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Colorado licenses Clinical Social Workers through the Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners (DORA Division of Professions and Occupations). The clinical license generally requires a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program, a period of post-degree supervised clinical experience, and a passing score on the ASWB Clinical examination. Verify current licensing, Social Work Licensure Compact, supervised-experience, renewal, and continuing-education requirements directly with the Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners (DORA Division of Professions and Occupations).
A master's or doctoral degree from a CSWE-accredited (or equivalent) social work program is generally required for the LCSW. Verify current education requirements with the Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners.
Applicants must generally pass the Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination and the ASWB Clinical examination. Verify current examination requirements with the Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners.
Reportedly about two years / 3,360 experience hours (with at least roughly 1,680 hours of direct client contact) plus approximately 96 hours of clinical supervision over a minimum of 24 months, of which about half is individual supervision. Verify the exact hours, direct-contact minimum, and supervision rules with the Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners.
The state has enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact. Once the compact is operational, eligible clinical social workers will be able to obtain the authority to practice (in person and via telehealth) across participating states without a separate full license in each one. Enacting states are still standing up the compact commission and may not yet be issuing privileges.
Colorado has enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact and is listed among the member jurisdictions on swcompact.org. As of mid-2026 the compact is activated but not yet operational, so multistate privileges to practice are not yet being issued. Verify current compact status and operational timing with the Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners.
Colorado has enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact. License portability may be available by endorsement and, where the state participates, through the Social Work Licensure Compact. Verify endorsement eligibility and compact participation with the Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners (DORA Division of Professions and Occupations).
Telehealth social work practice is governed by state law and board rules. Verify current telehealth requirements with the Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners (DORA Division of Professions and Occupations).
This guide is for general informational purposes only and should not be treated as legal, licensing, or employment advice. Clinical social work licensing laws, board rules, education and examination requirements, Social Work Licensure Compact participation, supervised-experience rules, and renewal/continuing-education requirements vary by state and may change. Always verify current requirements directly with the official state social work licensing board.