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.
Table of Contents
- Colorado Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Colorado Licensed Master Social Worker (LSW)
- Colorado Social Work Salary
- Colorado Social Work Scholarships
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
School | Program Description |
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University of Denver |
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Fordham University |
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Simmons University |
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Case Western Reserve University |
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University of Southern California (USC) |
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Baylor University |
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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.
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.

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 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
School | Program Description |
---|---|
University of Denver |
|
Fordham University |
|
Simmons University |
|
Case Western Reserve University |
|
University of Southern California (USC) |
|
Baylor University |
|
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.