Texas Social Work Licensure Requirements

The Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (TSBSWE) licenses social workers at three main levels – LBSW, LMSW and LCSW. With a large population in the state, among the 254 counties, Texas has a need for licensed social workers. Here, you will learn more about licensure requirements, gather information, and take steps to learn more about social work in Texas.

Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) – This level of licensure allows you to:

• Provide social work services to individuals, couples, families, and groups.
• Provide social work services that restore and enhance the psychosocial or bio-psychosocial functioning of clients.
• Social work services are of a generalist practice nature and can include program development/administration, community organization, advocacy, interviews and interventions, case management, supportive counseling, and direct practice.
• Cannot provide clinical social work.
• Must work as an employee; cannot practice independently, unless you’ve earned Independent Non-Clinical Practice Recognition (LBSW-IPR) status

Independent Non-Clinical Practice Recognition (LBSW-IPR) – Adding this qualification to your LBSW allows you to provide non-clinical social work services as an independent practitioner acting within the LBSW scope of practice. You can still work as an employee if you choose, but you can also bill for services independently and bill third parties for reimbursement.

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) – At this level you can:

• Provide all services within the scope of practice of an LBSW.
• Provide social work services that include the application of specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills.
• Provide the services that an LCSW can provide, but it must within an agency employment setting under the supervision of an LCSW or other qualified advanced professional.
• Must work as an employee; cannot practice independently, unless you’ve earned Independent Non-Clinical Practice Recognition (LMSW-IPR) status or Advanced Practice (LMSW-AP) status.

Independent Non-Clinical Practice Recognition (LMSW-IPR) or Advanced Practice (LMSW-AP) – Adding either of these qualifications to your LMSW allows you to provide non-clinical social work services as an independent practitioner acting within the LMSW scope of practice. You can still work as an employee if you choose, but you can also bill for services independently and bill third parties for reimbursement. There are different supervised practice experience and exam requirements for earning the LMSW-IPR and LMSW-AP credentials.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) – As an LCSW you can:

• Provide all services within the scope of practice for LBSWs and LMSWs, as well as independent practice.
• Apply specialized clinical knowledge to diagnose disorders that relate to mental, emotional and developmental state, addiction, and behavior.
• Apply specialized clinical knowledge to assess, diagnose, and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children, adolescents, and adults, including severe mental and emotional disorders.
• Apply clinical treatment methods, mediation, counseling, and psychotherapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups.

* See a detailed description of Social Work Licensing

Steps Towards Licensure

To qualify for any of the three levels of social work licensure issued by the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (TSBSWE) you need:

• A degree in social work – BSW and MSW degrees must be from a Social Work program that’s accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); doctoral degrees in Social Work must be earned from schools that are regionally accredited.
• To pass the TSBSWE Jurisprudence Exam covering Texas laws, rules, and regulations about social work.
• To pass the appropriate national exam from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).

If this is your first time applying for an LBSW, LMSW, or LCSW credential in Texas you can apply online or submit the following forms below to the TSBSWE.

Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)

Application process:

1. Step One – Earn a bachelor’s degree in Social Work.
2. Step Two – Apply for an LBSW with the TSBSWE using this form; include passing results from the TSBSWE Jurisprudence Exam and the Exam Security Acknowledgment Form for the ASWB exam; application fee $91.
3. Step Three – Once your application is approved by the TSBSWE it will notify the ASWB that you’re qualified to test.
4. Step Four – Register with the ASWB; take and pass the ASWB Bachelors exam.
5. Step Five – The ASWB will send your test results to the TSBSWE, which will subsequently issue your LBSW credential.

Additional:

• Pending registration for and passage of the ASWB Bachelors exam you can apply for a temporary license, provided you’ve met all other requirements. Include this form with your application.
• Independent Non-Clinical Practice Recognition (LBSW-IPR) – You can apply for this status as an LBSW if you have 3,000 hours of supervised social work experience over at least two years, including at least 100 hours with an approved supervisor. To apply for this you’ll need to submit your social work employment history and verification of qualifying supervised experience with your application.

Renewal:

• Online renewal every two years in your birth month.
• $86 renewal fee; $106 renewal fee for LBSW-IPRs.
• Requires 30 hours of continuing education, including six hours in professional ethics and social work values.

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Application process:

• Step One – Earn at least a master’s degree in Social Work.
• Step Two – Apply for an LMSW with the TSBSWE using this form; include passing results from the TSBSWE Jurisprudence Exam and the Exam Security Acknowledgment Form for the ASWB exam; application fee $91.
• Step Three – Once your application is approved by the TSBSWE it will notify the ASWB that you’re qualified to test.
• Step Four – Register with the ASWB; take and pass the ASWB Masters exam.
• Step Five – The ASWB will send your test results to the TSBSWE, which will subsequently issue your LMSW credential.

