Social Work Licensure
This page contains a variety of resources and tools to guide you through the process of obtaining your social work license.
The process of obtaining a social work license can be intimidating. Understanding your state regulations is key to your success. Although the following information can help you navigate the licensure process, GSSW has no control over state licensure regulations — it is important to stay connected to your state regulatory body for updates.
Contact:
- Phone: 303-871-6146
- Email: Stacy.Said@du.edu
- Office: Craig Hall 263
Steps to Become a Colorado Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
Some social workers choose to obtain their LSW and work with this credential in non-therapeutic settings. The LSW can also be the first step toward obtaining the LCSW, which is used in clinical settings.
Be aware that there have been legislative changes to the licensure process in 2024. Updates to the MSW Student Resource Portal licensure information will be updated as we receive updates from DORA.
State Board of Social Work Examiners: Applications and Documents
Step 1:
Complete all MSW coursework and field requirements. Obtain proof of your degree with either an official final transcript or a Certification of Master's Education form signed by the GSSW Registrar.
Step 2:
Register, take and pass the Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination, which assesses knowledge and understanding of laws and regulations set forth in Part 1 (Legislative Declaration) and Part 2 (General Provisions) of the State of Colorado Mental Health Statutes. Taking the Jurisprudence Exam is the only step toward licensure that you can complete prior to graduation. If you take this exam prior to graduation, keep in mind that the exam will expire in one year and that you must have an active Jurisprudence Exam when you register with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.
Step 3:
Register with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Even though it is NOT required to take/pass the ASWB Masters, you will register "by examination".
You will need:
- A copy of your official/final transcript OR the Certification of Master's Education form signed by the signed by the GSSW Registrar.
- Provide proof of passing your Jurisprudence Exam.
- Complete the background information and pay the fee.
Note: DORA began allowing applicants to click-past/skip the question on the “Licensure by Examination” application re: providing an ASWB licensure exam passage date (the question has been made “optional” on the application instead of “required”, but it remains on the application for those who wish to submit proof of ASWB exam passage).
DORA will then provide you with your LSW license number.
Step 4 (Optional & Not Yet Available):
Colorado has joined the Interstate Social Work Compact. License holders can not yet apply for an interstate compact license; however, once this is available one must take and pass the ASWB Masters Exam in order to hold a LSW Interstate Compact License.
Apply to take the Masters Exam through the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), which will confirm your eligibility to take the exam via email. Take and pass the exam and apply for the compact license.
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Step 5 (Optional):
If you chose to work in a clinical setting, follow the steps to LCSW.
Steps to Become a Colorado Clinical Social Work Candidate (SWC)
Some graduates follow the Clinical Social Worker Candidate (SWC) permit route vs. the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) to eventually obtain their LCSW. The SWC route is most often used when a graduate is employed and their employer does not require an LSW. Although the SWC is not a license, this permit allows you to log your clinical hours and supervision prior to taking/passing the clinical exam. The SWC is valid for four years and is renewable.
State Board of Social Work Examiners: Applications and Documents
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Step 1:
Register, take and pass the Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination, which assesses knowledge and understanding of laws and regulations set forth in Part 1 (Legislative Declaration) and Part 2 (General Provisions) of the State of Colorado Mental Health Statutes. Taking the Jurisprudence Exam is the only step toward the permit that you can complete prior to graduation. If you take this exam prior to graduation, keep in mind that the exam will expire in one year and that you must have an active Jurisprudence Exam when you register with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.
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Step 2:
Complete your MSW coursework and field requirements and obtain proof of your degree with an official final transcript or a Certification of Master's Education form signed by the GSSW Registrar.
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Step 3:
Set up an account with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). You will receive your SWC ID number from DORA in approximately 72 hours.
Step 4:
Accrue and log all experience and supervision hours. Follow the steps to LCSW licensure.
Steps to Become a Colorado Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
For social workers who want to work in a clinical therapeutic setting or open a private practice, an LCSW is required. There are multiple paths to obtain your LCSW, starting with an LSW or SWC.
Be aware of legislative changes to the licensure process in 2024 by viewing this CO Information Session Recording. Updates to the MSW Student Resource Portal licensure information will be updated once the process has been updated within DORA Regulations, Fall of 2024.
State Board of Social Work Examiners: Applications and Documents
LCSW from LSW
Step 1:
Complete your experience and supervision hours as an LSW.
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Step 2:
Retake and pass the Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination, which assesses knowledge and understanding of laws and regulations set forth in Part 1 (Legislative Declaration) and Part 2 (General Provisions) of the State of Colorado Mental Health Statutes. Even though you took this exam prior to your LSW exam, because it expires in one year, you will need to take the exam again. Register for the exam.
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Step 3:
Apply to take the clinical exam through the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), which will confirm your eligibility to take the exam via email.
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Step 4:
Schedule, take and pass the clinical exam through a Pearson Testing Center, as directed by ASWB.
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Step 5:
Report your experience and supervision hours to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).
LCSW from SWC
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Step 1:
Complete your experience and supervision hours as an SWC.
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Step 2:
Take and pass the Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination, which assesses knowledge and understanding of laws and regulations set forth in Part 1 (Legislative Declaration) and Part 2 (General Provisions) of the State of Colorado Mental Health Statutes. Your passing Jurisprudence Exam will remain active for one year and then will expire. Register for the exam.
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Step 3:
Apply to take the clinical exam through the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), which will confirm your eligibility to take the exam via email.
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Step 4:
Schedule, take and pass the clinical exam through a Pearson Testing Center, as directed by ASWB.
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Step 5:
Report your experience and supervision hours to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)
Additional Options
Some social workers will obtain their LCSW license by working under a Social Work Provisional License (SWP) at a residential childcare facility or at an Exempt Facility (approved Community Mental Health Centers, as determined by the Colorado Office of Behavioral Health, Department of Human Services). See DORA for more information on these options.
Additional Resources
Supervision Lists
If your employer does not provide a supervisor for your LCSW experience and supervision hours, you can find an independent LCSW to provide supervision. The individuals listed below are not vetted by the University of Denver; it is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify that the supervisor chosen meets the appropriate qualifications through the respective regulatory or licensing board.
- GSSW Supervision List - A list of individuals who have expressed a desire to provide supervision to GSSW MSW graduates.
- CSCSW Supervision List - A list of individuals given to GSSW from the Colorado Society of Clinical Social Workers who have expressed a desire to supervise MSW graduates.
Spark the Change Colorado
Spark the Change provides resources and referrals to free counseling with licensed professionals for those with barriers to accessing mental health services. Volunteers of this program receive free LCSW supervision.
Legislation
It is important for you to be aware of upcoming legislation updates that affect licensure within the state of Colorado. NASW-CO promotes this information on the NASW-CO Website. Updates to the MSW Student Resource Portal licensure information will be updated once the process has been updated within DORA Regulations, Fall of 2024, view the CO Information Session Recording. to learn more.
Learn more about the Social Work Licensure Compact legislation.