Become a Social Worker in Colorado

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.

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

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.