Additional:

• Pending registration for and passage of the ASWB Masters exam you can apply for a temporary license if you’ve met all other requirements. Include this form with your application.
• Independent Non-Clinical Practice Recognition (LMSW-IPR) – You can apply for this status as an LMSW if you have 3,000 hours of supervised social work experience over at least two years, including at least 100 hours with an approved supervisor. To apply for this you’ll need to submit your social work employment history and verification of qualifying supervised experience with your application.
• Advanced Practice (LMSW-AP) – You can apply for this status if you’re currently licensed as a social worker in Texas, or meet the requirements for LMSW licensure, and have at least 3,000 hours of supervised professional non-clinical social work experience over a period of 24 to 48 months, including at least 100 hours under an approved supervisor. You must also pass the ASWB Advanced Generalist exam. Along with your application for licensure, you’ll need to submit your social work employment history, verification of qualifying supervised experience, and an Exam Security Acknowledgment Form to the TSBSWE. Once it approves your application you can apply with the ASWB to take the Advanced Generalist exam.

Renewal:

• Online renewal every two years in your birth month.
• $86 renewal fee; $106 renewal fee for LMSW-APs and LMSW-IRPs.
• Requires 30 hours of continuing education, including six hours in professional ethics and social work values.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Application process:

1. Step One – Earn at least a master’s degree in Social Work.
2. Step Two – Earn at least 3,000 hours of supervised professional clinical social work experience over a period of 24 to 48 months, including at least 100 hours under an approved supervisor .
3. Step Three – Apply for an LCSW with the TSBSWE using this form; include passing results from the TSBSWE Jurisprudence Exam, your social work employment history, verification of qualifying supervised clinical experience, and the Exam Security Acknowledgment Form for the ASWB exam; application fee $111.
4. Step Four – Once your application is approved by the TSBSWE it will notify the ASWB that you’re qualified to test.
5. Step Five – Register with the ASWB; take and pass the ASWB Clinical exam .
6. Step Six – The ASWB will send your test results to the TSBSWE, which will subsequently issue your LCSW credential .

Renewal:

• Online renewal every two years in your birth month.
• $106 renewal fee.
• Requires 30 hours of continuing education, including six hours in professional ethics and social work values.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Social Worker in Texas?

You can become a licensed social worker in Texas in as soon as four years. That’s how long it usually takes to earn a BSW, and with that you can qualify for licensure as an LBSW. At this point you can invest 3,000 hours earning supervised social work experience to become an LBSW-IPR, or you can opt for two more years in school to earn an MSW which will qualify you for licensure as an LMSW. With 3,000 hours of supervised experience beyond that –that’s about eight years post-high school– you can earn the LMSW-IPR, LMSW-AP, or LCSW credentials.

Social Work Degrees in Texas

Each social work licensure level in Texas has an education requirement. For your education to qualify, bachelor’s degrees in Social Work (BSWs) and master’s degrees in Social Work (MSWs) must be earned from schools that are accredited by the (Council on Social Work Education CSWE). Doctoral degrees in Social Work –both PhDs and DSWs– must be earned from schools that are regionally accredited. You’ll find qualifying programs that are offered both on-campus and online.

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW)

To become a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) you need at least a BSW. In Texas there are currently 33 CSWE-accredited BSW programs. These programs are typically 120 semester credits and can be completed in four years. As a condition of being CSWE accredited, a BSW program must include at least 400 hours of field education, and this is often fulfilled through internships and supervised placement experiences with local social work agencies.

Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW)

Currently there are 19 CSWE-accredited MSW programs in Texas. These can often be completed in two years and are typically comprised of at least 30 semester credits. For an MSW program to be CSWE accredited, it must include at least 900 hours of field education. MSW programs provide education for specialized practice within the field of social work, which can include clinical practice.

Doctoral Degree in Social Work

Doctoral degrees in Social Work are offered as both DSW and PhD programs. Holding a doctoral degree in Social Work from a regionally accredited school fulfills the educational requirement to apply for all levels of licensure in Texas: LBSW, LMSW, and LCSW. Doctoral programs in Social Work typically take at least two years to complete. PhD programs tend to be more focused on research, while DSW programs tend to emphasize practice. Both types of programs often include a clinical focus.

Online Social Work Degree in Texas

Online Degree Options in Texas are extremely attainable. There are a variety of programs nationwide that can be accessed in Texas. Or local schools in Texas often have online degree courses. As well, CSWE social work programs are offered online through a variety of colleges. In today’s day and age online programs have been tailored for students looking to have flexibility in both location and schedule, while earning a degree from a school of choice.

