The field of social work in Texas offers a meaningful career path for individuals dedicated to helping others navigate life’s challenges. Becoming a licensed social worker in the state is a structured process governed by a state board that upholds rigorous standards for education, examination, and ethical practice. This safeguards both the public and the integrity of the profession.
Fulfill Educational Requirements
The foundational step to becoming a social worker in Texas is completing a degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE accreditation is a non-negotiable requirement, as it signifies that the program has met national standards for social work education. Prospective social workers have two primary degree pathways to consider based on their career aspirations.
The first pathway is earning a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). A BSW is an undergraduate degree that prepares students for generalist, entry-level social work practice. The curriculum includes a blend of liberal arts courses and professional training, culminating in a required field placement of at least 420 contact hours. This degree is the prerequisite for the initial level of state licensure.
For those seeking to engage in more advanced or clinical roles, a Master of Social Work (MSW) is necessary. An MSW is a graduate-level degree that allows for specialization in areas such as clinical social work or administration. Earning an MSW builds upon a bachelor’s degree, preparing graduates for a broader range of responsibilities and higher levels of licensure.
Understand Texas Social Work License Types
Texas utilizes a tiered licensing system to regulate the social work profession, with each level corresponding to a specific educational background and scope of practice. The Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (TSBSWE), which operates under the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC), is the body responsible for issuing licenses. This structure ensures that social workers practice within the boundaries of their training, protecting the public and maintaining professional standards.
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)
The Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) is the entry-level credential for individuals who have earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program. This license is designed for generalist, non-clinical practice. LBSWs engage in roles such as case management, advocacy, and connecting clients with resources. They work in settings including child welfare agencies, community centers, and programs serving older adults.
The scope of an LBSW allows for supportive services aimed at helping individuals and families enhance their social functioning. While they do not provide psychotherapy or diagnose mental health conditions, their work is fundamental to the social services landscape. With additional experience, an LBSW can pursue an Independent Non-Clinical Practice Recognition (LBSW-IPR), which permits them to practice independently.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
Requiring a Master of Social Work (MSW), the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) credential allows for a more advanced scope of practice. This license is a stepping stone toward clinical licensure. It permits the holder to provide clinical services, such as psychotherapy and assessment, under the supervision of a qualified Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
LMSWs are found in diverse settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, and schools, where they conduct client assessments and develop treatment plans. This license opens doors to leadership and administrative roles. For those not pursuing clinical work, the LMSW license can be enhanced with an Advanced Practice (LMSW-AP) designation after meeting requirements for supervised experience.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is the highest level of social work licensure in Texas. This credential authorizes a social worker to practice independently and provide clinical services without supervision, including diagnosing disorders and offering psychotherapy. To achieve this license, a candidate must hold an MSW, have an LMSW license, and complete significant supervised clinical experience.
LCSWs are qualified to open private practices and are recognized by insurance companies for third-party reimbursement. They work in specialized mental health settings, private practice, and healthcare facilities. Many LCSWs also become board-approved supervisors, mentoring LMSWs working toward their own clinical licensure.
Complete the Licensing Application and Exams
Once educational requirements are met, the next phase involves a formal application and examination process managed by the state board. This procedure is designed to verify a candidate’s qualifications. The first step is to submit a complete application for licensure to the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (TSBSWE) through its online portal. All candidates must undergo a criminal history background check.
After the board approves the initial application, the candidate receives authorization to sit for the required examinations. Texas requires applicants to pass two distinct tests. The primary exam is the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) examination. The specific version of the ASWB exam a candidate takes—Bachelors, Masters, or Clinical—corresponds to the license they are seeking.
In addition to the ASWB exam, Texas mandates that all applicants pass the Texas Jurisprudence Exam. This open-book test assesses an applicant’s understanding of the state laws and regulations governing social work in Texas. Successful completion of both the ASWB and Jurisprudence exams is the final step before a license is issued.
Obtain Supervised Experience for Clinical Licensure
The path to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) involves an intensive post-graduate step after earning an LMSW license. This requirement ensures that social workers pursuing independent clinical practice have sufficient real-world experience. An LMSW must complete a substantial period of supervised professional experience in a clinical setting.
The state board mandates a minimum of 3,000 total work hours completed over a period of no less than 24 months and no more than 48 months. This timeframe ensures the experience is consistent. During this period, the LMSW must work under the direct supervision of a board-approved LCSW supervisor.
Within the 3,000 hours of work, at least 100 hours must be in direct supervision with the approved supervisor. This time is used for case consultation, skill development, and ethical guidance. The supervisor is responsible for overseeing the LMSW’s clinical work and must formally document and verify the completed hours to the board as part of the LCSW application.
Maintain Your Texas Social Work License
Achieving licensure marks the beginning of an ongoing commitment to professional development. To ensure practitioners remain current with best practices and evolving laws, the board requires all licensees to maintain their credentials through a renewal process. All Texas social work licenses must be renewed biennially.
A central component of the renewal process is the completion of continuing education (CE) credits. During each two-year renewal period, social workers are required to complete a total of 30 hours of CE from approved providers. The board specifies that these hours must include certain topics.
Specifically, at least six of the 30 hours must be dedicated to professional ethics and social work values. The rules also require a specific number of hours in cultural diversity or competency to ensure practitioners are equipped to serve the diverse populations of Texas. For those with supervisory status, such as an LCSW-S, there is an additional requirement for CE hours focused on supervision.