Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) / Colorado
2026 data Colorado board official source

Colorado Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

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Provides mental health counseling. Requires MSW degree and clinical hours.

What the Colorado data shows for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)s

Becoming a licensed licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) in Colorado means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 3,851 training hours, a passing score on ASWB Clinical Exam, and 2 years of supervised work experience, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Colorado regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Master of Social Work (MSW)".

Upfront cost is $224, with renewal running $181 on a 2-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 30 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

For licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s, the reciprocity picture is: Social Work Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Requirements in Colorado

Education / Training Hours
Master of Social Work (MSW)
3,851 hours
Exam Requirement
ASWB Clinical Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$224
Renewal Fee
$181
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
2 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) All Colorado licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Colorado licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Colorado? ▼
In Colorado, the license path calls for 3851 education/training hours, a passing score on ASWB Clinical Exam, and a $224 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Colorado? ▼
Certification as a licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) in Colorado means clearing the state's checklist: 3851 hours of education plus 2 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The Colorado licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license to Colorado from another state? ▼
For licensed clinical social worker (lcsw)s, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: Social Work Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Colorado licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Colorado require a background check for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) licensing in Colorado. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Colorado? ▼
To stay licensed as a licensed clinical social worker (lcsw) in Colorado, plan on 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $181.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.