Looking to become a social worker in Colorado? You’ve come to the right spot! While there are similarities in licensing requirements from state to state, each state is unique. In addition to providing the essentials below, you can click the link we have provided for Colorado’s official licensing body. There you can find additional information on potential requirements like background checks, state-to-state license transfers, and continuing education requirements. We hope this handy guide assists in your efforts to become a certified social worker in your state!
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In Colorado, it is possible to be licensed as a social worker with a Master’s degree from an accredited institution. The designation Licensed Social Worker (LSW) is granted to social workers with CSWE-approved graduate degrees. The designation Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) requires education at at least the master’s level.
To obtain a LSW license by EXAMINATION, applicants must: Hold a master’s degree that was approved by the CSWE; OR have education that has been determined to be equivalent to a CSWE-approved degree; AND have passed an ASWB examination. To obtain a LSW license by ENDORSEMENT, applicants must: Hold a current license; provide an official transcript(s) demonstrating applicant’s master’s degree and conferral date to the Office of Licensing; and applicants must have passed an examination appropriate for level of licensure. The Colorado Board requires passage of the ASWB Intermediate (Bachelor’s level exam is NOT acceptable – if applicants took this level, applicants must apply by examination), Clinical or Advanced Generalist exam for LSW licensure.
To obtain a CSW license by EXAMINATION, applicants must: Provide applicants official transcript(s): Applicants must provide an official transcript(s) demonstrating applicants master’s degree from a program approved by the CSWE to the Office of Licensing; Applicants must upload documentation of 3,360 clock hours of experience and 96 clock hours of supervision gained over a period at least two years. To obtain a CSW license by ENDORSEMENT, applicants must: hold a current, equivalent and unrestricted license, in good standing, to practice social work in another state, territory or foreign country; provide an official transcript(s) demonstrating applicant’s master’s degree and conferral date to the Office of Licensing; attest that applicants have completed the post-degree experience hours required by applicants original state or territory of licensure.
Additionally, LCSW applicants must attest to ONE of the following: passed an examination appropriate for applicants level of licensure that covered the general areas of knowledge in social work and was administered by the appropriate state Board or contracted entity; attest that at least one of the states or territories where applicants are or have been licensed required a written examination that tested competence to practice independent social work and applicants have been engaged in the practice for at least two years immediately preceding submission of applicants application; OR attest that applicants have practiced social work at an independent level for at least five of the last ten years immediately preceding submission of the application.
LSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: See Above
- ASWB Exam: Master’s-Level
LCSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: 2 years
- ASWB Exam: Clinical