Colorado Social Worker – Provisional (SWP) Guide - 2024

Colorado SWP Licensure Process

If you plan to work only in a residential childcare facility, you need an SWP license. But what qualifies as a residential childcare facility in Colorado? It’s a residential facility where youths between the ages of 3 and 21 live together in an environment supervised by adults who are not their parents or relatives. While these youths don’t require inpatient psychiatric care, they have a mental health diagnosis and require mental health services.

Education Requirements

An MSW is required to be eligible for the SWP license.

Find all MSW programs offered in Colorado, here.

Application Process

Visit the Division of Professions and Occupations Online Services webpage to access the application. The Verification of Practice form must be completed and submitted to confirm you will work in a residential childcare facility. The application fee is $70.

Once your application is received, the Board will determine whether you have met the criteria necessary to become an SWP. If they rule in your favor, your license will be granted, but it is only valid while working under supervision in a residential childcare facility.

Background Check

You are expected to disclose any criminal convictions or arrests on the application. There is a section where you are asked this question, and you can be disqualified for not answering truthfully. While you are not required to submit fingerprints, the Board may still check your name against any criminal history database.