University
  • From Case Western Reserve University’s top-10 ranked School of social work
  • Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks available
University of Southern California (USC)
  • Offered by USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, a top-ranked graduate School by U.S. News and World Report
  • Features virtual and in-person field education in or near student’s own communities
Baylor University
  • Ethically integrates faith and social work practice
  • Specialize in clinical practice or community practice

Sponsored Online Social Work Programs

Colorado LCSW

Colorado LCSW Education Requirement: Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program

Colorado LCSW Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Advanced Generalist or Clinical Level Examination and Colorado Jurisprudence Exam

Field Requirement: Two years, 3,360 hours post-degree work experience with at least 96 hours of supervision (48 hours of which must be individual supervision)

Fee: $70 application fee, $260 ASWB examination fee; $20 Jurisprudence examination

Additional Information: Must complete healthcare professions profile on state webpage

Endorsement: Available upon board approval

License Renewal: All licenses expire on August 31 in even-numbered years. Individuals are notified of current renewal requirements each renewal cycle. Applicants must participate in a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Program and maintain a CPD portfolio, comprising a professional practice rubric, a learning plan and documentation of professional development hours and professional development activities; renewal fee payment as of November 2015 was $67 but price fluctuates yearly, according to Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.

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Colorado LSW (Licensed Social Worker)

Colorado LSW Education Requirement: Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program

Colorado LSW Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s, Advanced Generalist or Clinical Level Examination, and Colorado Jurisprudence Exam

Field Requirement: None

Fee: $70 application fee, $230 or $260 ASWB examination fee; $20 Jurisprudence examination fee

Additional Information: Must Complete Healthcare Professions Profile on State Webpage.

Endorsement: Available upon board approval

License Renewal: All licenses expire on August 31 in even-numbered years. Individuals are notified of current renewal requirements each renewal cycle. Applicants must participate in a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Program and maintain a CPD portfolio, comprising a professional practice rubric, a learning plan and documentation of professional development hours and professional development activities; renewal fee payment as of November 2015 was $67 but price fluctuates yearly, according to Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.

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In order to become a licensed social work practitioner in Colorado, you will need to complete prerequisite coursework, examination requirements, and, in some cases, supervised work requirements. Also, certain levels of social work in Colorado can only be reached after completing an on-campus or online MSW program. We are committed to keeping updated information on Colorado social work licensure policies available to you.

Colorado Social Work Salary

Colorado Social Work Salary
Colorado Social Work Career Average Social Worker Salary
Child, Family and School Social Workers $50,220
Healthcare Social Workers $51,980
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $43,430
All Other Social Workers $54,940
Salary Increase from BSW to MSW +$9,000

Disclaimer: Social Worker Salary information is taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Information about social worker salaries in Colorado is subject to change. Please confirm salary information with your state before applying for licensure or renewal. Last updated: 08/22/2018.

Colorado Social Work Scholarships

Type: Grant

Amount: Up to $10,000

Colorado Health Service Corps

Type: Loan Repayment

Amount: Up to $50,000 full-time; up to $25,000 part-time

Description: This program will repay educational loans of eligible health professionals who agree to provide full-time or part-time, primary health services at public or nonprofit facilities located in federally designated health professional shortage areas for a minimum of three years.

Additional scholarship information is available on the national page of social work scholarships.

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Sponsored Online Social Work Programs

Sponsored Online Social Work Programs
School Program Description
University of Denver
  • Research-driven faculty dedicated to making an impact on social problems
  • Prepares you to apply social work skills across practice settings
Fordham University
  • Four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy
Simmons University
  • Four Clinical Specializations: Child and Family, Trauma and Interpersonal Violence, Mental Health and Addictions, and Health and Aging
  • Three program tracks: Traditional, Accelerated, and Extended
Case Western Reserve University
  • From Case Western Reserve University’s top-10 ranked School of social work
  • Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks available
University of Southern California (USC)
  • Offered by USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, a top-ranked graduate School by U.S. News and World Report
  • Features virtual and in-person field education in or near student’s own communities
Baylor University
  • Ethically integrates faith and social work practice
  • Specialize in clinical practice or community practice

Sponsored Online Social Work Programs

Licensure information including requirements, renewals, and fees were retrieved as of August 2018. Information may have changed since, check with the state’s board of licensing for more information.