Colorado LPC & LPCC Continuing Education Requirements
Colorado counselors must complete 40 continuing education hours every 2 years to renew their LPC / LPCC license.
40
total hours / 2 years
20
home study / self-study hours cap
Biennial · renewal date varies by licensee.
Colorado LPC & LPCC requirements
| Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|
| Total continuing education | 40 hours every 2 years. |
| Renewal | Biennial cycle: tied to your license's renewal (expiration) date. |
| Format limits | Up to 20 hours may be completed through home study / self-study. |
| New licensees | First renewal is different: new licensees have adjusted first-cycle requirements (proration and/or first-cycle-only rules), which we apply automatically. |
| Recordkeeping | Keep CE documentation for 5 years after the end of each cycle. |
| Board audit | The board may audit licensees to verify CE compliance. |
| Late renewal | A late renewal allows a 60-day grace period after expiration and a late fee. |
Full board policy details
- No more than 20 PDH from any single Professional Development Activity (PDA) category may be credited each cycle. Approved LPC PDA categories include volunteer service, mentoring/supervision, presenting, coursework, independent learning, and group learning. Licensees must diversify across at least two categories if exceeding 20 hours in one. 1 PDH = 1 clock hour. No live/in-person minimum; no per-day cap.
- Up to 5 PDH earned in the last 6 months of the renewal cycle may be carried forward to the next cycle (LPC rule 4 CCR 737-1.18).
- Colorado does not pre-approve CE providers. Any course or activity that fits one of the Board-allowed Professional Development Activity categories and enhances the licensee's professional competence may be claimed. Documentation is self-maintained; no provider accreditation is required.
- Course repeat restrictions: The rule does not explicitly prohibit repeating the same course or claiming credit for teaching identical content multiple times in one cycle. However, each claimed activity must genuinely enhance competence or contribute new learning. The Board may deny credit for activities that do not meet CPC criteria upon audit. Best practice is to claim a given presentation or course only once per cycle unless substantively updated.
- License status rules: Licensees on inactive status are exempt from CPC requirements while inactive (4 CCR 737-1.19). To reactivate, the licensee must complete the full 40 PDH within the 2 years immediately preceding the reactivation application. If the license has been inactive for more than 2 years, the licensee must also pass the Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Exam AND demonstrate competency via one of: (a) written account of relevant work experience plus verification of any out-of-state license in good standing, (b) retake the national licensing exam (NCE), (c) complete 10 additional PDH for each year (or part of year) inactive beyond the initial 2 years, or (d) another Board-approved method. Military licensees on federally funded active duty for more than 120 days are exempt from CPC and renewal fees for that cycle per C.R.S. 12-20-302.
- Dual-license exemption: An LPC who also holds another Colorado mental health license (e.g., LMFT, LCSW, psychologist) and has met that license's CPD requirements may be exempted from duplicate CPC under 4 CCR 737-1.18; one set of 40 hours can satisfy both licenses (Deem Status).
We turn all of this (every category, format limit, and one-time rule) into a live checklist on your Colorado LPC / LPCC record, and reapply board changes automatically as they happen.
Track Colorado LPC / LPCC CE free →Colorado LPC & LPCC CE: frequently asked questions
How many CE hours do Colorado LPC / LPCC licensees need?
Colorado requires 40 continuing education hours every 2 years to renew a LPC / LPCC license. Biennial cycle: tied to your license's renewal (expiration) date.
How often do Colorado LPC / LPCC licensees renew?
Biennial cycle: tied to your license's renewal (expiration) date.
Can Colorado LPC / LPCC licensees complete CE online or by home study?
Up to 20 hours may be completed through home study / self-study.
Is the first renewal different for new Colorado LPC / LPCC licensees?
First renewal is different: new licensees have adjusted first-cycle requirements (proration and/or first-cycle-only rules), which we apply automatically.
Sources & verification
- State source
- Colorado board rule
- Profession source
- NBCC continuing education guidance
- Last verified
- May 2026
- Ruleset version
- 2026.1
Reviewed against the Colorado board source and refreshed from the compiled ruleset above. Methodology and disclaimer. Compliance data is informational only and not legal or board advice. Always verify requirements with your licensing board before you renew. See something wrong? Report it →
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