Resources · Path to Licensure

Behavioral & mental health licensure in Colorado.

The required exam, supervised hours, jurisprudence rules, and official board for six Colorado behavioral and mental health licenses — professional counseling, clinical social work, psychology, marriage & family therapy, behavior analysis, and addictions counseling.

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Professional counseling licensure in Colorado

License: LPC · Exam: NCMHCE

  • Supervised experience2,000 post-master's (≥1,500 direct client contact)
  • TimeframeNot fewer than 24 months
  • State law / jurisprudence examYes — Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination (SB24-115)
Prep for the NCE / NCMHCE →Colorado DORA — State Board of LPC Examiners →

Source: official board / national body (high confidence). Requirements change — confirm current Colorado rules with the board before you apply.

Clinical social work licensure in Colorado

License: LCSW · Exam: ASWB Clinical

  • Supervised experience3,360 hours (incl. 1,680 direct)
  • Timeframeover min. 24 months; 96 hrs supervision
  • State law / jurisprudence examYes — Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Exam
Prep for the ASWB Clinical →Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners (DORA) →

Source: official board / national body (high confidence). Requirements change — confirm current Colorado rules with the board before you apply.

Psychology licensure in Colorado

License: Licensed Psychologist · Exam: EPPP Part 1

  • Supervised experience1,500 postdoctoral hours + predoctoral training
  • Timeframemin. 1 year postdoctoral
  • State law / jurisprudence examYes — Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Exam
Prep for the EPPP →Colorado State Board of Psychologist Examiners →

Source: official board / national body (high confidence). Requirements change — confirm current Colorado rules with the board before you apply.

Marriage & family therapy licensure in Colorado

License: LMFT · Exam: AMFTRB National MFT Exam

  • Supervised experience1,500 face-to-face direct contact (1,000 couples/families)
  • Timeframeover min. 12 months
  • State law / jurisprudence examYes — Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Exam
Prep for the MFT exam →Colorado State Board of MFT Examiners (DORA) →

Source: official board / national body (high confidence). Requirements change — confirm current Colorado rules with the board before you apply.

Behavior analysis licensure in Colorado

License: Not yet licensed — CO board forming (DORA); applications open ~Aug 2026, license required by Aug 2027 · Exam: BCBA exam (BACB)

  • Supervised experienceBACB standard: 2,000 fieldwork hours (or 1,500 concentrated)
  • TimeframeSet by BACB fieldwork standards
  • State law / jurisprudence examNo
Prep for the BCBA →N/A — BACB certification only →

Source: official board / national body (high confidence). Requirements change — confirm current Colorado rules with the board before you apply.

Addictions counseling licensure in Colorado

License: LAC (Licensed Addiction Counselor) · Exam: Colorado Addiction Counselor Exam (CACE)

  • Supervised experience3,000 post-master's (clinical)
  • Timeframeverify with board
  • State law / jurisprudence examYes — Colorado Jurisprudence Exam
Prep for the addictions exam →Colorado DORA — State Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners →

Source: official board / national body (high confidence). Requirements change — confirm current Colorado rules with the board before you apply.

Colorado at a glance: Professional counseling uses the NCMHCE; clinical social work uses the ASWB Clinical; psychology uses the EPPP Part 1. Always confirm current rules with each board before you apply.

By profession

The licensures we help you pass.

Triad prepares clinicians for the national exam at the center of each path. Pick yours to see the full route.

Psychologist

Exam: EPPP

A doctoral degree (PhD, PsyD, or EdD) in psychology from an accredited program.

See exam prep →

Social Worker

Exam: ASWB

A BSW, MSW, or doctoral social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program, depending on the license level.

See exam prep →

Professional Counselor

Exam: NCE / NCMHCE

A master's in counseling or a related field, ideally CACREP-accredited.

See exam prep →

Marriage & Family Therapist

Exam: MFT National Exam

A master's or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a closely related field.

See exam prep →

Behavior Analyst

Exam: BCBA / BCaBA

A master's degree plus BACB-verified coursework (a bachelor's for the BCaBA).

See exam prep →

Addictions Counselor

Exam: MAC / NCAC / ADC

The education or degree your state credential requires for addiction counseling.

See exam prep →
A note on accuracy: Licensure requirements — degree, supervised hours, jurisprudence exams, and application steps — are set by each state board and change over time. This guide shows the general national path and the exam Triad prepares you for. Always confirm the exact, current requirements with your state’s official licensing board before you apply.

Pass the exam on your path.

Triad’s AATBS brand prepares candidates for the EPPP, ASWB, NCE/NCMHCE, MFT, BCBA, and addictions exams — backed by a pass guarantee.

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