Licensed Clinical Social Worker (clinical social worker) · Colorado · regulated by Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners (DORA) · high confidence
| Pre-license credential | Clinical Social Worker Candidate (SWC) |
|---|---|
| Supervised experience | two years of post-degree experience ... must have at least 3,360 hours of applied social work practice ... over a minimum of twenty-four months |
| Direct client contact | At least half (1,680) clinical: treatment, diagnosis, testing, assessment, or counseling |
| Supervision | at least 96 hours; ≥48 individual (in person or telesupervision) |
| Minimum time | 24 months |
| Time limit | Experience/supervision predating the application by more than 5 years not accepted absent good cause; candidate registration expires after 3 years if unmet (subject to renewal provisions) |
| Exams | National exam 'appropriate ... for the level of licensure sought' as approved by the Board + Colorado jurisprudence exam |
Supervision
- How much: at least 96 hours; ≥48 individual (in person or telesupervision)
- How often: Reasonably distributed over the supervised experience, consistent with accrual of hours
- Group supervision: Up to 48 hours may be group (≤10 individuals)
- Who may supervise: LCSW licensed where services performed (or highest-level SW license elsewhere); non-LCSW for ≤48 hrs only in rare Board-approved cases
When hours count and what to keep
- Before your degree: Not counted: post-degree only
- Paperwork: Verified statement on Board form signed by approved clinical supervisor(s); supervisor keeps records 5 years
Can you be supervised remotely in Colorado?
Yes. Required supervision can be done entirely by live video, with no in-person minimum.
- Video supervision: Clinical supervision may be in person or virtual, and telesupervision includes videoconferencing or telephone. At least 48 of the 96 hours must be individual (in person or telesupervision). A non-LCSW supervisor is allowed only when an LCSW "cannot be secured through tele-supervision".
- Phone only: allowed
- Supervisor licensed in Colorado? other: an LCSW licensed in the jurisdiction where the applicant's services were performed (Colorado for Colorado practice), or a highest-level social worker in that other jurisdiction. Non-LCSW supervisors only by Board exception.
- Board approval first: No plan approval. Hours count only if the applicant is registered as a clinical social worker candidate, otherwise licensed or registered, listed in the unlicensed psychotherapist database, or working in an exempt facility, and this must be in place before hours accrue.
- If you live outside Colorado: No rule on the associate's own location. The supervisor-license rule keys on where services were performed.
The client’s location decides which state’s rules apply. This is not legal advice; confirm with the board before building a program. Compare every state on the remote-supervision map.
Recent and pending changes
SB 24-115 (eff. Aug 7, 2024) added jurisprudence exam for candidate registration and renewal/CE rules; 4 CCR 726-1 current version effective Aug 30, 2025
In the board’s own words
“must have at least 3,360 hours of applied social work practice obtained in such a manner that they are reasonably uniformly distributed over a minimum of twenty-four months” — 4 CCR 726-1 Rule 1.14(C)(4)(b)✓ matched in the source
“Applicants must receive a minimum of 96 hours of supervision, at least forty-eight of which must be in-person or telesupervision, individual supervision.” — 4 CCR 726-1 Rule 1.14(C)(5)(a)✓ matched in the source
“Experience and supervision requirements that predate the application by more than five (5) years will not be accepted by the Board absent a showing of good cause” — 4 CCR 726-1 Rule 1.14✓ matched in the source
““Clinical Supervision” means personal direction and responsible direction provided in-person or virtually by a supervisor who meets the criteria defined by the Board.” — 4 CCR 726-1 Rule 1.14(C) (eff. 08/30/2025)✓ matched in the source
““Telesupervision” means clinical supervision conducted through audio/video technology such as videoconferencing or telephone.” — 4 CCR 726-1 Rule 1.14(C) (eff. 08/30/2025)✓ matched in the source
“Applicants must receive a minimum of 96 hours of supervision, at least forty-eight of which must be in-person or telesupervision, individual supervision.” — 4 CCR 726-1 Rule 1.14(C) (eff. 08/30/2025)✓ matched in the source
“under the virtual or in-person supervision of a licensed clinical social worker or other person with equivalent experience” — C.R.S. § 12-245-404(2)(c) and § 12-245-411 (CRS 2024)✓ matched in the source
“was licensed by the Board in the jurisdiction in which the applicant's services were performed.” — 4 CCR 726-1 Rule 1.14(C) (eff. 08/30/2025)✓ matched in the source
“In other rare instances when an LCSW supervisor cannot be secured through tele-supervision” — 4 CCR 726-1 Rule 1.14(C) (eff. 08/30/2025)✓ matched in the source
“will only count towards licensure if the applicant is registered as a clinical social worker candidate” — 4 CCR 726-1 Rule 1.14(C) (eff. 08/30/2025)✓ matched in the source
“This requirement must be met prior to accumulating post-degree work experience and supervision hours.” — 4 CCR 726-1 Rule 1.14(C) (eff. 08/30/2025)✓ matched in the source
“"Compact" means the social work licensure compact authorized in part 46 of article 60 of title 24.” — C.R.S. § 12-245-404(2)(c) and § 12-245-411 (CRS 2024)✓ matched in the source
Other licenses in Colorado
- LPC (professional counselor)
- LMFT (marriage and family therapist)
- Psychologist
- All Colorado licenses · every state
Sources
- C.R.S. § 12-245-404(2), (4) (CRS 2024)
- 4 CCR 726-1 Rule 1.14(C)(1)-(5) and Examination (eff. 08/30/2025)
Checked against Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners (DORA)’s rules, statutes and publications on September 25, 2026. The board decides; if your situation is unusual, confirm with them.