Reciprocity

The TSBSWE can issue social work licenses at all levels, including for independent and advanced practice, based on endorsement if you have an equivalent license in another state that’s current and valid. You’ll need to specify on your application that you have the requisite hours of non-clinical and/or clinical experience as necessary, that you’ve passed the appropriate ASWB, and that you have qualifying education. You must also submit this form that verifies your licensure in another state, and pass the TSBSWE Jurisprudence Exam.

Social Work Salary Projections in Texas?

The US Department of Commerce aggregates salary data for several social work career focuses in Texas, and reports the following average annual salary figures as of 2020:

• Social and Community Service Manager – $72,010.
• Healthcare Social Worker – $58,430.
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker – $43,170.
• Child, Family, and School Social Worker – $49,060.
• Social Work Teachers, Post-secondary – $73,440.
• Social Worker, All Other – $60,240.

Texas Social Work Organizations and Resources

Texas Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-TX) – Texas’ local NASW affiliate, this nearly 6,000-member-strong professional association headquartered in Austin has an extended network of branches and committees located throughout the state.

Southwestern Social Work Association (SSSA) – This professional association is comprised of social work students, educators, administrators, and practitioners. It focuses on advancing issues like social justice, diversity, LGBT issues, social movements, immigrants, and much more.

National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) – A national organization that sprang out of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement comprised of people of African ancestry, the NABSW works to end racial domination, economic exploitation, and cultural oppression for others of African ancestry, with a branch in Central Texas and multiple branches in Houston.

Greater Austin Social Workers (GASW) – The mission of GASU is to provide continuing education while serving as a hub for up-to-date information, peer support, and communication for Austin-area social worker.

National Rural Social Work Caucus – Established in 1976, this organization brings social workers from rural areas throughout the country together for conferences at college and university campuses; it was also the progenitor of the professional journal Human Services in the Rural Environment.

Career Opportunities in Texas

Some of the largest employers of social workers in Texas include:

Texas Health and Human Services – This state-level agency provides a myriad of social work services both directly and in partnership with local actors. It addresses population needs including those related to aging, disabilities, mental health, substance abuse, health, and food.

Texas Department of State Health Services – This state-level agency employs social workers in areas where they overlap with public health, including with issues that relate to maternal and child health, mental health, and substance abuse.

Mental Health America of Greater Houston – Since 1954 this organization has been spreading mental health education and advocacy throughout the Houston area, linking people with mental health services and removing barriers to mental health care.

Houston Independent School District (HISD) – HISD is the largest school district in all of Texas, with nearly 30,000 staff members, 12,000 teachers, and over 214,000 enrolled students. Established in 1924, the district is comprised of 284 schools.

San Antonio Department of Human Services – This agency focuses on improving the health and well-being of broad groups of people including seniors, the homeless, people with disabilities, immigrants, and much more. Other areas of focus include education, school and youth services, financial services, at-risk youth interventions, and the prevention of domestic violence.

HCA Houston Healthcare – Houston’s leading healthcare provider, this healthcare system serves nearly a million patients every year with a staff that numbers 15,000. Its network includes 13 hospitals, 11 freestanding emergency centers, and nine outpatient surgery centers.

Dallas County Health and Human Services – A key component of the mission of this agency is to promote healthy communities throughout greater Dallas. Social welfare, services for the elderly, housing, child well-being, and environmental health are just a few of the areas this agency focuses on.

Austin Public Health – Social workers with APH can find a variety of opportunities to use their expertise to improve the local community. Programs through APH include public health homeless assistance, and those that promote health among adolescents, health equity, refugee services, and social services.

Nueces Center for Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities – This Corpus Christi-based agency serves more than 8,700 clients with things like counseling, support, and psychiatric outpatient services. It offers more than 30 programs and is nationally accredited by the Joint Commission.

El Paso Behavioral Health System – The preeminent mental health organization for the El Paso area, this agency offers both in- and out-patient services tailored to populations including veterans, seniors, children and adolescents, those with substance abuse issues, women, and adults.

Texas Medical Center (TMC) – As the largest medical center in the world, the TMC serves over 10 million patients every year. Its 50-million-square-foot developed campus delivers a baby every 20 minutes. TMC is perhaps the site of the largest concentration of healthcare social workers on earth.

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD – Social workers with this agency are well-versed in mental health and participate in programs related to outpatient mental health, a mental health jail diversion program, and provide intellectual and developmental disability services.

San Antonio Independent School District – Established at the turn of the 20th century, SAISD serves nearly 50,000 students across more than 90 schools throughout the district. More than half of those schools offer dual-language programs, ideal for bilingual social workers.