Social Workers · Colorado · Continuing education
Colorado Social Work CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- LCSW/LSW40 Professional Development Hours (PDH) every 2 years; renewal by August 31 in odd-numbered years.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
02 Calculator
How many hours do I still need?
Find conferences in Colorado →
Calculated in your browser; nothing is sent or stored.
03 Requirements
Colorado LCSW/LSW CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 40Professional Development Hours (PDH)
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Aug 31, odd yrs
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By August 31 in odd-numbered years
- Accepted credit
- Board-approved Professional Development Activities: volunteer service, consultation, supervision, presenting, coursework, publication, independent learning; coursework from an accredited educational institution or nationally/regionally recognized professional organization may count for all 40 PDH
- Carryover
- Up to 5 PDH earned within 6 months before expiration and above the 40 may be carried to the next cycle.
- New licensees
- Licensees receiving an original, reinstated or reactivated license during the cycle accrue 1.66 PDH per month (or part) licensed.
- Audits & records
- Audits are conducted after the renewal period ends; keep CPD documentation (rubric/survey, Learning Plan, PDA records) for 5 years from the license expiration date.
- Renew online
- apps2.colorado.gov ↗
Alternatives & exemptions. Deem Status for participants in a qualifying Colorado state department professional development program; active-duty military exemption.
Good to know. Continuing Professional Development program: complete the Professional Practice Rubric and self-assessment, a Learning Plan, then 40 PDH. Max 20 PDH per single activity type (except qualifying coursework). No mandated subjects found in the rule. Licenses expire Aug 31 of odd-numbered years.
Source: dpo.colorado.gov · C.R.S. §12-245-410; 4 CCR 726-1 Rule 1.18 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in Colorado
05 Questions
How do I verify a social worker license in Colorado?
Use the license lookup of the Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners (dpo.colorado.gov/SocialWork); the board's own record is the primary source. CE status itself is checked by the board at renewal.
How many CE hours do social workers need in Colorado?
40 Professional Development Hours (PDH) every 2 years.
Which CE courses count for social workers in Colorado?
Board-approved Professional Development Activities: volunteer service, consultation, supervision, presenting, coursework, publication, independent learning; coursework from an accredited educational institution or nationally/regionally recognized professional organization may count for all 40 PDH.
How do social workers report CE in Colorado?
By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.
When is the renewal deadline for social workers in Colorado?
Licenses renew by August 31 in odd-numbered years (2 years cycle).