Colorado
Your Step-by-Step Path to Licensure and Beyond
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
How to become a social worker
Step 1: Complete a CSWE-accredited Social Work program
Step 2: Register as an LSW
- Go to the Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners website and fill out the form here
- Include an official college or university transcript
- Take the Colorado Mental Health Profession’s Jurisprudence Examination found online here
- Pay the $70 application and processing fee
- Next fill out a Healthcare Professional Profile here
- The State Board also provides a complete list of requirements for your reference
Step 3: Register for the ASWB Masters Level Exam and Study with TDC
- Once accepted, register for your exam at ASWB, then Pearson VUE to schedule your exam date and time
- Now, start studying with TDC’s ASWB Master Level Exam Prep program
Step 4: Begin to Accrue Hours towards your LCSW Colorado License
- Complete and document 3,360 hours of supervised work experience over a period of no less than 24 months.
- At least 1,680 of the hours must be spent in a role that includes testing, diagnosis, assessment, treatment, or counseling. Up to 1,200 hours may be credited for the teaching of social work or psychotherapy.
- Supervision is to be provided by a clinical social worker. 96 hours of clinical supervision is required; it should be spread out over the course of the supervision period. At least 48 of the supervision hours should be individual.
- At the end of the supervision period, the supervisor will submit verification to the Colorado Board.
- Finally, fill out and submit the application form and again pay the $70 processing fee.
Step 5: Register for the LCSW Exam and Begin Your Studies!
- When your application has been accepted, contact the ASWB and register for the LCSW exam and Pearson VUE to schedule your exam
- Once again, it’s time to study! Check out our ASWB Clinical Level Exam Prep program to help you pass with confidence!
Continuing Education Requirements
Pre-licensure - Social workers in CO have the same Professional Development Activities (PDAs) requirements as Licensed Social workers
License Renewal
Therapist Development Center is an approved provider through ASWB ACE.
Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)
How to become a Marriage & Family Therapist
Step 1: Earn Your Degree
- Master’s in MFT or related field from COAMFTE or Board equivalent program
Step 2: Accrue Supervised Experience
- 2,000 hours of supervised experience and a minimum of 2 years
- Minimum of 1,500 direct client contact hours
- 1,000 of which shall be with couples and families
Step 3: Pass Required Exams
- Apply to take the AMFTRB National MFT Exam
- Exam fee $365
- Sign up for TDC’s NMFT exam prep course and study with confidence!
Step 4: Apply for LMFT Licensure
- Submit supervised hours and exam results
- Submit transcripts
- Send fingerprints for background check
- Pass Colorado Jurisprudence Exam
- Pay application fee of $200
Continuing Education Requirements
CE Requirements For Colorado MFTS
(Referred to as Professional Development or PD in CO)
(Referred to as Professional Development or PD in CO)
License Renewal
- Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years
- Total Hours Required: 40 hours
- Must include 6 hours professional ethics
- Must retake the Colorado Jurisprudence Exam during each renewal cycle
- Professional Development Hours (PDH) in line with your Learning Plan and retain documentation of the completed activities
Therapist Development Center is an approved provider through ASWB ACE
