How to Get a Texas Social Work License Through Reciprocity: A Simple Guide

How to Get a Texas Social Work License Through Reciprocity
Contents hide
1 How to Get a Texas Social Work License Through Reciprocity: A Simple Guide
1.1 Understanding Texas Social Work License Types
1.2 Preparing Your Application Documents
1.3 Step-by-Step License Transfer Process
1.4 Completing Texas-Specific Requirements
1.5 After Application Submission

Social work jobs in Texas are projected to grow by over 13% between 2020 and 2030. Child and family social workers earn around $50,630 annually. Texas will give a promising future to licensed social workers.

Moving your social work practice to Texas means you’ll need to understand the state’s licensing process. Texas doesn’t have an official license reciprocity system, but you can transfer your existing social work credentials efficiently. You’ll need to complete specific requirements like the Texas Jurisprudence Exam – an open-book test that shows you know state regulations.

This piece walks you through the exact steps to transfer your social work license to Texas, whether you’re an LBSW, LMSW, or LCSW. We cover everything from document preparation and credential verification to state-specific requirements that help you transition smoothly to the Lone Star State.

Understanding Texas Social Work License Types

Texas social work professionals can choose from three distinct license levels, each with its own scope and requirements. This guide will help you understand these licenses and make your transfer process to Texas smoother.

LBSW License Overview

The Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) credential lets you provide non-clinical social work services. Your LBSW license allows you to:

  • Case management and interviews
  • Program development and administration
  • Community organization and advocacy
  • Supportive counseling
  • Direct practice within scope

You need a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program to qualify for LBSW reciprocity. You must also pass the ASWB Bachelor’s examination and Texas Jurisprudence Exam. The LBSW license application costs $91.00.


LMSW License Requirements

A Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) designation opens up broader practice opportunities. This license lets you provide clinical social work services with supervision and conduct client assessments and treatments.

Your LMSW reciprocity application must show:

  • A CSWE-accredited master’s degree or doctoral degree in social work
  • Supervised field placement verification during university enrollment
  • A passing score on the ASWB master’s examination
  • Texas jurisprudence examination completion

The LMSW license helps professionals gain supervised experience needed for LCSW status.

LCSW Qualification Details

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) stands as Texas’s highest level of social work practice. This credential lets you provide unsupervised clinical services such as:

  • Assessment and diagnosis of mental health conditions
  • Treatment planning and implementation
  • Individual and group therapy
  • Clinical consultation

LCSW reciprocity candidates must show:

The supervised experience takes two to four years [3]. Your hours from non-clinical settings count toward the requirement if you spend at least 4 hours weekly on clinical social work.

The application needs verification of licensure from previous states, a background check, and a National Practitioner Data Bank self-query report. LCSW applications cost $111.00.

Preparing Your Application Documents

Starting your Texas social work license through reciprocity requires organized documentation. The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (TBHEC) needs specific documents to process your application quickly.

Required Forms and Paperwork

You’ll need these mandatory documents ready before you use the online licensing system:

  • Completed online application through TBHEC’s licensing portal
  • Application fee payment based on license type
  • Texas Jurisprudence Exam completion certificate (valid for six months)
  • Clinical Supervision Verification Form (LCSW applicants only)
  • Verification of out-of-state licensure forms from all states where previously licensed
  • Official transcripts from your degree-granting institution
  • Military Service Member supplemental form (if applicable)

TBHEC reviews applications within six weeks after submission. Make sure your documents are complete to avoid any delays.

Getting Your Credentials Verified

Your credential verification needs several third-party submissions:

Official Transcripts: Ask your university to send transcripts directly to:

ASWB Exam Scores: ASWB must send your exam scores to TBHEC. Your previous passing score stays valid for the same license level.

National Practitioner Data Bank Report: Your self-query report must be:

  • Digitally certified if emailed
  • Unopened if mailed

License Verification: Send verification requests to every state where you held a social work license. States can use their standard verification form or Texas’s form.

Background Check Process

A fingerprint-based criminal background check is a vital part of getting your license. You’ll receive detailed instructions after submitting your online application.

The background check includes:

  • Electronic fingerprinting at locations nationwide
  • A quick 15-minute process
  • Extra fee paid to the fingerprinting facility
  • Results automatically sent to TBHEC

Texas offers a preliminary evaluation through the Professional Licensing and Certification Unit if you have concerns about your criminal history. This helps you check your licensing eligibility before spending time and money on the application process.

TBHEC staff reviews applications in the order they receive them. A staff member will contact you if they need more information or documents. The quickest way to keep the process moving is to avoid asking about your status during the first six weeks unless staff contacts you.

Step-by-Step License Transfer Process

Moving your social work license to Texas requires you to follow a well-laid-out online application process. You’ll need to understand each step to practice social work smoothly in the Lone Star State.

Creating Your Online Account

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council’s (TBHEC) online licensing portal is your starting point. New applicants need to set up an account through the Council’s online licensing system. After you register, save these key documents to your device:

  • Application summary report (PDF format)
  • Payment confirmation details
  • Fingerprinting instructions
  • Document submission guidelines

Important: Check the browser compatibility details on the login page to avoid technical issues. The HPC Helpdesk can help if you run into problems.

