In Colorado, Social Workers must navigate several steps to obtain and maintain licensure. Here is a detailed guide on credentialing, licensure requirements, renewal details, and associated costs:

Credentials Available

1. Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
   • Requirements:
     • Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
     • Pass the ASWB Master’s exam.
     • Complete the Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination.
   • Cost:
     • Application fee: $70.
     • Jurisprudence exam fee: $20.
     • ASWB exam fee: $260.
2. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
   • Requirements:
     • Meet all LSW requirements.
     • Complete 3,360 hours of post-degree supervised experience over 24 months.
     • Pass the ASWB Clinical exam.
   • Cost:
     • Application fee: $70.
     • Jurisprudence exam fee: $20 (if not already taken for LSW).
     • ASWB Clinical exam fee: $260.
3. Provisional Social Worker (SWP)
   • Requirements:
     • Work under supervision in a residential child care facility.
   • Cost:
     • Application fee: $47.

Licensure Renewal

• Social Workers in Colorado must demonstrate Continuing Professional Competency (CPC) to renew their licenses. This can be done through:
  1. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program:
     • Complete a Professional Practice Rubric and Self-Assessment.
     • Establish learning goals and accrue 40 Professional Development Hours (PDH) per renewal period.
  2. Deem Status:
     • Participation in a recognized professional development program.
  3. Active Duty Military Exemption:
     • For those called to federally-funded active duty for over 120 days.
• Renewal Fee: Typically $70 (subject to change based on specific board rules and timelines).

Additional Information

• LSW and LCSW Fees: Both LSW and LCSW application fees are $70 each. Exam fees for the ASWB exams are $260 each.
• Supervision Requirements for LCSW: Supervised hours must include at least 96 hours of direct supervision, with 48 hours being face-to-face individual supervision.
• Healthcare Professions Profile (HPPP): Required for all healthcare professionals in Colorado, detailing background and qualifications.

For a more comprehensive breakdown and the latest updates, you can visit the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) website and the National Association of Social Workers Colorado Chapter.​​

In Colorado, continuing education for Social Workers is structured to ensure ongoing professional development and competence. Here are the key components and requirements:

Continuing Professional Competency (CPC) Requirements

1. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Program:
   • Professional Practice Rubric and Self-Assessment: Social Workers must complete this at the beginning of each renewal cycle to reflect on their practice and create learning goals.
   • Learning Plan: Based on the self-assessment, a learning plan must be established to accomplish these goals.
   • Professional Development Hours (PDH): Licensees must accrue 40 PDH per renewal cycle. Activities can include workshops, seminars, webinars, and other relevant educational experiences. PDH requirements are prorated at 1.66 hours per month for those who obtain their initial license during a license period.
   • Documentation: Social Workers must retain documentation of completed activities and may be audited for compliance.
2. Deem Status:
   • Social Workers who participate in a formal professional development program through a Colorado state department that meets CPC requirements may qualify for deem status.
3. Active Duty Military Exemption:
   • Licensees called to federally-funded active duty for more than 120 days can apply for an exemption from CPC requirements.

Types of Professional Development Activities

• Workshops and Conferences: Attending relevant industry events.
• Webinars and Online Courses: Participating in online educational activities.
• Self-Study Programs: Engaging in structured self-study approved by the board.
• Presentations and Lectures: Giving presentations or lectures on relevant topics.

Specifics and Resources

• Forms and Manuals: The CPC Program Manual, Professional Practice Rubric, Learning Plan form, and other resources can be found on the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) website.
• Audits: Compliance with CPC requirements will be audited periodically after renewal periods.

Renewal Details

• Renewal Cycle: Licenses need to be renewed every two years. The deadline for renewal is on or before August 31st of odd-numbered years.
• Fees: The renewal fee is generally $70, subject to change.

For more detailed information and access to necessary forms and documents, you can refer to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) website​.

1. Total Hours: Accumulate 3,360 hours of post-degree clinical Social Work experience over a minimum of 24 months.
2. Client Contact Hours: At least 1,680 of these hours must involve direct client contact in activities such as assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and counseling.
3. Supervision: Receive a minimum of 96 hours of supervision from a licensed clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Of these, at least 48 hours must be face-to-face individual supervision, evenly distributed over the 24 months.
4. Documentation: Ensure that your supervisor completes and submits the Post-Degree Experience and Supervision Form to the Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners​ (Division of Professions and Occupations)