Document Submission Timeline

Staff reviews applications within six weeks, in the order they receive them. Here’s what you should know about timing:

Original Processing: You’ll get an email confirmation after submitting your application with:

  • Fingerprinting procedure instructions
  • Document checklist status
  • Application reference number

Document Verification: Other parties need to submit:

Application Status: TBHEC updates its application processing chart weekly so you can see where you stand in the review queue.

Note: Let the staff work through the first six weeks before asking about your status unless they contact you first. Extra status checks slow down processing for everyone.

Application Fee Payment

Your license type determines the fee structure which has several parts:

  • LBSW or LMSW Application: $109.00 total
    • Base fee: $100.00
    • Processing fee: $4.00
    • Administration fee: $5.00
  • LCSW Application: $129.00 total
    • Base fee: $120.00
    • Processing fee: $4.00
    • Administration fee: $5.00

Click “Pay Now” after completing your online application. Applications without payment stay pending for 30 days before deletion.

Additional Costs to Think Over:

  • Jurisprudence Exam: $39.00
  • Fingerprinting facility fee (paid separately)
  • License verification requests from other states
  • National Practitioner Data Bank self-query report

You’ll get confirmation and fingerprinting instructions once your payment goes through. TBHEC staff will review your application and reach out if they need more information.

Texas offers fee waivers and faster processing for military service members, veterans, and their spouses. These applicants might get credit toward their license requirements based on their military service, training, and education.


Completing Texas-Specific Requirements

Your Texas social work license reciprocity application needs you to complete specific state requirements. These requirements will give a smooth path to practice social work in Texas.

Texas Jurisprudence Exam Guide

The Texas Jurisprudence Exam is mandatory for anyone applying for a social work license. This 126-question assessment tests your knowledge of:

  • Social Work Practice Act
  • Council rules
  • Other applicable Texas laws

Everything in the jurisprudence exam includes:

  • Open-book format with no time limit
  • Must answer each question correctly to proceed
  • Takes approximately two hours to complete
  • Certificate valid for six months from completion date
  • Costs $39.00
  • Worth 3 continuing education credits

Important: You should complete this exam before submitting your license application. The certification earned cannot count toward original licensure continuing education requirements.

Supervision Documentation Requirements

Proper documentation of supervised experience is a vital part for LCSW applicants. Requirements differ based on your current licensure status:

For LCSWs Licensed Less Than One Year:

  • Submit Clinical Supervision Verification Form completed by previous supervisor(s)
  • Document verification of supervised field work hours
  • Provide endorsement from previous licensing states

For LCSWs Licensed More Than One Year:

  • Submit verification of active, unrestricted LCSW status
  • No additional supervision documentation needed

Supervision guidelines for Texas practice include:

Supervisor Qualifications:

  • Must complete 40-hour supervisor training program
  • Maintain Council-approved supervisor status
  • Renew supervisor status with biennial license renewal

Documentation Standards:

  • Supervisors maintain legible, accurate supervision notes
  • Notes must include content, duration, and date of sessions
  • Records available for Council review upon request

Supervision Requirements:

Supervision Plan Guidelines:

  • Submit plan before beginning supervised hours
  • Separate plans needed for multiple practice sites
  • Written approval required from employing agency
  • Supervisor evaluations help determine eligibility

Military service members, veterans, and military spouses need these additional forms:

  • Military Service Member Supplemental Form
  • Recognition of Out-of-State Licensure for Military Spouse

The Texas Board closely monitors supervision quality. Supervisors take responsibility for social work services provided within their supervisory plan. Keep in mind that supervisors cannot charge supervisees extra fees if they already receive compensation for supervisory duties.

After Application Submission

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (TBHEC) starts a systematic review once they receive your application. A clear understanding of the next steps will help you manage expectations and respond quickly to additional requirements.

Application Review Timeline

TBHEC reviews applications in order of submission. Most applications take 30-40 days for the original review. You can track your application’s status in the queue through a weekly updated chart on TBHEC’s website.

Let’s look at an example. If you submit your application on March 1st and check the processing chart on March 7th, you might see staff reviewing applications from February 15th. This two-week gap suggests you’ll hear back around March 15th.

The processing time depends on several factors:

  • Number of pending applications
  • How complete your documentation is
  • Complexity of verification needs
  • Criminal history evaluation requirements

Common Follow-up Requests

TBHEC’s staff might ask for more documentation during their review. They often need:

Credential Documentation

  • Current license verifications from other states
  • More details about supervision hours
  • Extra transcript information

Background Check Materials

  • Proof of fingerprint submission
  • Explanations of criminal history
  • Legal documents to support your case

Examination Records

  • ASWB score transfer verification
  • Latest jurisprudence exam results
  • Confirmation of exam eligibility

Important: Staff members take time to match submitted documents with their applications. Processing times stay flexible since extra materials might link to applications from the past year.

Getting Your License Approved

Your license gets approved after you meet all requirements and pass the needed exams. The process will conclude with these steps:

Documentation Verification

  • Review of your complete application file
  • Check of all required forms
  • Confirmation of fingerprint results

Board Review

  • Review of your qualifications
  • Check of experience requirements
  • Verification of exam scores

License Issuance

  • Creation of your license number
  • Mailing of official credentials
  • Start of practice privileges